Ditch Witch SK1550 Trailer Suggestions

E

egmiii

Location
Southern New Hampshire
I'm looking into buying an SK1550. I already have a 10k 18' equipment trailer for my mini-ex, but wanted something a bit lighter and more nimble when taking the SK1550 on the road. Sometimes around town, other times 300 miles round trip. I wouldn't be carrying much more than the attachment I plan to use. Likely a grapple, bucket, or forks. If I need to bring everything, I'll take the 18'. Currently looking at a Felling FT-6 tilt deck, 12 feet long. I've spoken to them about upgrading to a 7k axle for additional buffer capacity. Would also use it for my commercial z-turn mower with bagger (around 10' long). Any suggestions, comments? Is 6' x12' okay lengthwise? I like the versatility of the tilt deck. Could think of a few times it would have come in handy. Thanks.
 
I checked out drop decks a while back and drooled. Biggest downside is they are very heavy. A 6x10 is heavier than my 18'. Understandable given the amount of steel you need for it to function correctly. I've also read quite a few bad experiences people had with uneven tire wear. The frames sometimes aren't strong enough to maintain proper camber. Is there a standout brand people have had good luck with?

@Luzl78 I appreciate the suggestion for the 14' vs 12'. Ca you think of a few cases where the extra length would make a meaningful difference? Trying to keep this rig compact, but don't want to shoot myself in the foot doing so. Thanks.
 
It’s nice having the extra 2 feet. It’s probably the same wheelbase. It’s nice if you have to pick up a tall tree to plant also
 
My old boss has used a 6x12 tilt felling for 20+ years. Hed haul his kids cars when theyd break down i guess and at work a mini with bucket, grapple, forks all stacked just back it on and strap it down. Pallet of pavers or couple bnb trees fit just fine too. Could probably fit 2 4wheelers for hunting as well. If its a dedicated trailer i wouldnt think twice. The tilt is so much nicer than a ramp
 
Im going to demo a SK1550 Aswell.

We run a 16' dump trailer. Its nice to be able to load the front with logs, and still have room for the machine. I made ramps for my F550 and my SK800 fits perfect. I think you would be hardpressed to fit a SK1550. If space is an issue like working in a city I would try to get it in a dump truck or hook lift. If its not space, but power I would upgrade your tow rig. 1550 isnt really heavy compared to a full skidsteer or excavator.
 
Appreciate the feedback. I'm kind of leaning towards a dump trailer now. Maybe a 6x12. Is it sketchy loading the machine up a set of ramps to a 24" deck height? Always hated loading my wheeled full size skid up a steep ramp. Never felt safe.

@TreelineNH Any recent quotes for an SK1550? I'm in NH as well.
 
egmiii said:
Appreciate the feedback. I'm kind of leaning towards a dump trailer now. Maybe a 6x12. Is it sketchy loading the machine up a set of ramps to a 24" deck height? Always hated loading my wheeled full size skid up a steep ramp. Never felt safe.

@TreelineNH Any recent quotes for an SK1550? I'm in NH as well.
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Different setup and machine but I load my verneer s600 on my flatbed at 46" high. I use 10' ramps to do this, not sure what the angle works out to be. One thing about minis vs the full size is the better visibility as you go up the ramps. Your much more likely to see an issue as your going up and can correct it, than you would in a full size.
 
I load my mini and stump grinder into a bri-mar dump with the ramps it came with. The mini platform can scrape the ground a bit when unloading backwards but its not too sketchy. The stump grinder doesn't like to climb it if the wheels or ramps are wet. I have to throw some plywood down. I rolled on some herculiner for grip but it wears off from wheel spin eventually.
 
JaredDTS said:
I load my mini and stump grinder into a bri-mar dump with the ramps it came with. The mini platform can scrape the ground a bit when unloading backwards but its not too sketchy. The stump grinder doesn't like to climb it if the wheels or ramps are wet. I have to throw some plywood down. I rolled on some herculiner for grip but it wears off from wheel spin eventually.
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There’s a material out there for grip on surfaces like that; I forget the name of it exactly but it is a really coarse gritty material. One of the local trucking companies runs it on all there flat beds and rollbacks. They get several years out of a coating, and they load and unload equipment on it all day.
 
There are times when the 10' ramps are too steep and the body of the mini hit the ramps before the tires can climb. When this happens I lay a 2x4 on the ground in front of the ramp giving the tires a little extra height.

For storage I wish I had 8 footers but I'm not sure I could load at my height.
 
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