Dr. Cornwallis's Work Thread And Stuff

[Dr. Cornwallis]

@Dr. Cornwallis if you enjoy staying small with minimal overhead and enjoy that kind of work you do, don't let your mind be locked into the dump truck / chipper combo. It might end up being the way to go, but I think your open mind and creative thinking applied to the way the market is where you are, you might find a better set up to suit what you do.
Keep us updated on your thread!

Thanks man! The thing that is very appealing to me about a dump trailer and Mini CTL or CTL is versatility and energy savings. When working alone, I waste a lot of energy loading wood onto the trailer or even feeding the chipper. Something like a CTL would save a lot of energy. It also opens up more money making opportunities. One of the things I get a lot of requests for is brush clearing. I don't do it, however, if I had a mulch head for something like a Bobcat T550, I now have another service that I can add on or offer all together. The Mini CTL is appealing to me because of size, and I could utilize my current truck. Also, a mini CTL would probably be easier to load logs with as you don't have to climb in and out of it. A CTL is appealing for its larger lift capacity and greater versatility, and at only a slightly higher cost.


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[Dr. Cornwallis]

Double pine removal I did yesterday. I'm new to climbing on spikes and so far I really don't like it. I feel a lot safer on rope for some reason. Im also going to be looking into getting an MS201T. The MS193T is ok for pruning but absolutely worthless for take downs. With a 12in bar and
.043 chain its a dog, with a 14in bar and .050 chain it's literally worthless. I had to bring my 261 up there to chunk down pieces as the 193 simply won't cut wth the bar buried.

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[96coal449]

Still working solo? ..... Your doing pretty good!

 

[Dr. Cornwallis]

Still working solo? ..... Your doing pretty good!

Thanks man! I'm still working solo for the most part. It's hard for me to find someone to drag brush that isn't a crack head or felon. Kids don't want to work these days. This job kicked my ass a little. The chipper/truck I rent on an as needed basis from my friend at the fire department was being used by him so I had to do this one out of my old lawn trailer, loading and unloading brush. Climbing, combined with loading and unloading the brush, all in the Florida heat was getting the better of me.

Since I do this "part time" in addition to my fire department career, and I'm looking to keep things affordable, simple, versatile and efficient as possible. Right now I'm leaning towards a dump trailer and compact/sub compact utility tractor with a grapple loader.

I started by looking at Mini Track Loaders and was turned off by the price/performance. I then started looking at Compact Track Loaders and was turned off by not only the price, but the size. With even a small CTL id have to buy a bigger truck, which id rather not do as I like my Tacoma, and it's only barely two years old.

Then I thought to my self... how about one of those compact tractors? So I started shopping around and am currently looking at the Mahindra MAX 26XL HST. It's small enough that it will fit through gates, has a 1400lb lift capacity and costs $17,000 instead of $35-55k. I can also drive it up into the back of a dump trailer and tow it all with my Tacoma.

I'm also going to look at the E MAX series, however, I'm not sure the 500 lb decrease in lift capacity is worth only a slightly smaller (50.8" vs 54.3) width. Both are practically the same length/width. Essentially, I'm essentially looking at it as basically a cheaper alternative to a Mini CTL that I can also use for a few other things too, like mowing my yard or bush hogging.

With a sub compact or compact tractor and a dump trailer, I'll have about $24,000 invested vs around $24,000 for a chipper and then whatever the appropriate truck to tow it costs, plus insurance... all for a vehicle that is going to sit for probably five days a week. I feel like the maintenance on a small tractor and dump trailer is also going to be substantially lower than a medium duty truck and chipper.

I may have to pass on some work, however, a 12ft dump trailer I think would be sufficient for what i do.

Edit: I'm also considering the LS Tractors XJ2025H.




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[Z'sTrees]

A tacoma pulling 12ft dump trailer loaded with wood or a small tractor sounds terrifying.

 

[Dr. Cornwallis]

A tacoma pulling 12ft dump trailer loaded with wood or a small tractor sounds terrifying.

The 2016 Tacoma with towing package will pull 6400 lbs. I'm not saying it's my end all long term solution but it would work for now. The dump trailer plus tractor is still around 1k under max.


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[NorCalBrock]

The 2016 Tacoma with towing package will pull 6400 lbs. I'm not saying it's my end all long term solution but it would work for now. The dump trailer plus tractor is still around 1k under max.


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Look into the 6 cylinder turbo trucks on the market - F-150 is 12,200 payload and it pulls like a dream


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[Dr. Cornwallis]

Look into the 6 cylinder turbo trucks on the market - F-150 is 12,200 payload and it pulls like a dream


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I actually have been eyeballing them lately. The 3.5 Ecoboost is an awesome motor and I love the new body style. The 3.5 Ecoboost does better on gas than my Tacoma too. Go figure.


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[NorCalBrock]

I've been thinking hard about them too - great mileage, towing capacity, and the interior is sweet. When it's time, I'll probably go that route.

The only thing I worry about is the breaking, axel, and suspension as it is a 1/2 ton


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[D x D]

The 2016 Tacoma with towing package will pull 6400 lbs. I'm not saying it's my end all long term solution but it would work for now. The dump trailer plus tractor is still around 1k under max.


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The problem isn't towing - IT IS STOPPING. Sorry pet-peeve.

It takes a lot of truck to safely stop a load of that size at highway speeds.

 

[Z'sTrees]

Agreed, no smaller than 3/4 ton. One ton drw would be my preference. Most 6x12 dump trailers are gonna gross at 5-7ton. 6400lb tow rating is leaving alot of room to get grossly overloaded on a daily basis.
If I saw a taco pulling a tandem dump trailer full of wood or a tractor I'd certainly stay out of its way.

 

[Dr. Cornwallis]

I've been thinking hard about them too - great mileage, towing capacity, and the interior is sweet. When it's time, I'll probably go that route.

The only thing I worry about is the breaking, axel, and suspension as it is a 1/2 ton


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There is a diesel option coming in '18 as well. Not sure if it's what I would go with but it's worth noting. It's obviously not going to toe like a 350/3500 but I think it's safe, as long as you drive it like a maxed out 1/2 ton truck.

The problem isn't towing - IT IS STOPPING. Sorry pet-peeve.

It takes a lot of truck to safely stop a load of that size at highway speeds.

I understand, I also wouldn't be taking it on the interstate.





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[CutHighnLetFly]

Look into the 6 cylinder turbo trucks on the market - F-150 is 12,200 payload and it pulls like a dream


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Anyone I know who has that truck is very happy with.
A 2017 3/4 truck with the basics will surprise you (in a good way) in terms of the cost. Look into "tradesman" models or whatever the work version is.
Used 3/4 trucks for sale around here are a set up. First off it's new England so there will be rot, probably has been plowed with, around here it's definitely been on the beach and dipped in the ocean launching boats, or some old man thinks people want to pay +20k for his mint 2500 with +175k miles on it. Which likely has some rot on it.

 

[Dr. Cornwallis]

Anyone I know who has that truck is very happy with.
A 2017 3/4 truck with the basics will surprise you (in a good way) in terms of the cost. Look into "tradesman" models or whatever the work version is.
Used 3/4 trucks for sale around here are a set up. First off it's new England so there will be rot, probably has been plowed with, around here it's definitely been on the beach and dipped in the ocean launching boats, or some old man thinks people want to pay +20k for his mint 2500 with +175k miles on it. Which likely has some rot on it.

What scares me away from a nice 3/4 ton isn't necessarily the up front cost but the fuel economy. I flat out can't afford a diesel (better fuel economy) and I don't think I could afford to fuel a 3/4 ton gas. I do a lot of driving in my daily life. Around here people want stupid money for nice used diesel 3/4 ton.


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[SomethingWitty]

What scares me away from a nice 3/4 ton isn't necessarily the up front cost but the fuel economy. I flat out can't afford a diesel (better fuel economy) and I don't think I could afford to fuel a 3/4 ton gas. I do a lot of driving in my daily life. Around here people want stupid money for nice used diesel 3/4 ton.


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There's that word... I can't afford a "nice" anything with a motor.
If you're mechanically inclined, 5k can get you a whole lot of truck as long as you're patient about spending your money. I only say mechanically inclined because everything will need some maintenance and repairs at some point, I'm not implying that you should buy some junk that already needs work.

 

[hseII]

The 2016 Tacoma with towing package will pull 6400 lbs. I'm not saying it's my end all long term solution but it would work for now. The dump trailer plus tractor is still around 1k under max.


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Trade your Taco for a 3/4 ton.

I loved my Tacos as much as anybody, but you need more truck.

 

[hseII]

I actually have been eyeballing them lately. The 3.5 Ecoboost is an awesome motor and I love the new body style. The 3.5 Ecoboost does better on gas than my Tacoma too. Go figure.


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If you are decided on a F-150, stick with the 5.0.

The same Real World gas mileage as an eco-boost, & a solid choice.

I still think a 250 Is a better fit, however.

 

[hseII]

There is a diesel option coming in '18 as well. Not sure if it's what I would go with but it's worth noting. It's obviously not going to toe like a 350/3500 but I think it's safe, as long as you drive it like a maxed out 1/2 ton truck.

I understand, I also wouldn't be taking it on the interstate.

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It's not Safe.

Step up to the bigger truck.

 

[tc262]

Want a cheap used vehicle for trailer towing? Look at one ton vans. They have the same drivetrain and similar suspensions to 3/4 ton trucks for a fraction of the cost. Plus all your gear can stay locked inside and you don't need to load and unload before and after every job like a pickup.

 

[southsoundtree]

Want a cheap used vehicle for trailer towing? Look at one ton vans. They have the same drivetrain and similar suspensions to 3/4 ton trucks for a fraction of the cost. Plus all your gear can stay locked inside and you don't need to load and unload before and after every job like a pickup.

Bulkheads are not that expensive.
Expanded metal on the windows, or bars, and heavy duty locking hasps on the side and rear doors, and you could be set up with good security.

That means you can heat the whole compartment with windows down a bit to dry stuff.
Custom shelves, with chain-down points for power equipment.
Roof rack or cargo rack, or exterior door rack for fuel if not towing a trailer.

I consider this route. Pick-up canopies that don't allow you to sit on a little stool and work under the roof are too short. I can get under my canopy ok. The tailgate SUCKS. I had barn doors (like a van) on my old pick-up contractor canopy.

Having the stuff you need on hand, when you need it saves profit. Having more space allows that. Spare parts, extra saw, extra rope that you didn't think you'd need. (recently went to do a no-rig dead doug-fir, showing up to another tipped 100' fir. Easy to add on. Best money of the day. Had my stable braid for a guy-line, and Maasdam rope-puller for tensioning.