Mini platform in front of truck

[Jehinten]

On a trip down the rabbit hole to look for kayak stuff I found Discount Ramps They have a pretty amazing variety of ramps at decent prices.

That's where I found my 10' ramps. They allow me to load into a pickup, a chip box or load onto my flatbed. The only downside is that they weigh 80lbs each, but they are pretty much indestructible for their task.

 

[Jehinten]

How long are those ramps? I'm thinking about loading my 25g in the back of my pick up. I've got 8' ramps but thinking I need a few more feet to give it a try. Thanks

I started out with 8' ATV ramps that were rated above my machines weight. I could load into the pickup with no problems. I did however start to notice one of the ramps was starting to bend and crease the side. I suspect one time on a side slope, one of the ramps took more of the load than the other one.

 

[wisconsintreeguy]

I started out with 8' ATV ramps that were rated above my machines weight. I could load into the pickup with no problems. I did however start to notice one of the ramps was starting to bend and crease the side. I suspect one time on a side slope, one of the ramps took more of the load than the other one.

The problem i have with my 8' ramps are the thickness. They are 5k rated ramps and so thick the bumper is in the way so they don't sit flush on the bed of my pick up.

 

[Jehinten]

The problem i have with my 8' ramps are the thickness. They are 5k rated ramps and so thick the bumper is in the way so they don't sit flush on the bed of my pick up.

Flush shouldn't be an issue. Mini skids can climb over that bump

 

[southsoundtree]

The problem i have with my 8' ramps are the thickness. They are 5k rated ramps and so thick the bumper is in the way so they don't sit flush on the bed of my pick up.

Pic?

Hook end ramps or a flat top ramp end that rests on the bed?

Spacer?

Bumper strength?

Supports under the bumper will add stability, preventing squatting, at the trade-off of slightly higher load height. I use support legs on one trailer, and a wood block under the tail of a different trailer. F450 is fine without supports.


If backing on, nosing off, you reach out with your open grapple. I've done that to climb onto a stack of my Alturnamats, that are strapped down to the trailer, when it was slick.
This can help if you have to offload slightly downhill, steepening your ramp angle.

 

[27RMT0N]

Came across this interesting solution today: https://www.treetrader.com/listing/...54xp-towable-wood-chippers-forestry-equipment

 

[Bucknut]

Always loved the idea of that solution, but jeez the tongue weight is crazy. That particular build doesn’t even appear to have any bracing or gussets on the frame heading to the hitch. I’m sure Bandit knows what they’re doing but I’ve had some bad experiences with excess tongue load.

Mike Poor had that setup years ago in a vid. Can’t remember if it was beefier…

 

[tnttree]

Always loved the idea of that solution, but jeez the tongue weight is crazy. That particular build doesn’t even appear to have any bracing or gussets on the frame heading to the hitch. I’m sure Bandit knows what they’re doing but I’ve had some bad experiences with excess tongue load.

Mike Poor had that setup years ago in a vid. Can’t remember if it was beefier…

Mike Poors was a Morbark, after his Vermeer set up

 

[tnttree]

Behind the Cab is pretty sweet set up

 

[tnttree]

rear mount platforms - removable or hinge up, is another viable option

 

[Bucknut]

Behind the Cab is pretty sweet set up

Agree. At least if you get rear ended your loader isn’t destroyed. Found this one recently, with hydraulic ramp and nearly full size chip box.

Edit: to be clear, I found it online. I do not own it!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Found this one recently, with hydraulic ramp and nearly full size chip box.

That is a sweet looking setup. Do you know how much$$$

 

[Bucknut]

Don’t know for sure, but the Freightliner M2106 is about $71,000 by itself. I’d guess close to $100,000.

 

[Lumberjack]

A new M2 106 cab and chassis is in the $80’s now. I paid $85.6k delivered.

 

[Bucknut]

Jeez. We priced some trucks less than a year ago. Freightliner, Intl, Hino were all right around $70,000. Sales guy at Hino did mention the chip shortage which was the first I had heard of it.

 

[Lumberjack]

Options affect pricing, so does the shortage. Mine is a 33k GVW, 350HP/Allison, plumbed for trailer brakes, dual 50 gallon tanks, power mirrors and windows, differential lock, 7/16” 120ksi frame… those are the high points that come to mind.

 

[rugger01]

I bought my truck about 6 years ago and started to have it assembled. Behind the cab is a great set up. Mine is a full sized (12'x6') chipbox with an L pack toolbox. Next is a 4' platform (spring assisted attached ramps) followed by a custom mat rack. The only down sides i have found are:
1. Limits the size of the mini that will fit (SK800 is as big as will fit).
2. By the time you add up all the components it has to be on a 33k GVW to not be over weight. Must have a CDL driver.
3. Finding someone solid to do the assembly work.

 

[Bucknut]

Nice truck.

I have to think under CDL is still possible. If a new Freightliner forestry body bucket truck is under CDL, how can a chip truck be over?
Surely the weight of the mini (2500-3000?) isn’t much more than the entire boom/outrigger assembly on a bucket truck?

 

[Reach]

Nice truck.

I have to think under CDL is still possible. If a new Freightliner forestry body bucket truck is under CDL, how can a chip truck be over?
Surely the weight of the mini (2500-3000?) isn’t much more than the entire boom/outrigger assembly on a bucket truck?

I’m sure it’s possible, but keep in mind, the under-CDL bucket trucks usually have very small chip bodies, not more than 10’ long and less than 5’ high, usually with a large ladder box that further reduces the chip capacity.

 

[rugger01]

I’m sure it’s possible, but keep in mind, the under-CDL bucket trucks usually have very small chip bodies, not more than 10’ long and less than 5’ high, usually with a large ladder box that further reduces the chip capacity.

Thanks. Very correct Reach. My chip box is 12' long x 6' high (always get the higher box for peeing). According to the math the capacity is "18ish" yards. I believe it to be closer to 16ish. I don't recall all the weights but when I was building it I looked everything up and added it all together. For that build setup it has to be CDL.