Mini skid

C

cthompson22

New member
Location
NY
I am looking for some opinions on minis. I have a tractor right now and its great for big stuff where I have room but in tight spots I just cant get the wood out easy and fast. I want to hear some reviews on what everyone is using. I am thinking a branch manager or similar grapple is the route I am going to go. I have a bobcat dealer local that can probably get me one of the MTs anything else will be a few hours of travel time at least. Any sugestions?
 
We bought a brand new sk650 a couple months ago, we love it. Definitely worth the extra driving distance over the bobcat. It lifts 1200#s and moves the same speed in forward and reverse which is awesome when you are dragging stuff.
 
I second the ditch witch recommendation. We bought 2 sk650
Great machines, built like tanks. Much more powerful then vermeers 650.
We went with the Ryan's equipment grapples, very rugged and well thought out
 
We have decided to get a new sk650 as well, pending the outcome on Nov. 6. If Obama wins, too much uncertainty regarding tax rates and Obamacare costs. Anyway...... come to find out DW is doing away with the sk650 and replacing it with sk750 and 755. They look great. From what little I could find online, they have more power, more lift capacity, and larger operator platform. Also, triangular track drive (keeping drive cog elevated, cleaner and dryer) and optional 2 joystick control, like Vermeer. No idea on price, but it wont be cheap. Anyone else have more specifics? (engine, HP, width, etc) Sorry if this topic has been covered.

P.S. Yes, I understand that a Romney win does not solve all our fiscal problems!
 
Never mind... i see the info on DW website. Didn't realize it was up there yet. Jeez. Facepalm.
 
Jeff, that's great. I have owned one for just over a year, put only 100 hours on it, but it has not let me down, much. Had two early issues, but the dealer supported me well.

First issue was a parking brake that somehow broke, leaving me stuck on a customer's driveway, blocking it, on a Saturday. I had to make about 10 phone calls before I got satisfaction, but it happened. No long term complaints on that one.

Second was when one of the hydraulic lines broke on one of the tracks. I was not operating, so didn't see if my man ran over a stick that knocked the line, but sort of doubtful given where we were operating (asphalt, mostly clear). Again, called the dealer and got warranty satisfaction. Though it did take some tough-talking, and more than a few phone calls, it was rescued free of charge.

I have stuck this machine on a few stumps however, due to it's very low height (not sure how it compares to other mini skids) - so watch out and really really try to know what you're driving through/over. If you're in a woods setting, try to clear a path and stick to it. Put a cone on stumps near your travel lane.

And keep your tracks tight! I think the number is 9 and 5/16" or so, and it will behoove you greatly to stick to that. Also, KEEP YOUR OWNERS MANUAL IN THE BOX ON THE FRONT OF THE MACHINE, WHERE IT IS REQUIRED TO BE. This is an OSHA regulation (as I understand it), and it came in quite handy for me about two weeks ago.

If you didn't get the required tools for tightening the tracks when you bought the machine, ask me what they are, I'll let you know. Don't have the numbers in front of me right now.
 
Just my 2 cents......been running toro dingos since 2005.......NO ISSUES.....ever. The controls are precise (my 11 yr old runs them through gates with only an inch or two on each side.....like a boss.) they're light which helps since mine ride on the chippers. I do like the others though.
 
Thanks for the info everyone. So now I am still thinking a small bypass type grapple like the brnach manager is a good investment.Is this what most of you are running or do you prefer something else. I have a root rake grapple on my tractor and its great that was my second pick for the mini.
 
I bought a Boxer 320 tracked unit new with branch manager attachments from Dave at Top Notch this spring. My best investment ever!!! For only a 20hp machine, it does all I need. Granted if you live where the all the big trees are, you might want to go bigger, but this little machine uses every horse it has. The branch manager attachment is the way to go too. It takes a little bit to get used to, but like with any new technique or tool, it's way more effienct once you master it.
Call Dave, he'll set you up and stear you in the right direction.
Good luck
 
Don't buy anything until you have tried the Ditchwitch Zahn, it is articulated (bends in the middle) we have had one for four years, you can do figure 8's in the grass and not tear it up, we use the branch manager attachment and love it.
 
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Don't buy anything until you have tried the Ditchwitch Zahn, it is articulated (bends in the middle) we have had one for four years, you can do figure 8's in the grass and not tear it up, we use the branch manager attachment and love it.

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Called Dave about this exact mini. We have a local ditch witch dealer. This will most likely be our first machine.
 
I HATED THE ZAHN. We demoed it and the only thing it did was go azz high on everything we tried to drag. It needs like 500lbs of additional counterweight then it would be good. But by that time you could just buy a gehl and be done with it. I really like our sk650 though. it is a beast; worked circles around the zahn.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I HATED THE ZAHN. We demoed it and the only thing it did was go azz high on everything we tried to drag. It needs like 500lbs of additional counterweight then it would be good. But by that time you could just buy a gehl and be done with it. I really like our sk650 though. it is a beast; worked circles around the zahn.

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What would you say it could pick up weight wise?
 
they told me at ditch witch around 800lbs. it can do way more hydraulically, but it doesn't have the weight the sk650 does. we looked at extra counter weight and wide tires and bolting extra plate under and on the operator platform but in the end decided against it do to the ever rising cost of the machine. we went with the sk650 and a couple extra sheets of plywood and have not ever regretted it. it does so much more than drag brush and logs......
 
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