Mini skid

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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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What were you using for the grapple? Branch manager?
 
Casey,
I'm pretty sure the guys at TCI use a Zahn. I bet they would be happy to answer your questions about it. My impression is that it is a super useful machine for landscapers and irrigation guys, but is a little undersized for the kind of weight we could potentially throw at it. I think it's a jack of all trades, master of none kind of machine. It just doesn't have the onions to move the big stuff.

That said, I have seen the benefits of articulated machines. Example: we bought one of the last new sk650s around 3 weeks ago. It's monkey strong and sweet as hell...BUT- we couldn't use it yesterday on a catalpa because the lawn was a bit too wet, and it was way too far for plywood. So, in that case, if the Zahn could have been used, that's a huge plus. And if it can "only" pick up 800 lbs, that's 750 more than me.
 
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Casey,
I'm pretty sure the guys at TCI use a Zahn. I bet they would be happy to answer your questions about it.

....BUT- we couldn't use it yesterday on a catalpa because the lawn was a bit too wet, and it was way too far for plywood. So, in that case, if the Zahn could have been used, that's a huge plus. And if it can "only" pick up 800 lbs, that's 750 more than me.

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Yea TCI does use the Zahn. Didn't notice the machine the first time I watched this video

About 3:15 on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqWFsF1I86A

Maybe Jesse can chime in?

800 pounds is a lot of weight. Dave at branch manager also said it was the fastest machine of all minis I believe and no turf damage. Wonder how it does in snow?
 
your dollar, imo the zahn is for landscapers and mostly pruners/occasional removals. guys that do 50/50 get the sk. for mostly removals get the gehl 540 imo

do your homework!!!!!!!! Demo the machine in your environment. Mine was obviously different with way different expectations of the machine than TCI of Topnotch equip. I talked to both of them and the sales guy at ditch witch. I was completely let down. 800lbs is its max! so working all day 650lbs maybe.... on dry hard pack. my guys can move 900lbs all day with two of them on the log dolly maybe more..... doesn't seem right to spend that kinda money and have two men and a log dolly out work it hauling brush and logs. just my opinion. The zahn platform has so much potential....... I have a call in to ditch witch wonder if they will listen to my ideas?
 
I want to upgrade at some point but the control layout of the new machines seems to be lacking. My little Thomas is so well set up it's a charm to run. Right palm on the boom control, thumb and index on the grapple operation, and steer with the left hand. The DW seems to have the best out of all the new machines I've seen. I've run the Toro and the Ramrod and they are terrible.

Problem is the DW doesn't come on wheels. How do the tracks treat turf?

Seems like they don't make the SK650 anymore, maybe thats why they had that promotion for so long?
 
We use the zahn for fowarding material and it works fine. Dry or wet ground conditions does not matter. It does well on turf where tracked mini's would tear and rut it up. There have been many times we have worked in standing water....no problem. Sure, the zahn does not carry 1200 lbs but one just makes adjustments. Its ability to turn sharp is another great asset. A sk650 in most circumstances for us would just destroy a lawn on repeated turns and could not feed chipper as efficiently. We demoed the 650 and quickly realized the differences.
The dual wheels and filled tires help alot when working the zahn. Never have we had to transport/use alturnamats/plywood.
It is not perfect, but then there is no mini perfect for tree work at this time. We need a relatively light weight mini that articulates, can lift half way heavy material, sit low to the ground, and has tires...wide tires...not tracks and of course not cost an arm and a leg.

Anyway, it works for us and many other tree services.
In the end it depends on what you are trying to do with the machine.
 
What do they cost if I may ask? I feel like my little Thomas lifts plenty, but lacks in height. Gotta check and compare the specs.
 
You will need to look around. here are a few out there with only 100 hours or so. Purhased new 2008 model (last year) 12,000. Dual wheels add 700.00 filled tires about 100 each x 8. xtra tires add 200.00
 
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