Mini Skids

You guys running the vermeer 725, How are they working out for you? I just demo'ed one with a vermeer log grapple. Have zero experience with mini's and really vermeer is the only thing I can get any service for around here. I really liked the controls and I liked the fact that i can grab standing tree's with the grapple.

Haven't pulled the trigger yet. Probably will in a few days.
 
I have one and not fully in love with it. somethings i like better than my 600 and other things i like worse than the 600. The track design is far superior. i'd be interested in comparing it more thoroughly to the ditch witch.
 
Lumber, I'm in eastern OR. I'll PM you my number. Call me Wed. when you get a chance.

American, What are the cons your experiencing? I priced a DW 750 and its a wash for me. I can't see much diff between the machines really. I'd need to run them side by side.
 
The first week I owned it they had to send a mechanic every day to fix it. It kept leaking from loose hoses three times and then the throttle cable broke. This is all with less than 10 hours. It was delivered with 4. They did take care of those problems for me. I notice it seems to be a little weaker on power when it gets bogged down. pushing or digging is when I notice it most. Probably the tier 4 motor v the tier 3 in my 600.
 
The salesman told me they have a kit coming out for the throttle cable. Apparently that was a common prob. You should be able to get it for free.

Since I have nothing to compare it to I'll likely just live in blissful ignorance at its short comings.

The vermeer rep also said he has a place I can get aftermarket but high quality tracks for under 400 bone per set. I thought that was pretty darn cheap seeing as vermeer wants like 400 per side.

I had a helluva time just getting a quote out of a DW dealer.
 
AmericanArborist said:
let me know about the tracks please. i found the new ones are way too aggressive for me.
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These are the ones I'm going with for my 650tx next time
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$269 each for the 650tx. I don't know if they have them available yet for the 725tx. They only got the 650tx tracks last year.
 
deevo said:
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All my back can say is thank goodness for the mini this week! This was after day 1, piles 3 times as big now. Have a guy coming to get the logs, most red pines, but some nice big spruce logs in the mix! Clearing lots is nice in the winter as you can skid the bigger logs better through the snow, only better thing would be heated handle grips and heater for the legs ! Was a bit chilly in the mornings!
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Deevo, what kind of mini skid did you use on this job?
 
deevo said:
Vermeer 650
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I was expecting Ditch Witch or Toro. It looks red in the pic. Are you happy with the machine?
treeandland said:
Deevo, what kind of mini skid did you use on this job?
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James, you should definitely talk to Lumberjack (above in this thread). He or Dave Norgaard (tnttree above - creator of the BMG) can give a lot of info on the mini skids and why one might be better for you, but not necessarily for someone else. Even if you're looking for 'used' I'm sure they can still be a good point of contact. Good luck and keep us informed.
 
For most tree companies in most terrain, a compact articulating loader will be better than a mini due to lift height/reach and more importantly, ground speed.


The caveat used to be if you had to go through a 3' gate, a mini was the only choice... But that caveat is going away very soon.
 
TreeLogic said:
Of the minis Carl, do you have a preference of brand?
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That is somewhat like asking a car dealer salesman (ford, chevy, Toyota, etc) what their favorite maker is.

What is good and perfect for one, isn't for another. It is best to try out as many brands as you can yourself.

No offense to you Carl, I know you have operated a lot of different mini and articulate units.

"Kiss My Axe"
Associate degree in forestry from PSU Mont Alto
Certified Arborist
Owner/operator of Climb High Tree Service established in 2002
www.climbhightree.com
https://m.facebook.com/ClimbHighTreeService
https://www.youtube.com/user/climbhightree
https://www.youtube.com/user/2treekiller2
 
I sell Boxer through Top Notch Equipment (Dave/tnttree). The 320 is a good cheap option, gas powered, 34.5" wide, ~$17.5k with a BMG plus shipping. I like the 525DX because it has 9" wide tracks but can still fit through a 36" gate with its expanding undercarriage (~$25.5k plus shipping, 34.5-43.5" wide). The 900HD will be a great lifter with the most power on the market... when it comes.

My first mini was a Thomas mini skid. IMO, it had the best controls of any mini on the market for running the grapple doing tree work.

Ditch Witch and Vermeer are two popular makes as well, they all fit the BMG!

Still, unless you're wanting new and a lower end/cheaper machine (like the 320), I would hands down go with an articulating loading. Currently for a little loader I'm running a Terex/ASV TSL200/PT30 which is a speedy machine and the green tracks are great on grass.
 
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