Sold my skidder to buy a compact track loader

[rockhill]

I started a tree removal business last year with a grapple trailer. I also bought a skidder for the bigger jobs. But, as a one man business, I decided to sell the skidder and buy a piece of equipment that would enhance tree removal efficiency. So far I have been able to yard logs with the winch on the log grapple boom to the trailer and load out logs and brush with minimal damage to lawns. I can see clearly that I need a versatile machine to haul logs and brush from areas that are not accessible by my grapple trailer. My main concern is suitability. At face value a small articulating loader seems ideal. I talked to the local Bobcat dealer but he advised against using an L28 for logging. I certainly don’t plan full scale logging with one but I would like to get off the grass so to speak and not worry about traction or tipping over. So, I’m back to looking at compact track loaders. The Cat 259D looks good but I’d have to be careful when driving across lawns. What do you guys think? Am I on the right track? (pun intended haha).

 

[flushcut]

If given the choice I would go mini skidsteer with tracks. I often work on hills, soft ground, snow, and ice and have crawled up hills that tire machines can't even in dry conditions.

 

[rockhill]

If given the choice I would go mini skidsteer with tracks. I often work on hills, soft ground, snow, and ice and have crawled up hills that tire machines can't even in dry conditions.

I appreciate the advice. If I go with a skidsteer I’m inclined to go full size mostly because it would be more versatile.

 

[evo]

I appreciate the advice. If I go with a skidsteer I’m inclined to go full size mostly because it would be more versatile.

I agree if you have the room and doing clearing work. I love my mini and at this point If I had to start over from scratch I’d get a flat bed truck, dump trailer and a mini. I have no regrets with my mini, but the stupid thing has no boom float, and also the tracks don’t operate independently for a 360. Also I’m so habituated to excavators I still sometimes put the bucket down to try to rotate the tracks. A mini Skid steer with this option would be amazing

 

[Neill]

Check out the ditch witch sk3000. It’s a stand on skid steer on steroids

 

[rockhill]

You guys have me considering a stand on chariot style mini track loader. If they can move medium size logs around, feed the processor and do all-terrain tree work it may fit the bill. I’ll check out the Ditch Witch. Thanks.

 

[flushcut]

11' x 22" spruce Vermeer s800tx IMO a mini skid is way more capable than a full sized skid. Full sized have more pin heigh, capacity, and hydro flow but a mini is just better for tree work no doubt in my mind what so ever.

 

[flushcut]

Silver maple.

 

[flushcut]

And some times the size of the material is the issue

 

[rockhill]

What do you guys think of the Toolcat?

I think the Bobcat L28 would struggle up inclines and rough terrain due to poor traction, lack of a low gear and insufficient power.

I like the idea of the mini skid steer. It would accomplish my mission but it wouldn’t do it in style. I would like a machine that does double duty as a yard machine moving logs and as a backyard tree removal machine. The minis appear to be slow and have the potential to tear things up. And not as versatile. It may be what I end up with though.

At first glance the Toolcat may be the ticket. It may not go through a gate but it makes up for it in versatility. I’ll have to do some more research.

Im still drawn to machines like the Bobcat L28, Avant 528 and the Gehl 540. The Gehl seemed to fit the bill but it doesn’t appear to be manufactured now. The 650 is too big I think. The Avant doesn’t have a presence in Alaska so that’s a negative. The only manufacturer with a dealer close by is Bobcat. Which is why I’m thinking maybe a Toolcat. The L28 is just too weak in the umph department not to mention it’s tippy. I think I could handle the tippy but if it can’t make it up a little hill carrying a log that’s a deal breaker.

But what about the Toolcat?

 

[evo]

What do you guys think of the Toolcat?

I think the Bobcat L28 would struggle up inclines and rough terrain due to poor traction, lack of a low gear and insufficient power.

I like the idea of the mini skid steer. It would accomplish my mission but it wouldn’t do it in style. I would like a machine that does double duty as a yard machine moving logs and as a backyard tree removal machine. The minis appear to be slow and have the potential to tear things up. And not as versatile. It may be what I end up with though.

At first glance the Toolcat may be the ticket. It may not go through a gate but it makes up for it in versatility. I’ll have to do some more research.

Im still drawn to machines like the Bobcat L28, Avant 528 and the Gehl 540. The Gehl seemed to fit the bill but it doesn’t appear to be manufactured now. The 650 is too big I think. The Avant doesn’t have a presence in Alaska so that’s a negative. The only manufacturer with a dealer close by is Bobcat. Which is why I’m thinking maybe a Toolcat. The L28 is just too weak in the umph department not to mention it’s tippy. I think I could handle the tippy but if it can’t make it up a little hill carrying a log that’s a deal breaker.

But what about the Toolcat?

Nahh a articulated loader would be much better. Those tires look tiny and for a wheeled machine you want big floaters

 

[Neill]

The tool cat is nice IMO.
I got to use one for a few months and thought it was pretty slick. Had the four wheel drive steering- turned on a dime for a wheeled machine. Also put it up and down some steep slopes ( not with any weight though)and it handled them well. And it’s really fast (20 mph) plus can tow some weight. I’ve seen the local Bartlett owns one too, if that’s any indication of its use in tree work. It’s worth a demo if you have a dealer near by. I am not sure but it may only have a brush grapple option?

 

[OasisTree]

What do you guys think of the Toolcat?

I think the Bobcat L28 would struggle up inclines and rough terrain due to poor traction, lack of a low gear and insufficient power.

I like the idea of the mini skid steer. It would accomplish my mission but it wouldn’t do it in style. I would like a machine that does double duty as a yard machine moving logs and as a backyard tree removal machine. The minis appear to be slow and have the potential to tear things up. And not as versatile. It may be what I end up with though.

At first glance the Toolcat may be the ticket. It may not go through a gate but it makes up for it in versatility. I’ll have to do some more research.

Im still drawn to machines like the Bobcat L28, Avant 528 and the Gehl 540. The Gehl seemed to fit the bill but it doesn’t appear to be manufactured now. The 650 is too big I think. The Avant doesn’t have a presence in Alaska so that’s a negative. The only manufacturer with a dealer close by is Bobcat. Which is why I’m thinking maybe a Toolcat. The L28 is just too weak in the umph department not to mention it’s tippy. I think I could handle the tippy but if it can’t make it up a little hill carrying a log that’s a deal breaker.

But what about the Toolcat?

I tried one, and was not impressed. It feels bulky, and the payload is really lacking for the size and weight.

 

[rockhill]

I tried one, and was not impressed. It feels bulky, and the payload is really lacking for the size and weight.

I talked to my Bobcat dealer today and he actually discouraged me from getting an L28 or Toolcat. He said the local tree removal company is using 3 and 4 series John Deeres with a grapple, turf tires and a winch on the rear.

 

[tnttree]

Tool cats have weak specs, they do a lot of different things, they just don't excel at any of them
FYI they have the standard fullsize "bobcat" hitch plate

Check the specs out on this new 50HP Giant up to 6300lbs tipping - weighs only 5700lbs !

G2700 Series Heavy Duty Wheel Loader 50 Horsepower

A high output, heavy duty compact wheel loader with 50 horsepower, 2-speed transmission backed by the legendary quality of Giant Loaders.

giantloaders.com

Articulating - No Turf Damage, easy to keep under CDL, State of the Art, proportional controls -
Can get 16.5 wide turf tires, starting at 60K,

 

[rockhill]

I like the looks of the Giant. I’ve also been looking at the Hummerbee. They also start at 60k but weigh a bit more at 6500lbs. The thing I like about the Hummerbee is that it is designed for rough terrain. It articulates and oscillates. Put some 15” turf tires on it and it should do well on lawns too. The part that bums me out though is the soonest you can get one is October. I’ve actually got a deposit down on a Vermeer ATX530 because it’s the only machine I can get right now. I’m balking just a little because of the published ROC specs. The literature and website say the ROC is 933lbs but the sticker on the machine says 1492 with a tipping weight of 1865. Something’s not right. With 400lbs of counterweights the ROC goes up to 2149 and 2687 on the sticker. I could live with that if it’s accurate. I’ve got the question into corporate and will not buy it until I’m confident the little guy can lift a decent size log.

 

[eastsidetimber]

I started a tree removal business last year with a grapple trailer. I also bought a skidder for the bigger jobs. But, as a one man business, I decided to sell the skidder and buy a piece of equipment that would enhance tree removal efficiency. So far I have been able to yard logs with the winch on the log grapple boom to the trailer and load out logs and brush with minimal damage to lawns. I can see clearly that I need a versatile machine to haul logs and brush from areas that are not accessible by my grapple trailer. My main concern is suitability. At face value a small articulating loader seems ideal. I talked to the local Bobcat dealer but he advised against using an L28 for logging. I certainly don’t plan full scale logging with one but I would like to get off the grass so to speak and not worry about traction or tipping over. So, I’m back to looking at compact track loaders. The Cat 259D looks good but I’d have to be careful when driving across lawns. What do you guys think? Am I on the right track? (pun intended haha).View attachment 76765

I do PLENTY of legit residential logging hauling out BIG 16 foot doug fir with a Kubota r420s articulating loader. DONT let the dealer talk you out of it.

 

[tnttree]

I like the looks of the Giant. I’ve also been looking at the Hummerbee. They also start at 60k but weigh a bit more at 6500lbs. The thing I like about the Hummerbee is that it is designed for rough terrain. It articulates and oscillates. Put some 15” turf tires on it and it should do well on lawns too. The part that bums me out though is the soonest you can get one is October. I’ve actually got a deposit down on a Vermeer ATX530 because it’s the only machine I can get right now. I’m balking just a little because of the published ROC specs. The literature and website say the ROC is 933lbs but the sticker on the machine says 1492 with a tipping weight of 1865. Something’s not right. With 400lbs of counterweights the ROC goes up to 2149 and 2687 on the sticker. I could live with that if it’s accurate. I’ve got the question into corporate and will not buy it until I’m confident the little guy can lift a decent size log.

I have several G 2700's in stock - give me a call
Beware of Blue machines with new colors (ATX530) just saying - do some due diligence on those

Without knocking the plastic machines too much
The Giant you could say is much more of a commercial machine -
Over in Europe, Kubota puts their name on Giants - High quality all around

 

[tnttree]

I do PLENTY of legit residential logging hauling out BIG 16 foot doug fir with a Kubota r420s articulating loader. DONT let the dealer talk you out of it.

Always heard good things about Kubota R420's -- built like Tanks
Operating Specifications found online

▶ Used Kubota R420 for sale

Kubota R420 on Werktuigen.com - the marketplace for used machines ✔ buy or sell used machinery in the US and worldwide now ️

www.w-equipment.com

Operating Weight	6724.1 lbs
Rated Bucket Capacity	0.5 - 0.75 cu yds (0 - 1 m)
Static Tipping Weight	3536.3 lbs (1,604 kg)
Tire Size	12.5/70x16-8PR
Turning Radius	122"

G2700 specs
Operating Specifications https://giantloaders.com/products/g2700-series/

Operating Weight	5622 lbs
Rated Bucket Capacity	?? probably more
Tipping Weight	5236 lbs
Tire Size	15" or 16.5" wide turfs
Turning Radius	117"

I owned a swinger 2000 and 140 in the early 90's they were tanks, but fantastic forwarders in there Day
This Giant G2700 is awesome

 

[rockhill]

Beware of Blue machines with new colors (ATX530) just saying - do some due diligence on those

Could you please expound on this comment? I have yet to read any negative comments on either the Vermeer ATX530 or the Multione 5.3. My options are rather limited due to limited availability of articulating loaders in Alaska. I would ship one up if there was a compelling reason such as the perfect machine at a fair price.