Which to choose? Mini Skid Steer

[climbhightree]

Hmm Valid point. Just looked at the specs; operating speed MT85=2.4 MPH in Rev, MT55=1.4MPH in Rev. TX -1000=doesn't say TX 525=2MPH SK850=4.7 forward & reverse S725TX= doesn't say. I can see why you like your DWs!

Pretty sure the vermeer's reverse is 3.5...forward is 4.7. It doesn't bother me much (that reverse is slower). I doubt I'd go full bore if it was faster.

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[TreelineNH]

Y the vermeer grapple either way? I luv vermeer, but that is one product I don't think I'd buy...and yes I've tried the non rotary version prior to buying a BMG.

Why I chose the BMG

Plus the rake for snow and ruff raking...though mostly snow. I just feel the BMG is more versatile

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I never tried either. I'm used to a root grapple. I like the fact that the vermeer isn't sloppy and that it can be pinned in place of needed. Bmg looks good but it looks to me the vermeer would easier to operate. Ideally I would like to try both before purchasing but i doubt that will be the case.

Is it a better grapple than the vermeer or just more versatile? I just really think I so t like the sloppiness on the grapple, and ability to not "fix" it in place for loading a truck or trailer.

 

[climbhightree]

I never tried either. I'm used to a root grapple. I like the fact that the vermeer isn't sloppy and that it can be pinned in place of needed. Bmg looks good but it looks to me the vermeer would easier to operate. Ideally I would like to try both before purchasing but i doubt that will be the case.

Is it a better grapple than the vermeer or just more versatile? I just really think I so t like the sloppiness on the grapple, and ability to not "fix" it in place for loading a truck or trailer.

The "sloppiness" and free hanging can be a major advantage at times. You can lock it in...via whatever you are carrying/dragging. Check out some of my YouTube videos when you have time.

Here are 2

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[colb]

The Ditch Witch Sk850 with narrow tracks paired with bmg and stumper 220 is hands down the best rig for minis. The reasons for are almost endless and the single drawback (controls are second best to Vermeer) is trivial. I chuckle at other comparable rigs (e.g. minis with sideways grapples, minis with lower tip weights, minis that are over 36" wide, etc...) that I see trying to get similar work done. The Avant 420 is also incredible from what I've heard, but completely different. I have the Sk650 and am pleased with its performance, when it isn't in the shop (I bought a high hour machine that set back my business development a whole year...).

The biggest issues are:

0.) Shop time - what's your backup plan? Do you have two minis? When my mini goes to the shop I get much more clever with my wood management than I otherwise would be...

1.) Who on your crew do you $30,000 trust not to tip it (surprisingly easy to do although I haven't yet...), or hit a fence? I can't be in the tree and also drive the mini. When the mini is behaving sketchy, I can't put a groundie on it.

2.) Recent issue - The hydraulic motors on my unit are designed for rotary attachments (trencher, stump grinder, etc.) and get dead-headed when using the bmg, which is a binary/on off type of attachment. My mechanic is looking into this issue as my bmg starts to slowly release wood that's been grappled. If anyone knows about this, pm me so that we don't hijack the thread.

3.) Imho, there is a narrow effective zone for a mini, that exists between the Stein arbor trolley + groundies, and a full size skid. A mini skid involves the costs of the mini (repairs, rigging time, track damage prevention/repair, maintenance), how much weight the arbor trolley handles, and the limited diameter that the bmg picks up (which tilts the balance towards both the full-sized skid and the arbor trolley). If I had to do things over, I'd grab an arbor trolley first because being dependent on a single machine burnt me.

But when the mini runs, it gets *work* done...

 

[TreelineNH]

Well, after getting quotes from Vermeer 725tx, Toro TX1000, and Bobcat MT85 I thought I made a decision as to one of the three. After talking with the Vermeer rep he told me the only other company in their league was Ditchwitch, so I decided what they heck Ill give them a call. I told him I wanted the machine comparable to the 725tx, and that ditchwitches SK752. Across the board on paper it seems to be as good or better than the Vermeer. Now for the best part.... I can get a SK752 with a bucket and grapple, for less money than the Vermeer machine alone! According to the Ditchwitch rep, they sell almost 5 machines to Vermeers one. I plan on testing and possilbly buying one this week!

 

[colb]

Well, after getting quotes from Vermeer 725tx, Toro TX1000, and Bobcat MT85 I thought I made a decision as to one of the three. After talking with the Vermeer rep he told me the only other company in their league was Ditchwitch, so I decided what they heck Ill give them a call. I told him I wanted the machine comparable to the 725tx, and that ditchwitches SK752. Across the board on paper it seems to be as good or better than the Vermeer. Now for the best part.... I can get a SK752 with a bucket and grapple, for less money than the Vermeer machine alone! According to the Ditchwitch rep, they sell almost 5 machines to Vermeers one. I plan on testing and possilbly buying one this week!

The Sk752 ought to be excellent. I guess I really prefer the Sk850 because it has slightly higher gpm and psi for stump grinding.

For hauling wood, these units are under-used. They can lift anything that doesn't tip them. Although the Sk850 has slightly higher tip weight than the Sk650, that's not a deal breaker. You just cut slightly smaller.

Things are different for stump grinding, which is the most intensive work I do with my machine. The stumped 220 is incredible for the price, but anything I can do to help it out is necessary because it operates at the edge of the Sk650's capabilities on full-sized stumps.

Which grapple are you being offered?

 

[TreelineNH]

The Sk752 ought to be excellent. I guess I really prefer the Sk850 because it has slightly higher gpm and psi for stump grinding.

For hauling wood, these units are under-used. They can lift anything that doesn't tip them. Although the Sk850 has slightly higher tip weight than the Sk650, that's not a deal breaker. You just cut slightly smaller.

Things are different for stump grinding, which is the most intensive work I do with my machine. The stumped 220 is incredible for the price, but anything I can do to help it out is necessary because it operates at the edge of the Sk650's capabilities on full-sized stumps.

Which grapple are you being offered?

Bmg. How do you like the stumper 220. I watch a few videos and it seems to be leaps and bounds better than others for a mini skid. What's the price tag on somthing like that? Would be cool to be able to grind small stuff.

 

[colb]

I honestly forget how much I paid... It can take on full-sized stumps, but any more than one or two big ones and I sub out stump grinding. It typically takes me 1.5 hrs. to grind a full-sized stump from a 24" dbh tree. So, budgeting that against the time for trailering a separate unit to the job site, it seems to work. It *really* makes money on small stumps and decayed stumps. The company is also very supportive with technical specs and tips. I understand that they recently teamed up with ditch witch a bit more formally. Hth

 

[TreelineNH]

Got my hands on a SK752 today with a branch manager grapple(For trial). Has a 25hp Kubota diesel. First impression are as follows..
-Lift is great. will pick up anything as long as it doesn't flip. Probably end up putting a counter weight on it.
-Power. Power is pretty weak IMO, but I think it will get the job done. You see powerloss at full speed on anything steeper than flat. Almost all the machines run this motor so I would say that this is going to be the same across the board. If this was your only machine, I may consider one with the bigger motor like the sk850 or Vermeer 800tx. This will only go on small job for me, or really big jobs where I have both machines so don't need a powerhouse.
-Branch Manger. Seems ok, probably awesome for feeding the chipper. Build quality seems decent. I think I will really prefer the Vermeer since it can be locked in place and function as a brush grapple when needed. May take a ride down and test a Vermeer grapple tomorrow.
-Controls. Like em so far and opted for the single joystick. I think it will take a few hours to get good at driving this thing.


*Already dropped a small log on the front brush guard/hood. I plan to build a badass hood/grill guard bumper thing. I suck at driving the thing, but I know it will happen again..

 

[NE Tree]

We just bought a second sk650. The power of the turbo Kubota is outstanding. We tried out a vermeer s725tx and I was disappointed at the lack of power when turning and reversing that it was a deal breaker for us, as we drag brush and feed the chipper with it all the time. Demo'd an sk750 and an sk850 as well. The 750 was a little weak IMO. Didn't like the throttle control at all on the tier 4 sk850, would Rev up and down on its own, and they reversed the controls on the right side which threw me off. I liked it other than that, the speed, power and much less vibration than the sk650 were really nice.

 

[tomtrees58]

 

[treeandland]

Well, after getting quotes from Vermeer 725tx, Toro TX1000, and Bobcat MT85 I thought I made a decision as to one of the three. After talking with the Vermeer rep he told me the only other company in their league was Ditchwitch, so I decided what they heck Ill give them a call. I told him I wanted the machine comparable to the 725tx, and that ditchwitches SK752. Across the board on paper it seems to be as good or better than the Vermeer. Now for the best part.... I can get a SK752 with a bucket and grapple, for less money than the Vermeer machine alone! According to the Ditchwitch rep, they sell almost 5 machines to Vermeers one. I plan on testing and possilbly buying one this week!

Treeline, how has your SK 752 been for you this year? I bought an SK 750 in February, and it's amazing how much we've used it. A mini gets tree work done like nothing else. The BMG lets you drag a log past obstacles like you have it on a leash. And place the logs with precision in the truck of trailer. This is a pic of us bringing the chipper to the brush, to keep the mess off the lawn.

 

[Philtreeman#1]

Well I have put over 130 hrs on the mt85 now. I am really liking it. Reverse speed seems faster than what they listed in the specs.

 

[cerviarborist]

I'm curious how many hydraulic pumps on other machines. A big plus in my mind is that my Dingo has separate pumps powering the traction, lift and auxiliary take off systems. It's great to be able to drive the machine, while manipulating a running implement into position.

 

[colb]

I'm curious how many hydraulic pumps on other machines. A big plus in my mind is that my Dingo has separate pumps powering the traction, lift and auxiliary take off systems. It's great to be able to drive the machine, while manipulating a running implement into position.

The Ditch Witch machines can operate everything simultaneously. The Boxer 532DX obviously is the unfortunate unit in that department.

 

[TreelineNH]

Treeline, how has your SK 752 been for you this year? I bought an SK 750 in February, and it's amazing how much we've used it. A mini gets tree work done like nothing else. The BMG lets you drag a log past obstacles like you have it on a leash. And place the logs with precision in the truck of trailer. This is a pic of us bringing the chipper to the brush, to keep the mess off the lawn. View attachment 40328

Money well spent. 752, basically the same machine as 750. I will never be without one that's for sure. Wish it had more power, but I rather have a diesel with no emissions.

 

[frashdog]

Money well spent. 752, basically the same machine as 750. I will never be without one that's for sure. Wish it had more power, but I rather have a diesel with no emissions.

That 25hp kubota is gonna be a long term winner.
I have the toro tx1000. Rep told me they have mad torque where they bog down to. Like as much torque as the 30hp+ turboed units, no one wants to talk about torque. I've noticed if you feel the loss of power when climbing or know you are about to bog, simply slow down a bit and it will catch up and you can harvest that torque. Mostly noticeable when using bucket on loads of dirt or climbing hills with logs.

 

[Merle Nelson]

'Slowing down and catching up', I wonder if your machine is counter intuitive like the Avant. You have to use the beginning edge of the forward or reverse control (foot pedal) to get the most hyd power to the drive motors. If you step on pedal more you get more speed but less power.

 

[Tread Lightly Services]

Oh I'm loving the pictures of the mt85 ! Keep them coming!
we demoed the Mt 85 at the dealer and I brought my mt52 for comparison the speed difference in Reverse is astounding. it's the mt52 on steroids more ground clearance lift higher faster and forward 10 times faster in reverse lift more great controls have yet to get it on a job site for the demo because the bobcat dealer is being stingy. with that being said the local Vermeer dealer sought me out and gave me a 3-day demo of a tx800 with three attachments and I must say I was completely floored as to how much power the TX 800 have with a gasoline engine if you would have told me that took Diesel and put a sticker on the fuel cap I would have pulled up to the diesel pump and put diesel in it. supposedly it's a Kubota diesel engine that's been converted to gas it sounds like a diesel acts like a diesel and has the power of a diesel It's 40horse

 

[Tread Lightly Services]

And yes if you wondering we drag races the minis in the parking lot and It was close in forward....reverse on the mt85 was as fast as my forward speed in the mt52.