Who's using mini excavators?

[Z'sTrees]

I picked up a little kubota mini ex recently. I've used mini's before on lot clearing jobs mostly, but limited to bucket/thumb or pulling stuff around with a chain.

It seems like the mini ex could be an awesome tool for tree work, but just like a mini skid the attachment is everything.
Anyone on here using a rotating grapple?

It seems like it would eliminate alot of the drawbacks of just using a thumb and would let us track in and out straighter without turning up lawns.

I'm also trying to figure out pros and cons of a dangle style grapple or fixed (both with rotators). Any insight on these would be much appreciated.

 

[zlarborprotc]

Which model did you end up with? I’m very interested in going this direction for wood moving for our business.

 

[Z'sTrees]

Which model did you end up with? I’m very interested in going this direction for wood moving for our business.

Kx91-3 (about 7500lbs)

 

[Reach]

Kx91-3 (about 7500lbs)

Those are rather nice machines, I have probably around 1000 hours on one. Excavators feed chippers nicely, but they sure are slow hauling brush across the lawn!

That machine will lift a lot of weight too, as long as you aren’t lifting high or very far away.

With a little creativity, and a combination of the blade and the boom, I managed to get this boulder just off the ground. That overgrown pebble weighed probably 6-8k lbs.

 

[Z'sTrees]

I have a dingo for dragging brush and smaller jobs, can't beat how easy it is on lawns too.
Mostly I'll be using the ex for loading saw logs and those difficult access jobs here in the mountains.

 

[Lumberjack]

I've used a Kubota KX057 for going on 8 years. Primarily with a thumb, but I've had a grapple saw for it as well.

Dangle grapples are quick, rigid are better for manipulation.

 

[cody willard]

They are extremely popular in Australia for tree removal.