Mountain Logger Skidder

[Loggermann]

I just bought a 1966 Mountain Logger skidder, I was told that it's a Model BB. It's got a 3-53, Gearmatic 19 and 16.9-30 rubber. If anyone has any info that may be helpful please share. Thanks!

[chester_tree _farmah]

No info but pics would be cool.  ;D

[tantoy]

No info but pics would be cool.  ;D

x2!

[Loggermann]

I will get some pictures this weekend. It must be pretty rare, the only mountain logger that I've seen online that resembles it is the model D at the logging museum in Missoula, Montana.

[chester_tree _farmah]

There r some folks on here who know of them. Did u search the forum? If I remember correctly they were/are used in the west coast states mostly.

[barbender]

I've heard of them up here, but I've never seen one in person. We need pics ;)

[mad murdock]

I never ran one, but have seen several.  They are tough machines, and good component built ones at that.  Parts are available at most auto parts, made from a lot of off the shelf stuff like Timberjack, Garrett, or CanCar(TreeFarmer).

[lumberjack48]

 I know a guy in Squaw Lake, MN. that bought a new one in 1970. His had a two cylinder Detroit with a model 9 Gearmatic, nice little skidder, 20 cd a day machine. I think he still has it.

[Loggermann]

That sounds like it was a model D Mountain logger. I think they had a 2-53 with a gearmatic 9

[chester_tree _farmah]

U will soon be the resident expert on Mountain Loggers LoggerMann. 

[hardtailjohn]

They were manufactured in Kalispell, MT.  I think most of the components are common, off the shelf stuff.  Pictures would be great!
John

[Loggermann]

As soon as I figure out how to post pictures on here I will. I only have a couple of it, but I'll get some better ones this weekend.

[luvmexfood]

I know a guy in Squaw Lake, MN. that bought a new one in 1970. His had a two cylinder Detroit with a model 9 Gearmatic, nice little skidder, 20 cd a day machine. I think he still has it.

That's what you call getting your money out of a piece of equipment. We have an offbrand tractor that is about 41 years old and it's still going. Something that has a lot of dings and scratches so you really don't care if you add another every once and awhile.

[barbender]

The old standard clutch cable skidders are so simple in construction, they will go forever as long as you don't totally abuse them. My skidder is a '79 model, and it could go pull wood full time as it has been well maintained (by that, I mean it still works as well as it did in '79). There's plenty of Timberjack and Treefarmer skidders from the early 60's out pulling hitches yet, too. The other point, is that they are a machine that you can't replace, so as long as you can rebuild everything you are good. One problem with my Pettibone skidder is I hear some of the transfer case and other parts are specific to the machine and no longer available. But, when one of those parts fail, I can sell the common components (3-53 Detroit, Gearmatic winch, tires, etc.) to someone who is keeping a TJ or TF skidder going ;)

[barbender]

LJ48, I'd like to see that old Mountain Logger sometime if it's still around.

[Loggermann]

Here are pictures of the skidder

[Loggermann]

 

[Loggermann]

 

[Loggermann]

I'm not sure if this will work but here is a YouTube link to a video of the skidder. If that doesn't work you can find it on my You Tube channel "Ponssemann"

http://youtu.be/PS3bH9pB-Ns

[MT logger]

Pretty sweet Mann next ones mine!

[Loggermann]

Everything works good on it too! The winch works perfect and the driveline brake even works!! I think the oil pump is leaking on the front of the engine and there are at least two wheel seals out. It'll be a fun project!

[MT logger]

You get her fixed up and I'll visit with a couple jugs of Tanduay and steel it from you!

[redprospector]

Get some good ear plugs. That Detroit exhaust at the back of your head is gonna get loud.  :D
Looks like a nice old skidder.

[Loggermann]

Copy that on the earplugs Redprospector! Mark, if you bring a couple jugs if Tanduay I'll let you take it for a spin around the shop!! And by the way, we are hoping to cook a pig at the new shop in September sometime!

[mad murdock]

That is a sawwwwwweeeeet machine!!  Sounds real good too. Looked to be pretty tight and awesome looking rubber!! You scored on that one, says I!! Looks to be similar in size to my Garrett 15A. You gonna have some fun with that beastie 8)

[Loggermann]

Thanks! I'm really happy with it, it'll be a fun restoration!!

[Loggermann]

I got a call from the auctioneer who sold me the old mountain logger and he said that some manuals showed up for it! According to the book it's not a model BB, it's a model H. Along with the original parts book was a bunch of original blueprints for the ML-150!! I'm gonna have to get some of them framed and hang them in my office! Now I need to find a ML-150 to fix up.

[MT logger]

Some guys have all the luck!!!!!!!

[timberlinetree]

Nice score! I love stuff that doesn't have a computer in it and the only sensor it needs is the driver. :D

[lumberjack48]

The guy i knew that had the 2 cylinder Detroit Mountain Logger sold it about a yr ago. He got 10k for it, he said that was more then he payed for it new. 8)

[barbender]

That's awesome, LJ, getting more than he paid new! I wonder if the new owner will winch it up in a tree? ;D

[chester_tree _farmah]

Honestly I wonder if these old skidders will follow the path of the American muscle cars? They get so rare they become collected.

[barbender]

I think so, look at farm tractors.

[logman81]

Seems to be happening now!

[Loggermann]

Honestly I wonder if these old skidders will follow the path of the American muscle cars? They get so rare they become collected.

That's exactly what I'm doing with this one! I'm starting a collection, I'd much rather put time and money into classic logging equipment than cars!!

[barbender]

That's how I feel about it, too. My Dad is into old cars, but I couldn't care less about them. But old trucks and equipment, now I'm interested ;)