Rotating cabs

Firewoodjoe · October 25, 2022, 07:51:24 PM

Anyone hear any new real world news. All I've ever heard is there junk. I can't believe that. Has to be something missing.

Skeans1 · October 25, 2022, 09:40:15 PM

Harvester it's great, a forwarder it would be fine if you were loading a truck as well as picking up wood but it's also another bearing.

barbender · October 25, 2022, 10:21:19 PM

I've never ran one, I always thought it was a solution looking for a problem. But I never lock my seat, either, and tent to follow the crane with the seat. Most guys like their seat locked, but then they combine about a sore neck. Ponsse came out with an "active seat" that follows the crane just like a JD cab, with a lot less moving parts and you get to keep your nice big Ponsse cab🤷‍♂️

Firewoodjoe · October 26, 2022, 09:08:09 AM

Quote from: barbender on October 25, 2022, 10:21:19 PM
I've never ran one, I always thought it was a solution looking for a problem. But I never lock my seat, either, and tent to follow the crane with the seat. Most guys like their seat locked, but then they combine about a sore neck. Ponsse came out with an "active seat" that follows the crane just like a JD cab, with a lot less moving parts and you get to keep your nice big Ponsse cab🤷‍♂️

In order to get that new active seat I'd have to spend a lot of money up front also lol

barbender · October 26, 2022, 10:03:27 AM

That's for sure!😂

Blue Noser · October 26, 2022, 12:34:09 PM

I seen a JD forwarder with the cab stuck nearly 90 degrees to the trail because the motor that turns the cab burnt out. The forwarder had to run the trails twice, because the operator could only see out one side.

chevytaHOE5674 · October 26, 2022, 01:30:53 PM

Just another failure point IMO. Nice to run but adds a bit of complexity to the machine.

Firewoodjoe · October 26, 2022, 03:38:41 PM

I agree just another failure. But I think there quit simple. One rotex bearing. So what. They been around for ever and a lot of equipment has them. And one magnetic sensor. Easy to get to. Carry a spare. And that only functions the boom follow i believe. I think you can over ride and just turn the cab manual. In the grand scheme of today's equipment (such as a rubber tired dangle head) I wouldnt consider these complex at all.

barbender · October 26, 2022, 04:35:56 PM

A/C lines, coolant lines for heater, all the electrical wiring gets to twist with the cab

barbender · October 26, 2022, 04:38:14 PM

To me, they do nothing to address the main visibility gripe in a forwarder- staring at the crane base in front of you.

Operators that I talk to that run Deere forwarders tell me the cab leveling and the improvement in ride that offers is a bigger deal than the cab actually turning.

Firewoodjoe · October 26, 2022, 05:12:11 PM

Quote from: barbender on October 26, 2022, 04:35:56 PM
A/C lines, coolant lines for heater, all the electrical wiring gets to twist with the cab

True. But one machine off the top of my head that's been doing it for years is a whole tree chipper. Lots of rotating machines have hoses and wires. For decades.

chep · October 26, 2022, 05:34:18 PM

Just buy it already! Sounds as though you like it ;D 8)

Firewoodjoe · October 26, 2022, 06:15:15 PM

Quote from: chep on October 26, 2022, 05:34:18 PM
Just buy it already! Sounds as though you like it ;D 8)

I do a lot of research before I spend money like that. This stuff cost to much just to buy.

barbender · October 26, 2022, 08:01:48 PM

Those are just some of the issues I've heard of in the JD forwarders.

chevytaHOE5674 · October 26, 2022, 08:22:36 PM

I've worked on a few JD cabs chasing chafed wires. I hate electrical so that in itself is enough reason to not get one. Lol

Firewoodjoe · October 26, 2022, 08:41:22 PM

I know, I hate it all. I never know what to do. It's getting hard to avoid the newer stuff because the support and parts just aren't out there for the older stuff anymore. I'm going to have to update at some point. Unfortunately prolly both machines. And prolly have to settle for what I think I don't want.

Ken · October 30, 2022, 07:35:25 AM

Although I haven't owned a rotating cab there are lots around here. All the major forestry equipment manufacturers put out a quality product now or they would not be in business long. How much extra a person can afford to pay for the extra comforts is different from contractor to contractor.

I've said it before on a thread sometime a while back that buying any used gear is a risk. When I used to run old gear there was no money or equity being made in the long run. It was only after buying new machinery that I begin to see profits. The caveat is that it needs to be working daily when there is a big payment every month. The first while after signing for a new machine is stressful but rewarding. I also had an older contractor tell me years ago that if I could afford to run old, I could afford to run new. Good luck in your decision.

Firewoodjoe · October 30, 2022, 08:35:48 AM

In my current situation I'd have to cut 450-500 cord per month more to make the same money I'm making now. (450 would be just principal) And I just don't think I'm mentally or physically ready to commit to that. I really enjoy my life right now. And spending 50-60 hours a week in a cab because I have to may take all the enjoyment out of it. There's a lot of days I tell my sell your almost debt free get there and cut what you can cut🤷‍♂️