small saw head for excavator

[Hans1]

what would be the smallest excavator that would run a felling head thanks in advance.

[beenthere]

Hans1
Wouldn't that depend on the max size of the trees you are felling and the species (i.e. the weight),

- - and the weight of the felling head you are thinking about hanging on the excavator? 

Have you info on the two weights?

[Gary_C]

Even though excavators have been equipped with and run felling heads, they are not well equipped for the job. But if you really want one, there are plenty available that are sitting unused and looking for a new home.

The major problem is the hydraulic systems will overheat and any accumulation of wood residue will spell FIRE.

There is just no substitute for a purpose built carrier for logging equipment rather than a piece of construction equipment that is not made for the woods.

[Tree tech]

These machines will cater for a cutter head no problem, take there largest bucket! Load it ! Then you can see the load you can handle, dont see the fire risk if blown down on a regular ocurance

[sjfarkas]

Go to this website.  He's got all sizes of machines running different heads.  I think there were some 70 size machines that were for sale.  This might give you some idea of what would work on what size machine. 

http://www.richardsmachinery.com/id19.htm

[Gary_C]

Go to this website.  He's got all sizes of machines running different heads.  I think there were some 70 size machines that were for sale.  This might give you some idea of what would work on what size machine. 

http://www.richardsmachinery.com/id19.htm

That's exactly what I was talking about. If you really want one, Richard has one for sale to suit your needs. But be aware, there is a reason why they are all there.

I even have a machine listed on that website. It's much better than a excavator mounted head and is much less maintenance than a tracked machine. It's a Hydroax 311B and has quick attach heads with both a bar saw head and shear head. New JD engine and clutch too.  ;D

[Hans1]

Thanks for the replys. I have alot of timber stand improvement and was looking at all of the possible options. our work the the rest of the year we would have work for a small to mid sized track hoe. the trees we are cutting are small to about 12 inches.

[critter]

 
 
   Ryan's equipment has feller buncher heads for  small excavtors and
   skid steers 12,14,16 inch heads for low flow carries the come with               
   fixed or quick switch mounts the 12 starts at about 8000.   

          www.ryansequip.com   

[TwinCut]

Here is another company who might have what you are looking for.

http://www.bardaequipment.com/products/details.php?product=496&cat=13

[Hans 1]

thanks for the suggestions we have about 600 acres of tsi we normally cut all of this by hand but were looking speed it up . They had some on machines smaller than i would have thought.

[sjfarkas]

Why not use a track skid loader with a shear?  Also do you need to harvest or do you need to thin?  If you only need to thin then maybe you should masticate(grind) all of the small trees.  Most of the time grinding them up on the stem is cheaper than harvesting.  Just a thought.  Out here in the west they masticate(grind) to do thinning.