Muskeg Skidder

J 5 · July 10, 2020, 06:27:16 AM

Just finished this Muskeg, picked it up in oct 2017, it was an ex ontario hydro machine. At the time I was getting ready to use another hull and build a copy of a Jimmy Skidder, but this unit popped up , with only 400 hrs on a rebuilt dodge 318, to good to transform into a Jimmy.
Tore it down, the usual suspension rebuild underneath, diff was good, clutch replace, 20 gallon pump mounted off the crank, air compressor for the gearmatic, built a boom with fairlead and generally added what I wanted , for playing in the bush.
I still plan on keeping my 2 J 5's as they are pretty nimble in tight spots . In the last couple months 2 Jimmy's showed up in my area, 1 for sale and the other in use by a distant neighbor..... never fails. May have get one yet , or build one .
J 5

moodnacreek · July 10, 2020, 07:43:20 AM

Nice work. Sounds like you know these machines. Why is it that when you settle for something the one you really wanted comes along.

gspren · July 10, 2020, 08:36:57 AM

That is neat looking, I have absolutely no need for something like that but I'd love to have it anyway! 8)

J 5 · July 10, 2020, 12:25:01 PM

Quote from: gspren on July 10, 2020, 08:36:57 AM
That is neat looking, I have absolutely no need for something like that but I'd love to have it anyway! 8)

Yes , when the hull is stripped to a bathtub and your 16 wheels need 32 bearings repacked or replaced and axles are bent. It crosses you mind "do I really need this " !
Unfortunately it's an addictive hobby for me.... I can't get enough of them !
J 5

sprucebunny · July 10, 2020, 12:41:52 PM

I can't wait to see pictures of it hauling logs !

I did really enjoy working on my J5 and Muskeg but for various reasons didn't actually use them much. The Muskeg wouldn't turn with my log trailer attached and loaded; a physics problem that I don't understand and the J5 is a little light to tow the trailer but I do get around with the J5/trailer when half loaded on unsteep ground.

I even came to enjoy changing races and bearings ! And rebent each of the track backing plates for one track. I should change belts on the other track this summer to stay busy.

You are so lucky to have your machine shop tools and knowledge

Andries · July 10, 2020, 01:54:57 PM

Quote from: sprucebunny on July 10, 2020, 12:41:52 PM. . You are so lucky to have your machine shop tools and knowledge

Luck can play a big part, but dedication, energy and smarts also play a big part.
😆
Keep up the good work J5, loving these posts

BrushSaw · July 11, 2020, 12:03:04 PM

@J 5 what model Gearmatic are you putting on the Muskeg?

Where do you source most of your muskeg parts?

Looking forward to more updates.

dgdrls · July 11, 2020, 01:20:27 PM

Quote from: J 5 on July 10, 2020, 12:25:01 PM
Quote from: gspren on July 10, 2020, 08:36:57 AM
That is neat looking, I have absolutely no need for something like that but I'd love to have it anyway! 8)
Yes , when the hull is stripped to a bathtub and your 16 wheels need 32 bearings repacked or replaced and axles are bent. It crosses you mind "do I really need this " !
Unfortunately it's an addictive hobby for me.... I can't get enough of them !
J 5

The question becomes can I really do without it?? ;)
Its a dandy machine, well done!
D

J 5 · July 11, 2020, 07:39:32 PM

Quote from: BrushSaw on July 11, 2020, 12:03:04 PM
@J 5 what model Gearmatic are you putting on the Muskeg?

Where do you source most of your muskeg parts?

Looking forward to more updates.

Gearmatic N7A , 15000lbs one wrap on drum, 6612 lbs full drum .
Muskeg parts the search never ends , and the prices keep climbing. That's the only drawback when it comes to these machines.
J 5

Pine Ridge · July 11, 2020, 11:29:11 PM

I've never saw one of them in person, pictures only. It looks good, you've done some nice work there and you should be proud of it.

J 5 · January 10, 2021, 07:24:12 AM

Not much snow here, makes for a rough ride. Hauled seven loads, with about four left, overall the Muskeg worked well , lots of power from the 318. Hope to do some skidding later on .
J5

thecfarm · January 10, 2021, 07:44:42 AM

Looks good. Wood does not, but makes good firewood. ;D I cut out the junk too.
How are you loading that trailer? I see a loader at the yard?
I could use one of those to cut the bog off. I cut some, but takes a lot of walking with a cable to do it. I walk out with 150 feet of cable, than hook another 100 feet to that. The deer like it when I am in there. ;D

J 5 · January 10, 2021, 08:13:42 AM

Full time job cutting the dead stuff, with a bit of green mixed in when the temps drop, our outside furnace is not picky.
Clam to load and push it off the trailers with the Loader/tractor back home, it doesn't get much easier !
J5

thecfarm · January 10, 2021, 09:01:12 AM

Oh yea, don't forget the skidding pictures. ;D

nativewolf · January 10, 2021, 09:21:17 AM

Really neat thread. Thanks!

Iwawoodwork · January 10, 2021, 12:48:20 PM

Your photos of you Muskeg rebuild were good, I had not thought about the idle wheel bearings. I have a "Jimmy" muskeg that has a 3 cyl Detroit, I broke the track on one side and have not repaired it yet, one of those "get to it" jobs that seems to keep getting put off. Have since purchased a Cat D3 and a Oregon Logger rubber tire skidder and a Hitachi ex50 excavator so seem to be always servicing them.

J 5 · January 10, 2021, 04:12:25 PM

I'd be all over that Jimmy Skidder, like a Fat kid on a Smartie Lol ! Post some pictures if you get a chance .
J 5

J 5 · January 05, 2022, 06:06:30 AM

Not much of the white stuff and nice temps , so we spent some time in the bush yesterday. First time to skid with the Muskeg, a few minor Hyd leaks to take care of, but it did well pulling some old maples out on some rough ground.
J 5

thecfarm · January 05, 2022, 06:11:52 AM

Thanks for the skidding pictures!!!

SwampDonkey · January 06, 2022, 03:10:18 AM

I know a fella that used a F4 Dion forwarder. I see some used in Ontario as well as Quebec. It's quite old iron by now, anyone keeping them going. I used to see these machines once in awhile in Atlantic Forestry. ;D I've not had the magazine in awhile as it was mostly NS forestry after awhile. Logging and Sawmill Magazine was another source.

lshobie · January 06, 2022, 01:57:58 PM

Mines a little smaller, but I like yours!
https://youtu.be/goxYa1Ijihg

Quebecnewf · January 09, 2022, 06:38:31 AM

Quote from: lshobie on January 06, 2022, 01:57:58 PM
Mines a little smaller, but I like yours!
[url=https://youtu.be/goxYa1Ijihg]Track Skidder Logging Day. - YouTube [/url]

Great video . Very nice machines for sure . If ever Covid ends would love to visit your operations .
Love to see those old machines rebuilt and bouncing through the woods .
Quebecnewf

lshobie · January 10, 2022, 07:44:41 PM

Stop in anytime!

Tim · January 11, 2022, 09:07:40 AM

@J 5 I'd trade you a tour of your machine for a tour of our shinglemill if you are in the Pembroke area at some point. I even have a 318 in a Ram 1500 that I have more use for the frame than the engine, if you are interested in having a spare around.

lshobie · January 11, 2022, 07:13:35 PM

Quote from: Tim on January 11, 2022, 09:07:40 AM
@J 5 I'd trade you a tour of your machine for a tour of our shinglemill if you are in the Pembroke area at some point. I even have a 318 in a Ram 1500 that I have more use for the frame than the engine, if you are interested in having a spare around.

Im not far from you, do you buy cedar logs?