I have a Kioti DK65s with farmi winch and forks or grapple. I also have a Massey Ferguson 3300 that I want to trade in on something??? What do you use to move logs and finished lumber around with? The Kioti is to large for some of the jobs I need done. Any help or suggestions??? :P
Thanks,
Gary
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/45902/BigRockGrapple1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1494869221)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/45902/SM_and_tractors.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1494450836)
Nice tractor
We have a 966 and a 980 wheel loads for log truck unloading and moving etc. We have a 16000 lbs forklift for loading large lifts in a truck. The most used machine we have for moving lifts of lumber and small logs and bucketing sawdust is a bobcat A300. It can load 5000 lbs with a skilled operator and is small enough and light enough to get into my mill shed/floor for moving stuff. We may get a second one soon as this machine is always in demand and never sits idle.
I've posted this before. Most of the time I use my Farmall BN John's conversion forklift. 2500 LB capacity.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16191/Johnsforklift1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1364699879)
Bobcat skidsteer with grapple forks for about everything.
Cat loading dock style forklift. It had changed the way we handle lumber as it's very fast, nimble, precise and can get into spaces we never could before.
Logs go into the log deck using the loader, all other handling is done with the forklift.
Cat 910 articulated loader with forks. 10,000 pound capacity.
At the end of the season (i.e., winter) I swaps the forks for the bucket. Clean up all the sawdust and then use it for snow clearing until spring.
06 Cat 420E IT does log handling, most of the lumber loading, tails the edger, catches slabwood, scoops up sawdust, moves snow, burys dead bodies, etc Rated for 6,600lbs and pushed to its limits frequently but she don't scare none. 1950s vintage Clark CFY 70 dually fork lift rated for 7,000lbs handles pallet cutstock, sometimes tails the edger, gets into tight places, lifts stuff the highest, and brings womenfolk to the yard. Love em both.
50 hp 4wd Kubota with grapple.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/37117/IMG_5838.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1494987244)
At work we use it14,28, or 38. The 38 has a wicker grapple.
At home I use my death trap mf 2500 forklift, no brakes, or steering sometimes. :o
I started with a Kioti DK65 but quickly moved on due to the difficulty in seeing the tips of the forks plus the limited capacity.
Small to medium sized logs are handled with a skidsteer with a grapple bucket.
Medium sized logs are handled with a Cat 420dIt backhoe with forks.
Large logs (up to 20k lbs) are handled with an Intl 530 articulating wheel loader.
Logs over 20k are handled with a 25 ton truck crane.
Lumber is handled primatily with the backhoe or articulating loader.
For me the answer is yes and then some.
I have a tractor with FEL and forks.
I have had 3 other tractor loader fork setups.
I am on my 4th and 5th 6k forklifts.
I also use my NH785 skid loader with forks bucket and other tools. Never had any grapple setups.
These all work well in their own way. Some even replace each other when the other is broke down.
PC
I use a Bobcat T-320 with forks, or a grapple, I also have and use an old International 9000 all terrain high lift. The International is bigger, and harder to get around, but it doesn't tear up the ground as bad as the Bobcat.
Skid steer. Period. I've had both. I like tracks. And caterpillar!
I have a 43 hp Jd4600. I use pallet forks with chains and two log tongs to load logs on the mill. I tried loading with the log on the forks, but it's tough to see behind the fork frame to be sure I don't ding the track. After loading a log, I back up and rest the forks for loading the lumber while cutting. Then I take the lumber and bring it to the stack on the forks. It's not the most efficient approach, but it works. If I did this for more than a hobby, I'd have a second machine to load logs and haul off the slabs, or a log ramp so multiple logs can be loaded and rolled onto the frame without having to move the tractor with each log. I'm still figuring this out, as you can tell.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/44045/IMG_2680~2.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502231968)
45 hp 4x4 Cub Cadet tractor with loader/hay spear & junkyard salvaged forks. New JD 5065E 67 hp 4x4 with 240 loader/forks/hay spear coming next week.
Bobcat Toolcat and JD 5320 with FEL and 3 point forks. So far so good.
My workhorse is a Teledyne Princeton, piggyback style, forklift. Floatation tires, turns on a dime and picks up 5000 pounds. I have a device that slides on the forks and hangs a set of tongs which allows me to lift logs off of trailers with sides or fenders.
My latest acquisition is a used Bobcat S250. It moves the mill in and out of cover, backs up the forklift, maintains the gravel areas, clears snow (if we ever get any) and can do other things.
Also have an LS, 4wd, 40hp diesel tractor with FEL, that moves and spreads sawdust, mows, etc.
Just got a Frost Bite grapple for moving logs with the skid steer. Also have a trailer spotter, a smooth bucket, toothed bucket and a set of forks - all with quick attach mounts.
I'm a newbie, so just using my Kubota L3940 w/2 log tongs hung on chains from hooks on the bucket for now. Hoping to upgrade my trailer soon, then add forks to the Kubota.
Alt the shaving mill I work at I run a Gehl 330v with forks that have a grapple attached. At my sawmill I have a massey ferguson 50e with forks. They can handle about the same weight. I'd much rather have the skid loader over the tractor. A lot better visibility and quicker for loading logs.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/41608/20170703_194948.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1502408945)
Ok here is a picture of my 2 helpers.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/41608/20170804_152606.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1502409344)
My other log mover.
DT, I like those tongs. smiley_thumbsup Who makes them?
Brent
8540 Kubota with forks.
I am also more careful than I used to be when handling logs..
Tongs and chain with hooks came from a tool company that is not allowed to be talked about on this forum. Now Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=position). Tongs $169.
I had seen and used a single tong with another guy loading logs with a boom pole on the back of his tractor. So, when I found the double tong I bought one for myself. They seem to be very well made and are HEAVY.
As with any tools and equipment, always use with caution. Anything that is man made can fail
I understand :-X. Say no more.
Thanks,
Brent
Ford 545D with grapple.
The HEAVY lifter is in the background.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19307/20170216_131458.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1502633596)
I posted a winter picture - hoping it would give a little relief to the 'over-heated' Southerners on the Forum. ;D