gafner question

logman81 · November 03, 2021, 08:58:43 PM

Grew up right down the road in monson/Palmer area we usually visit every couple weeks because we have family that lives in the area. We're in NY but moving back down to Rhode Island this coming year one year in NY is enough for me lol.

mike_belben · November 03, 2021, 09:31:03 PM

My brother lives in monson down 32 near the CT line. Know a handful of palmer folk too. Did u go to pathfinder? Class of 99 im guessing by your SN

logman81 · November 04, 2021, 12:39:44 AM

Very cool and yes as a matter of fact I did both my wife and I went to pathfinder. I graduated head of my class in horticulture class of 2000. Soon after I started my own busines doing landscaping and small scale logging. I often travel 32 and probably pass right by it on my way to Rhode island where I have family and where we are moving back to.

mike_belben · November 04, 2021, 06:06:44 AM

I signed up to go to pathfinder and changed my mind at the last minute, stayed at LHS. closest i got was a few trips to the palmer courthouse! My buddy dave went (class of 98 ) and with no other education makes a small fortune as a union hvac tech. The world didnt seem like it needed tech schools as much then as it does now!

Jeff · November 04, 2021, 10:08:04 AM

While everyone has an opinion, And most I agree with, we get complaints that I have to deal with, as we don't all flow the same direction. Please keep hot button posts off the regular forums. That is why we have a restricted board.

Thank you.

chep · November 04, 2021, 10:30:03 AM

If parts are easyish to find I think a 10k price tag is bang on. Not a lot of usable iron out there for under that. An operational machine right off the low bed is worth a lot in my book.
I understand everyone has budgets etc but nothing is getting cheaper these days. If it's old, runs, and is solid I think it be an easy justification especially in the world of tree work/ back yard logging.
About 9 years ago i bought a boxer mini stand on skid steer with grapple for 10k and had it paid off in a month doing tree work. No whiny excuses, no slept in texts. Just put fuel in and go to work. That thing has paid for itself so many times since. Yes the initial payment hurt. But not as bad as my back would hurt now if I didnt have it. I still accept a lot of work based solely on the fact that I can get in there with my mini skid. I walk away from a lot that I cant. Not worth the abuse on my body. Longman I think you do similar work and in my opinion you should try to buy it. A goose deck hauler could have it back to you for a couple grand I think. No oversized low bed cost. Just my 2 cents which dont add up a to polished nickel ;)

logman81 · November 04, 2021, 11:07:56 AM

chep you would be correct! I'm the co owner of a full service landscaping and tree service business and I currently have a older 31hp tractor to help do most of the work here in NY but will be moving to Rhode Island this coming spring. I do feel it is a good deal. He actually went down on price a little. A guy with a small equipment trailer and one ton could easily truck it to ri. I have a family member that owns a gooseneck trailer and is a truck driver and I may ask them to help if I get funds together.

I feel that this machine might fit the bill better for me as far as tree work and small lots cutting firewood on then the tractor that parts are getting hard to find. plus last time I used a tractor for woods work it didn't work out as well as I expected. I'm a firm believer of using the proper tool for the job! I may decide to put the tractor up on the block to help fund the purchase idk yet.

mike_belben · November 04, 2021, 01:32:57 PM

10-4 jeff.

snowmountain · November 04, 2021, 06:17:13 PM

Quote from: logman81 on November 03, 2021, 06:52:24 PM
ok yeah its honestly a 5 grand machine and I grew up in western MA.

Logman, Im in Buckland/Charlemont west of Greenfield.

When you look at what folks are getting for 30-50 hp 4wd tractor a 5-10k skidder could be a great tool for a small firewood guy. Logging with a small tractor is tough on the machine...skidder would do it safer and with less broken stuff. Don't know you could actually get a working machine for less than 10k though. I'd love to own that Gafner for 5k.
Jack

logman81 · November 05, 2021, 09:14:39 PM

I completely agree with you that's why I'm thinking of parting with mine to get this thing but it's a hard decision. I have to make the right one for sure. Only thing I'm concerned is I'm going to be a little bit limited on what I can do with it versus what the tractor can do. Worse case I rent a tractor when I need to do landscaping or dirt work? it's all up in the air right now and have some thinking to do.

mike_belben · November 06, 2021, 08:14:26 AM

I would never part with a good machine, they only get harder to find with more hours, more shoddy repairs or more electronics in the future and each new machine is a lemon gamble.

I would find a cash way to add the gafner.

logman81 · November 06, 2021, 10:10:56 AM

Unfortunately for me it's one or the other. I've got a little one the way and money will be tight for a bit.

mike_belben · November 06, 2021, 08:10:55 PM

Totally understand. Congrats on the baby!

logman81 · November 06, 2021, 10:44:08 PM

Thanks I decided to put the tractor up for sale will see how things go!

logman81 · November 10, 2021, 01:03:58 PM

Some one bought it I would have liked to buy it but just wasn't in the cards.

wisconsitom · December 16, 2021, 01:28:08 PM

If anyone in Wisconsin or UP of Michigan is looking for Gafner Mini, there's one here:https://carscoms.com/other/gafner-80774.html

Apologies if this is not allowed. just trying to help someone out. I could use this thing!

logman81 · December 18, 2021, 06:49:43 PM

That has been sold I was talking with the owner on Facebook. I was going to buy it but couldn't pull the trigger in time but did get a lot of pictures and a couple videos and info on it. Very neat little forwarder for firewood for sure!

wisconsitom · December 19, 2021, 12:17:48 AM

Right! Logman, would've been great to have around. Any way you could send me any of that video?

logman81 · December 19, 2021, 06:03:26 PM

Yes I'm sure someone is enjoying it. The video that I have isn't really all that spectacular.

wisconsitom · December 24, 2021, 01:20:23 PM

Neighbor's dad up by farm has what l'm pretty sure is a Gafner. Unit always looked a wreck but yesterday, heard a different sounding rig coming by on the road. Looks and what do I see....that very skidder moving along smartly, with pickup truck with flashers following behind. Parked in neighbor's yard. Says he brought it up to push some snow at church, 😆. Those guys don't know it yet, but some day, I'm going to own that thing!

47sawdust · December 24, 2021, 04:30:29 PM

Christmas is just around the corner, tom ;D

Most places church is just one day week, that skidder can take the sabbath off and work the rest of the week.