The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Forestry and Logging => Topic started by: br389 on February 03, 2013, 11:46:41 AM

Title: skidder question
Post by: br389 on February 03, 2013, 11:46:41 AM
How much horsepower does a jd 540b have and how much does a tree farmer c6f have I'am looking at buying one of these machines but I'am have a tough time figuring out which ones would be a better buy
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: mad murdock on February 03, 2013, 11:50:14 AM
I would lean toward the TreeFarmer, personal preference, parts are usually cheaper than JD parts.
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: Rob-IL on February 03, 2013, 11:53:07 AM
The Deere is around 100 HP, it all depends what engine the C6 has (could be Deutz, cummins or detroit) but probably in the 125 HP range. Both are great machines!!
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: thenorthman on February 03, 2013, 12:01:27 PM
I'd think that fuel consumption between the 2 would be a bigger concern anymore? difference of 25 horsey's wouldn't make a real big gain in production at the end of the day.  just my opinion...
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: lumberjack48 on February 03, 2013, 01:54:28 PM
I would want a C6, 4-53,  140 hp, stick shift or a C5-D, 3-53, 100 HP, stick shift, this is the best for all around use. Will run on 5 to 8 gals a day.

I personally wouldn't buy a JD, a break down could be over whelming, I've seen it first hand.
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: ga jones on February 03, 2013, 02:27:34 PM
What year c6 if its 89 and up its a Franklin. If it has the Franklin power shift trans and a 6bt cummins it will like fuel.
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: br389 on February 03, 2013, 06:10:30 PM
The tree farmer has a Cummins......they're both in good shape and the same price but the 540b comes with new bear claw chains so this is a tuff decision for me because it's my first skidder and I have to pull the logs a good distance and I always see other loggers by me with both of these skidders
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: ga jones on February 03, 2013, 06:35:14 PM
Deere is very expensive to repair. And very hard to work on. Tree farmer is cheap component machine. Simple to work on parts available at Franklin timberjack and aftermarket inc.
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: treefarmer87 on February 03, 2013, 06:42:24 PM
better get the c6 :) it has more power than the 540 and a cummins  is a plus
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: coxy on February 03, 2013, 06:51:28 PM
thay are both good skidders but like every one said jd is money for parts and the bear paws its going to be veary ruff ride on frozen  ground just my 2 cents  good luck with what u buy
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: PaYoungBuck on July 11, 2013, 06:33:18 PM
What did you end up getting?
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: logman81 on July 11, 2013, 09:51:08 PM
Get the tree farmer, I have a c5d and it is a good machine. Mine has the 353 and is very good on fuel and easy to work on dependable and parts are cheap!
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: PaYoungBuck on July 11, 2013, 10:05:40 PM
That sounds like it was a great choice then. I am looking at a 540b right now. But after talking with a few folks looking toward some timberjacks also
Title: Re: skidder question
Post by: HiTech on July 13, 2013, 01:05:12 AM
They are both good skidders. At the end of the day production would be about the same. If you are the type that takes care of his equipment then they will both last a long time. Then we have the macho breed and anything can happen with them. lol They normally have big repair bills or don't last long in the business. They are 100 to 130 hp range. Find a C5 with a Deutz (97 hp) and it will pull a good load and sip fuel doing it.