John deere 540 b d cable skidder

[JJ5353]

I want to start my own small scale logging business within the next year. I figure I need safety equipment, a couple of saws and a skidder. For now that would be enough until I decide to grow the business. I have been looking online at nash equipment. They have a good selection of John Deere 540 b and d cable skidders. Someone posted on here a few years ago that their prices are inflated. Was wondering how inflated? And what does a late 70's to 80's deere 540 skidder go for? I have some experience working in a sawmill when I was a kid, operated a front end wheel loader, ran debarker, cut off saw etc. also worked in the woods a bit skidding and bucking logs. always loved logging just didn't get a chance to do allot of it.  I have been working in a shop for the last 25 years, I would now like to get back in the woods at least part time until I can quit my shop job and log full time.  Any info I can get from some experience loggers is appreciated, thanks.

[Plankton]

Not trying to step on anyone's toes but I would steer away from nash. They have a reputation around this neck of the woods.

Other then that go for it, working in the woods is a lifestyle for sure and if you want to dive in theres a long way to the bottom haha. I would make sure I had wood in front of me and markets for it to go to before I even walked into a saw dealer.

Don't know any specifics on the older deeres but I chopped for while in front of a 540g3 and it was an awesome machine. I would reccomend checking out Clark's or timberjacks if your going for older and small skidders. Good proven component machines.

Alot has been covered on this before in the forum dont know any specific thread names but a search might bring up some.

[JJ5353]

Thanks for the input. I'll keep an eye out for other sellers of old skidders then, I'm in no hurry. I do have roughly 80 acres of hardwoods of my own land that I am gonna start with, so I'll go from there. Then I just have to find some hookup when it comes to timber. Would like to eventually get into finding the land owners and placing my own bids so to speak. I'm somewhat familiar with using the Biltmore stick but need a trainer of sorts. Have a good day.

[ehp]

if it a 540B to me there way over priced for what they are, had lots of them back in the day but this is just me ok, A good 230 TJ or 240TJ will be about the same money if not less and do just as good of job and alot easier to get parts and work on