Mini forwarder?

[John Mc]

Suggestions on makes and models to look for in a used mini forwarder? 

There are some of individuals and organizations here who would like to have someone in our area using one. They are exploring various methods of owning and financing one to try to make it happen. Several of them know a lot more about this stuff than I do, but I thought I'd nose around a bit for brands and models to consider.

[47sawdust]

John,
I have no first hand experience as our property is too rough to make one practical.There was a good article in a a back issue of S&W magazine on converting a wagon running gear to use for forwarding.It was dependent on the tractor for loading and unloading.but a very low cost way to transport.There are also several reviews of true forwarding trailers.Used ones around us seem to start at 10k and go up.
Happy shopping.

[celliott]

A guy near me has a vimek forwarder. Not sure what model. I think he became a dealer, for what it's worth, but don't think he has sold any yet.

[Pclem]

Multitek here in Wi is a dealer too. A couple years ago, the price was a little over 100k. I suppose a guy could get a nice used 4wd tractor and metavic trailer for half that cost.

[John Mc]

A guy near me has a vimek forwarder. Not sure what model. I think he became a dealer, for what it's worth, but don't think he has sold any yet.

Any chance is that Paul Cate? He did a demonstration of a small Vimek forwarder just a few miles down the road from me in Bristol VT a couple of years ago. It was for a "From Forest to Frame: Intro to Timber Framing" course. (Some pics of the course, including one of the Vimek forwarder are here) He's from Vermont (can't recall exactly where). We're a bit out of his normal work area.

[celliott]

Sent you a PM John.

[Puffergas]

Maybe an old iron mule but that might not be mini enough.

[John Mc]

... I suppose a guy could get a nice used 4wd tractor and metavic trailer for half that cost.

I'm not sure why the group has been focusing on a mini forwarder, rather than also considering a tractor with a forwarding trailer.

[47sawdust]

John,
I know Paul Cate he lives in East Montpelier.You might give him a call as he seems to have a lot of contacts.That forwarder of his is a sweet machine.Your pockets have to be pretty deep to buy one .
Be prepared,Paul is the role model for The Slow  Talkers of America Club.For those of you who don't know what that is look up The Bob and Ray show.Comedy duo from the early 60's.Good for those who enjoy dry wit,very dry.

[John Mc]

John,
I know Paul Cate he lives in East Montpelier.You might give him a call as he seems to have a lot of contacts.That forwarder of his is a sweet machine.Your pockets have to be pretty deep to buy one .
Be prepared,Paul is the role model for The Slow  Talkers of America Club.For those of you who don't know what that is look up The Bob and Ray show.Comedy duo from the early 60's.Good for those who enjoy dry wit,very dry.

I've met Paul a couple of times, mostly because my forester, David Brynn knows him (probably how Paul ended up giving the demo at the timber frame workshop).

Yeah, those mini forwarders aren't cheap (even used) - one of the reasons we are looking at alternative means of financing and/or owning it.

[barbender]

The bottom line with a high dollar piece of equipment is that it needs to run and produce every day.