Hauling a Mulcher and Machine

[Terra Firma Scott]

Alright, just a poll-

I was wondering if any of you ever put thought to hauling your mulching machines to and from on a ROLLBACK style hauler...Perhaps some of you do already...I believe most of us are trailering them as of current...

I have seen them hauled this way and seems this may be the way to go..

Im thinking like a F550/F650 w/19 or 21 foot bed...drive it right on and tilt her back and go.......

Thoughts/ideas or experience???

 

[QwikDraw]

I have been thinking the same thing. My first choice would be a hooklift with a flat bed for the machine and a can for hauling stumps, dirt etc.
My excavator was delivered on a 10 wheel rollback, the driver said he didn't even feel it on there..

The hooklift has a few more options for making some money but I have seen a few rollbacks that were reasonably priced.

 

[TMTS]

I have used a rollback to haul my mulcher and attachments for 3 years...switched b/c I was told after 3 yrs of hauling with my 6 wheel mack and 14GVW trailer that I should actually have a class A license...oops

I have a 99 GMC T7500 - rated for 33K GVW- with a 26 ft Jerr-dan 10 ton rollback. It has a Cat 3126 motor with a 6 speed Eaton. A bit underpowered...
I think they made a bunch with this configuration as I seem to come across them fairly often. I got mine in 2005 for $20K with 160K miles on it from Hammer Truck Sales in Salisbury NC. I think I got a good deal.

It has been all I was looking for and then some...only real drawback for me has been the engine/lack of power. I can put my Dymax shear, Grapple Rake, implemax grapple, Fecon and ASV 4810 on it...I have never been weighed, but I would guess with all that on there, I'm pretty close to GVW. I like the 26 ft of bed...

I have a set of stakes that I can slide into the pockets on the bed (wooden deck) so I can haul logs with it...I think my max is around 1300bf of white pine logs...could probably put more on there, but don't want to draw too much attention.

I thought about the hooklift for the versitility, but the rollback was that much cheaper...

Like the manuverabilty of just the truck (vs truck and trailer) and that I can pull my stuff with the class B lic. that I have...

TF Scott- I would look at a higher GVW rollback than a F550/650. I think they max out a 26K. I have even been thinking of getting a tandem rear axle rollback for the added capacity...but so far the GMC is fine with me...

 

[Gamma]

TMTS,

Do you have any pix with your equipment loaded on that truck?

Have you ever wished that the truck had 4X4?

 

[TMTS]

Gamma- I was just searching my digital photos and cannot find any...next time I'm loaded up I'll take a shot...

and when the truck is loaded, it has tons of traction (vs. when I used to haul with the mack and trailer, the mack was typically empty so NO traction) When its empty, its actually not too bad...

what I typcially do is load shear first, hold the Implemax in the grapple rake, then leave the mower on the machine. lots of chain criss-crossing and tie-downs on the corners. A few years ago I had a break down on Rt 128 outside of Boston and was actually complemented by the Mass. State Trooper on my transportation set-up...never thought I would hear that...

another bonus is my 6 and 8 yr old daughters love to ride in the cab since the visibility is pretty amazing...far cry from the backseat of the Subaru...

-TMTS

 

[QwikDraw]

This is my friends set up. I have a job about 90 minutes away so I had him move both of the machines yesterday.

 

[Robbie Hegwood]

Here's another option. Cheap too. Buy a retired tractor (truck) that has a stretched frame and biult or have a deck built with drive on ramps. The forestry department here uses this setup. They have hyd ramps on there's. With a regular tractor you will get tons alot of GVW. A rollback is a great way but could get pricey.