mini-skidder, mulching version wish list

[deniscimafinc]

Hi all,

My brothers Ben and Simon have been working on the development of a mini-skidder (see their web site).

Of course, they are talking about making a specific version to be used as a mulching platform. From reading the posts here, I know people often make mention of pressurized cab, A/C, and easy cleaning of engine and rad as important features.

What else would you wish for to make it your dream little mulching machine? Who knows, with your feedbacks, maybe they'll make that dream come true


FD

 

[RAW]

That's a really attractive package.
If something like that had been available as a mulching package when I was looking to purchase . . . wow.

I'm assuming all of the hydraulic lines are well-protected.
Have you given thought to how a heavy implement like a mulching head will affect center of gravity, especially on an articulated steering machine?

I notice on my machine that having a big mulching head out front really makes me anxious on side-slopes and off-camber situations.

Do you know the price range?

Do you need testers?

I've got 258 acres in W.NC that is steep and heavily wooded. IMO, the perfect test location.

Seriously though, if you and your brothers are looking for regional people to run demos . . . I'd absolutely be interested.

This is what I've been using . . .

Out here:

Definitely keep us all updated.

 

[deniscimafinc]

To be honest, I'm not knowledgeable much regarding these mini-skidders. I'll get Ben to register to TractorByNet, so you'll have direct answers from the "factory"...


FD

 

[RAW]

To be honest, I'm not knowledgeable much regarding these mini-skidders. I'll get Ben to register to TractorByNet, so you'll have direct answers from the "factory"...


FD

Cool.
I'm guessing you'll have to learn too.

Going from a skidding platform to a mulching platform will require a decent amount of re-engineering I'd think. That's a lot of weight that the machine will now be carrying around out past the axle. I'd think that you guys will have to work pretty closely to get this idea ready for market.

But then again, the hydro-ax has been used as a mulching platform and a skidder and a feller buncher and . . . so I suppose your brothers can model their prototypes on those established carriers.

I'm hoping some of the mulching business owners (rutwad, robbie, cbturf, etc) will start to chime in here.

 

[Awassos inc]

Hi,

So here it is, the "factory answers".

The idea of turning the mini-skidder into a mulching version vehicle is in the air since the very beginning of the compact skidder project.

Of course, there would be many modifications to come, to have the more stable vehicle possible, and enough power to makes it fun to work with.

It would use the same frame size, with some minor modifications, as reversing the cab position onto the frame. It would keep the mulching head closer to the axle, and let the bigger engine works as a counter weight.

The real work of engineering will probably begins in 2009, hoping to have a prototype running in 2010 at the latest.

For any questions or suggestions...they are welcome!

 

[cbturf]

Since I was invited to stick my nose in I will (like I had to be invited huh). Using a skidder platform is a good idea if you can get your center joint to handle the added stress of mulching. I have seen skidders go where you do not even want to walk, their rough terrain capability is much better than the simple joint on a feller buncher chasis.

What I want in a mulcher...when you think you have enough engine, make it bigger. Torque is king, if you can find a way to get a 6 cylinder in there do it.

When you think you have enough cooling, double it. Cooling is the single most important issue when designing a mulcher, build you machine around your coolers. Reversing fan is a no brainer.

Hydrostat drive, mulchers change direction to much to use a gear transmission.

Use the best possible components that you can find. Front end costs are nothing compared to dead time costs. If you sell a contractor a piece of equipment you must be sure that it will hold up. Down time on an expensive piece of machinery causing financial stress will quickly destroy a business, family etc.

I have more but that would be nitpicking.

 

[RAW]

Hi,

So here it is, the "factory answers".

The idea of turning the mini-skidder into a mulching version vehicle is in the air since the very beginning of the compact skidder project.

Of course, there would be many modifications to come, to have the more stable vehicle possible, and enough power to makes it fun to work with.

It would use the same frame size, with some minor modifications, as reversing the cab position onto the frame. It would keep the mulching head closer to the axle, and let the bigger engine works as a counter weight.

The real work of engineering will probably begins in 2009, hoping to have a prototype running in 2010 at the latest.

For any questions or suggestions...they are welcome!

First, let me say welcome! I'm glad you joined up to look for suggestions and to answer questions.

What else can you tell us about the skidder platform? It looks to be a perfect compromise on size--big enough to have some power and mass, but not too big to get around in the woods.

Are you thinking of doing the mulching head as a hydraulic unit? And will it be mounted on lifter arms that are essentially just scaled-down from larger skidders? And if that's the case, will you design other attachments that can be used on the lifter arms? What kind of reach will it have?

Will the mulcher version keep the rear blade? Will that blade be engineered as a scraping/pushing blade? Or is it more of an anchor for the skidding platform?

I'm still a bit surprised that none of the usual mulching guys have hopped in here to comment. Hopefully, good business is keeping them away from the forum.

 

[Groo]

it looks like your brothers are in the range of a minitrack loader for width and power, so you might as well make a universal loader attachment on the lifting arm to give it more veratility, suck as getting log loader bucket. that would also let them or even the customers buy whatever mulching head they wanted

I would think, basically put a sealed and filtered cab were the winch is (maybe with a rear exit to the middle). shorten the wheel base a touch. you can probably use shorter tires too as there would be less need to clear stumps. basicly you'd be making a long articulated skidsteer, so look to skidsteers for ideas and competition. I would think you biggest potential bigest potential selling ponit would be the quiet cab, so make sure it is well isolated from engine and impplament noise.

 

[RAW]

Oh, here's an idea:

For the sealed cab, the "glass" panels should be flat and easy to replace.
An owner should be able to walk into any glass shop and have a new panel cut. I know that doesn't work out as well for the Awassos folks who would stand to profit on every new piece of glass, but . . . .

One of the things I dread with my Antonio Carraro cab is a busted piece of glass. Every panel is made up of compound curves. I'm assuming it would cost me a fortune to replace any of the pieces. If I ever break one, I'm gonna have to come up with something else.

 

[Robbie Hegwood]

I was kinda of waiting to see who suggested what. I will use a quote from a movie. Built it and they will come!!! The MD 60 platform would be perfect for our newest baby. We would need a hydo trans as CB said. I also like the square flat pieces of Lexan, glass would be okay but would have to have a lexan cover for the front, I would even angle the windows out at the tops to limit dust buildup. The simpler the arms the better. I also like the idea of leaving the blade. In the up position it would protect the radiator and then put down to unpile debri or smooth whatever, it would just need to be twice as tall.