Forwarder Added to Horse Operation

Ben, that is great. I think this combination will really make horse-logging more feasible across the landscape. We just don’t have much good used equipment like that around here, and most folks I know have a tractor because of the multiple use for farming and other work, so the trailer models seem to be more common.

What I really like about this methodology is that the harvesting roads can be maintained easier, and after the harvest offer more functionality to the landowner.

I also really like what you referred to about working in cooperation with other horse-loggers. As we increase our capabilities as viable forestry practitioners, pulling together more horsepower in certain situations will be of great advantage.

Thanks for sharing, and keep us up to date……

Carl

I really think that is a great direction to be heading. Using both machine and animal to their best advantage. The increase in production may close some of the gap in stumpage prices between the horse logger and skidder crews? I look forward to hearing about your progress, keep us informed how its going.
~Tom

Hi Ben, This system has been used this side of the pond for many years and in the tight confines of conifer stands it is yet to be beaten. We have used this system with our own horse drawn forwarder on extraction distances up to 1000 meters [ mostly down hill mind you ] and averaged 80+ tonnes per week. It open up all those woods with long extraction distances that you would not even consider before and hopefully keep you close to home.
simon

Ronnie, I, personally, would avoid the Hudson unit like the plague. I owned one of them about 13 years ago. The loaders are notorious for the slew seal (main boom rotation) leaking due to the main shaft being pitted. Maybe they have beefed up the unit and corrected the seal issue by now. I’ll be an optimist, but…

For the hardwoods your working in, I would recommend a Farmi or another HD rig.

I hope all is well with you in your part of the country, my dear southern gentleman friend! 🙂

thank you sir for your kind and knowledgeable advice.my search continues.

Good move Ben. I ran an Iron Mule two winters ago on a very steep hillside job where it would have been near impossible to skid down it. It was small and cranky but did the job. I think it is about the size of a C4D. We picked up for 14K and put a couple of K into it to make it right. The engine was a Ford which made parts easy if expensive. I also had an older version Hardy trailer with a 17/ extenda boom. They build the trailer a bit heavier a decade ago. I ran it behind my skidder and used the hydraulics from the skidder. Worked pretty good but it was a bit of an ark to navigate through the woods. And in ice or snow and a full load ( 9,000Lbs?) on it would jackknife the skidder in less than a heart beat! We self powered it later on which made it great in the yard to sort and pile wood. I think it sold new for around $20,000 in 1999 we had about 13 into it with the conversion. I think you are on the right track with the C5D and looking for jobs where you can build and use an infrastructure as Carl describes and open up more cooperative jobs. Good luck and keep us posted.

ben i hope you get along you get along allright with your new outfit.keep us posted on the good and the bad if any.we can each learn from others experiences.