Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple

   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple #31  
You did all that work for $218.12?

That is an awful lot of equipment, fuel and time to generate $218.

ac
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple #32  
Thanks for the loaded picture. Weight was more than I expected. I was thinking you could haul double the number of logs before you got to 7 tons.
Definately get longer straps. Might want to get 4" wide ones like the trucker use.
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple
  • Thread Starter
#33  
You did all that work for $218.12?

That is an awful lot of equipment, fuel and time to generate $218.
Well, I figure I burn 3 gallons of diesel taking a load to the mill (10 miles each way), so that $12. The tractor is operated maybe 30 minutes, so that's another 0.5 gallons, or $2. Chain saw oil and gas is maybe another $2. So fuel cost total is $14 or so to cut and limb 4 trees. I'm guessing it takes me about 2 hours of time, plus 30 minutes to make the round trip to the mill. Assuming I start taking full 7 ton loads, my net pay after fuel is $252, or about $100/hr. If I was was to time myself, it probably takes me more than 2 hours to do 4 trees, but even it it took me 4 hours, that still $50/hr.
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple #34  
Well, I figure I burn 3 gallons of diesel taking a load to the mill (10 miles each way), so that $12. The tractor is operated maybe 30 minutes, so that's another 0.5 gallons, or $2. Chain saw oil and gas is maybe another $2. So fuel cost total is $14 or so to cut and limb 4 trees. I'm guessing it takes me about 2 hours of time, plus 30 minutes to make the round trip to the mill. Assuming I start taking full 7 ton loads, my net pay after fuel is $252, or about $100/hr. If I was was to time myself, it probably takes me more than 2 hours to do 4 trees, but even it it took me 4 hours, that still $50/hr.

You didn't add your expensive toys....
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple #35  
Well, I figure I burn 3 gallons of diesel taking a load to the mill (10 miles each way), so that $12. The tractor is operated maybe 30 minutes, so that's another 0.5 gallons, or $2. Chain saw oil and gas is maybe another $2. So fuel cost total is $14 or so to cut and limb 4 trees. I'm guessing it takes me about 2 hours of time, plus 30 minutes to make the round trip to the mill. Assuming I start taking full 7 ton loads, my net pay after fuel is $252, or about $100/hr. If I was was to time myself, it probably takes me more than 2 hours to do 4 trees, but even it it took me 4 hours, that still $50/hr.
That's a pretty good rate if you've received your truck, trailer, tractor, and attachments for free. You failed to take into consideration any cost/depreciation on your equipment and "wear and tear".

Considering you're also trying to clear land though, I understand why it's worth it to you, even if you're not making $50/hour.
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple
  • Thread Starter
#36  
That's true. If I factored in the equipment cost, I would barely break even, but that is a sunk cost at this point. Truck, trailer and attachments are all paid for, but yes, that is a good point. And there is certainly the wear and tear part as well. I'm trying to have the land cleared by early January so that they can begin excavating for the new house. I'll likely need to hire a couple of hands to run chainsaws to meet that date I'm pretty sure.
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple #37  
If I were close, I'd help just to get to run that big tractor.
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple #38  
As a non farmer, if I had to justify the equipment cost, fuel and my time I would NOT be able to have a tractor, equipment, or the fuel I use.
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple #39  
pclausen,

Is $38/ton for pulp? Chipping saw? Saw Timber?

You've got some big trees, and you should be getting premium $$ for the big ones...

I use Mid-Atlantic Tree Harvester's for my logging. They are a good bunch, clean and pay well and timely. Ask for Frankie Johnson... He is my guy, PM me and I'll give you his cell number...

Be well,
David
 
   / Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple #40  
If I were close, I'd help just to get to run that big tractor.

Forget it, I already got there first...:dance1:

Foresty equipment is pretty neat.
when you have the right tool for the job, it's usually safer
on the operator. I'm just starting to clear out falldown trees in a fair amount of hilly woods and
have a grapple in the front, which has worked well. But as you well know, you have to cut the log and then get the tractor to the log, and sometimes that's
really hard with dense woods or rocky terrain. Unsafe too. Seems better to use a winch, or an extra long tow rope, and then at least get one end off the ground and drag it to a
truck or processing spot.

Nice setup, looks like a powerful solution.
 
 
 
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