Isodiametric Tractors, North America?

[Orahov]

Ground clearance on articulated machines is not such a big issue.
Mine only has about 9 inches of clearance and I've only been stuck once in over 20 years, and that was because I drove off of a hidden log on a downhill slope. The ground was level with the top of the log on the uphill side, I couldn't see it, and over a foot down on the downhill side. So the front wheels dropped off over the log and I was high centered. I had the brush cutter on the front that has its own wheels, so I couldn't use it for lift or leverage as it just rolled. Had I had my bucket, I could have got myself off of the log easily.

Hey, thanks for your response. If you don't mind me asking what brand/model machine you are operating?

Im only interested in skidding 1-3 logs at a time, 25 inches max, 10-15 ft long (up to 2500-3000 lbs); but could not find information on attachments available (only some videos) for these isodiametric tractors.

 

[RayIN]

Articulated Tractor Tony 10900 SR | Antonio Carraro

The Tony 10900 SR (98 hp – Kubota engine – 4cyl. turbo) is an isodiametric articulated tractor with reverse drive, that guarantees superb operator comfort thanks to the hydrostatic transmission that significantly simplifies the job of the operator.

www.antoniocarraro.it

So they build both, OK.
I wouldn't want an articulating model, too many more moving parts to fail IMO.
One thing I haven't been able to find is pricing on these tractors.

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[MossRoad]

Hey, thanks for your response. If you don't mind me asking what brand/model machine you are operating?

Im only interested in skidding 1-3 logs at a time, 25 inches max, 10-15 ft long (up to 2500-3000 lbs); but could not find information on attachments available (only some videos) for these isodiametric tractors.

I have a Power Trac PT425.

Here's a link to their site.

Power Trac

Compact Tractors, Slope Mowers, Articulated Tractors, Tractor Attachments, Trailer Packages

www.power-trac.com

I'm not sure it's what you're looking for, but it works fine for my needs. They make several sizes of machines, one of which is capable of 45 degree slopes.

 

[MossRoad]

So they build both, OK.
I wouldn't want an articulating model, too many more moving parts to fail IMO.
One thing I haven't been able to find is pricing on these tractors.

Two steering rams and two pivot joints. That's it on mine. Don't know about the Carreras or Ferraris.

 

[RayIN]

Two steering rams and two pivot joints. That's it on mine. Don't know about the Carreras or Ferraris.

Ya, I thought about that later. What you have vs all the normal steering assembly has to be simpler.

 

[2manyrocks]

In some ways, Power Trac is a less mechanically complex tractor because both propulsion and pto power are hydraulically powered. The PT425 is used by some tree service companies instead of mini skid steers for tree removal work with grapples. Less expensive to buy and less destructive of yards.

But there is no rear PTO and no rear hydraulic lift to easily mount a rear mount forestry winch to winch and then skid logs.

The most common approach on TBN reflected in this thread (Tractors and wood! Show your pics) seems to be to buy a fairly large tractor, have a logging trail to access the woods that's not too steep, and then use a winch to extract logs from the less accessible areas.

 

[MossRoad]

In some ways, Power Trac is a less mechanically complex tractor because both propulsion and pto power are hydraulically powered. The PT425 is used by some tree service companies instead of mini skid steers for tree removal work with grapples. Less expensive to buy and less destructive of yards.

But there is no rear PTO and no rear hydraulic lift to easily mount a rear mount forestry winch to winch and then skid logs.

The most common approach on TBN reflected in this thread (Tractors and wood! Show your pics) seems to be to buy a fairly large tractor, have a logging trail to access the woods that's not too steep, and then use a winch to extract logs from the less accessible areas.

I'd never suggest the PT425 is a log skidder. It's only 1500#. However, I do use logging tongs on the front end, and just drive in, grab the logs, and drive out. Larger PT models would = larger logs.

I'd think the Careras and others like them, which are true tractors unlike my PowerTrac which is a single range tool carrier, more like a loader than a tractor, would do pretty well in the woods.

Take into account I'm driving one handed while videoing with an iPhone. It goes pretty quick otherwise.