Loftness G3 pros and cons?

[ralanb]

Hey guys. Looking at purchasing another machine after being out of the game for over a year. I was trapped in the old one with no escape. Scars still there. However, I'm gonna face my old fears and buy another. I was using a Bradco magnum and the dealer offered me a fecon or loftness g3. Can I get some help and information from someone that has/had run both or all three? Thanks in advance.

 

[tonyoz]

I was using a Loftness G3 last year for about 6mths on a Terex 100G and I own a Fecon, so my opinion for what it's worth. The Loftness is a well built head but with some design flaws which make it far less productive than a Fecon. The belt cover is unprotected and not fully welded so if you are not careful can be squashed and destroy the belt. Tooth prices here in Australia anyway for the Loftness are X2 compared to Fecon ($200 each) plus there are more teeth on the Loftness. Tooth holders can only be purchased from Loftness I think the shaft on the Loftness rotor is one piece so it you bend it you have a huge problem to fix. The Fecon rotor uses stub shafts so the cost of repair is far less (can be repaired in a lathe) Now on the up side, the spiral tooth pattern on the Loftness is away easier to balance( no balancing equipment required) than a Fecon paddle style rotor. I can't comment on the Magnum, never used or seen one.
Hope this helps

 

[ralanb]

It helps. Thanks for the details like the belt housing. Anyone else have any comments they would like to share?

 

[GTLandshaper]

I have an ASV RC100 with a loftness G2 and just bought a Fecon FTX 100LGP with a BH74SS. There's good and bad with any cutter. I am impressed with the High pressure of the Fecon (5500#) It will walk away from the ASV (3300#) The teeth look similar at the tips on both cutters, so I would go with the Higher pressure set up if you can get it.

 

[tonyoz]

I have an ASV RC100 with a loftness G2 and just bought a Fecon FTX 100LGP with a BH74SS. There's good and bad with any cutter. I am impressed with the High pressure of the Fecon (5500#) It will walk away from the ASV (3300#) The teeth look similar at the tips on both cutters, so I would go with the Higher pressure set up if you can get it.

Hey Greg, have you ever thought of changing the heads over to get a true comparison.

 

[GTLandshaper]

Hi Tonyoz
I thought about it but I'm afraid the G2 won't handle the PSI.

 

[mulchguy]

Take a look at the Fecon with FGT (smooth drum head) and samurai reversible chipper tools, there are several of those units running in your area. Go to the Fecon website and look at the videos. Very productive setup.

 

[ralanb]

I looked up the FGT. It looks like a good choice. I will contact my dealer Monday and see what he can do with it. Thanks.