mini-skidder, mulching version wish list

[Awassos inc]

Well, here are some more informations about what I have in mind in the development of the compact-skidder platform for mulching:

I want to use skid-steer like arms, to keep the load of the mulching head as close as possible to the vehicle.

The reversing fan would be a standard features as it is simple to include in a system, and it is an efficient way to keep a rad as cleen as possible, and its efficiency as constant as possible.

The hydrostat. transmission is as well a features that is obvious for us to be used in the package. We are actually working on the hydrostat system for the skidder, as a basis for the next steps into the mulching unit.

And the rear scraping blade is something that makes sense and it would not add any kind of engineering, as it is already designed.

The front loader would be using quick attach system in order to be able to use the vehicle for other purpose, but it will be optimized for a mulching head.

It would then be possible to install an already owned head, or any other tool using hydraulic power.

That is about it for now, further informations will be posted. And I will continue the look at any suggestion to help me in the engineering of a product that users will find convenient.

 

[RAW]

Sounds great!
When can I get one?


In all seriousness, I look forward to hearing more about the platform as you develop it.
Best of luck.

 

[brianidaho]

I like the idea of a mini-skidder platform, I've been doing some research on them and not finding alot. For the small rural landowner with a woodlot, and especially significant hills, it's darn tough to find one machine to do it all. I don't like to run my CUT on significant hillsides, and it's too light to push significant dirt. A TLB is great for it's purpose, but without a 3-point and PTO, gives up a lot of flexibility. A cat is too slow and inflexible.

I like what I see in your mini-skidder-what I would like to see is a 3-point option and PTO, as well as front mount options for different powered implements, either via a PTO or hydraulic motor.

Uses/impliments I would see a need for as a rural landowner are:

Dirt blade
FEL
Snow blade (with power angle)
Snow blower, preferrably front mount
Front mount bush hog/mulcher
Back hoe
Log arm/winch

These are just some thoughts...I really haven't found a tool like this on the market.

Bri

 

[Awassos inc]

Bri,

here are couple of things that are coming-up about the mini-skidder itself:
I have been looking into offering loader arms, the same you would find in a farm tractor. It is not yet available because I need to make some modifications on the arms pins system in order to make it as simple as possible to get it on and out easily. It would have auxiliary hydraulic lines to use powered tools as snow blower, brush grapple, etc.

The 3-point is something that should come at one time, as I was looking also to offer a lowering shield at the back.

Back hoe might be available too at some time, I already have designed a rear frame that would gives all the flexibility to use many other tools.

The PTO at the rear is also in the "think box", it would probably an hydraulic PTO, as it is easier in an articulated frame vehicle to bring hydr. lines at the back, then it is to get driving shafts trought articulation, and keep it safe to operate. It is not yet designed, but this is my first lead to work on.

And we would not be building tools to add to the arms. I prefer to keep as close as possible to vehicle business, and let the tools manufacturer compete each other. I would have quick attach system to le the customer use whichever tools he is looking for, if it is fitting the specs for both mini-skidder and tools.

I am looking to have the loader arms ready in 2009, the 3 point hitch would come probably somewhere around end of 2009 - beginning of 2010, depending on the brush-cutter unit that is also to come soon.

 

[RAW]

Do you have pricing in mind for this new unit?

 

[atgreene]

I've been watching the Awossos website for a while. I would love to have a mini skidder for low-impact logging. I'm glad to see you're adding some ideas to your line of products, hopefully it will keep you guys going for a long time to come.

Any plans to attend the North East Forest Products Show? I think it is in Bangor Maine next year. I'd love to see you skidder up close.

Good luck!

 

[Eagleview]

More times than not , i find that the trees do'nt really need to be mulched . People wanting fencelines , firebreaks etc. Are not really worried about the trees laying allong the sides of the clearings or if they are simply put into burn piles for later burning or left for natural breakdown . I would like to have a machine with a mulcher on the front and a grapple on the back . The mulcher would mow the smaller stuff and cut the bigger trees off at ground level . It would be a simple matter to spin around and grab the big trees with the grapple and skid them out of the way . This would be ideal when fires are in the area and trails need to be blazed for fire fighter access to save property and lives . Mulching of trees in these circumstances would be the last thing on anyones mind . It seems to me that your mini skidder would be ideal for this as it would only need an air cab , big hydraulic pump and cooler , the rear grapple and the front mounted mulcher . And if the trees need to be completely mulched it would have the capacity to do so .

 

[ClearViewGroup]

This is a REALLY exciting idea...like a few have said..the idea of a small machine with the go anywhere ability of the skidder is going to be huge...I can't wait for some more updates...

 

[RAW]

Has there been any more development of this idea?

 

[tonyoz]

What a beaut idea,I have been considering a small size big HP tractor for awhile now and the nearest thing I could find is a Ditch Witch trencher with all the trenching gear striped off and replaced with a cat 2 linkage. But I think this tractor would be much better,140HP JD engine,Saur Danfoss pumps,cat 2 hydraulic linkage (so the tractor is more versitile)would get a huge thumbs up from me.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: OOPPS just read the dates on this thread.