my new "Limbhog"

[k0ua]

Most of the limb saws I investigated at one time seemed to require only about 6 GPM of flow rate to make them work. Well within the limits of my size of tractor.

 

[jgedmond]

OK, I'll give him a call and report back. I have way too many trees and trails getting overgrown for pole sawing.

Email sent to Mr. Capers

 

[jgedmond]

Email sent to Mr. Capers

Mr. Capers provided a detailed reply, answers to oosik's and my questions:

4.5 gpm required for efficient motor operation
chain and bar made by Stihl
motor made by Parker
receiver dimensions are 6"H x 8"W
needs a "return" hydraulic connection, apparently the hose to the valve spool is OK

 

[Atchuuu]

Mr. Capers provided a detailed reply, answers to oosik's and my questions:

4.5 gpm required for efficient motor operation
chain and bar made by Stihl
motor made by Parker
receiver dimensions are 6"H x 8"W
needs a "return" hydraulic connection, apparently the hose to the valve spool is OK

Thanks for the information. Not sure I have the hydraulics set up right. I have a front remote with a forward and reverse switch connected to the FEL control. Assume this would work. Anyone know?

I see one of these, or one like it, in my future.

 

[jgedmond]

Thanks for the information. Not sure I have the hydraulics set up right. I have a front remote with a forward and reverse switch connected to the FEL control. Assume this would work. Anyone know?

I see one of these, or one like it, in my future.

In post #37 above, oosik proposed using the 3rd function buttons. Limbhog is less specific and just mentions auxiliary hydraulics. I don't see any reason why you could not use the buttons to intermittently power the chain when cutting and otherwise there is no flow to the saw. I think that the intermittent flow and low flow requirement let the return go back through the valve spool instead of having to return directly to the sump (like Lane Shark stongly suggests). Using the 3rd function buttons and returning through the valve allows you to easily operate the saw in forward or reverse to help "unstick" it.

I plan to get an offset flail mower first for pond banks and low hanging branch trimming on trails. The Limbhog will be my next purchase and looks great for trail maintenance of higher and larger limbs. I have been going around and around about what to get for these uses. I looked at flails, sickle bars, "lane shark" mowers, larger 3-PH boom setups, etc. The offset flail and Limbhog look like very robust tools that will do most everything I need at least cost and equipment maintenance.

 

[Atchuuu]

In post #37 above, oosik proposed using the 3rd function buttons. Limbhog is less specific and just mentions auxiliary hydraulics. I don't see any reason why you could not use the buttons to intermittently power the chain when cutting and otherwise there is no flow to the saw. I think that the intermittent flow and low flow requirement let the return go back through the valve spool instead of having to return directly to the sump (like Lane Shark stongly suggests). Using the 3rd function buttons and returning through the valve allows you to easily operate the saw in forward or reverse to help "unstick" it.

I plan to get an offset flail mower first for pond banks and low hanging branch trimming on trails. The Limbhog will be my next purchase and looks great for trail maintenance of higher and larger limbs. I have been going around and around about what to get for these uses. I looked at flails, sickle bars, "lane shark" mowers, larger 3-PH boom setups, etc. The offset flail and Limbhog look like very robust tools that will do most everything I need at least cost and equipment maintenance.

Sounds like you and I are at a similar stage. I really need something to reach out and clear the pond edges and a drainage ditch in the front. Can do the ditch very slowly with a BH but the pond bank is too soft. What is the offset on the flail mower you are looking at? Do you need counterbalance weight? Interested in what you have found out as there may be things I don't know I don't know.

Have considered building a boom that attaches to the forks and using a small push mower on the end with the handle removed. This will allow me to cut the edge without getting too close. Thinking I could do a 10 foot boom easy enough and it would be much cheaper than an offset of any type.

 

[jgedmond]

Sounds like you and I are at a similar stage. I really need something to reach out and clear the pond edges and a drainage ditch in the front. Can do the ditch very slowly with a BH but the pond bank is too soft. What is the offset on the flail mower you are looking at? Do you need counterbalance weight? Interested in what you have found out as there may be things I don't know I don't know.

Have considered building a boom that attaches to the forks and using a small push mower on the end with the handle removed. This will allow me to cut the edge without getting too close. Thinking I could do a 10 foot boom easy enough and it would be much cheaper than an offset of any type.

I am looking at flails with a cut width of about 5'. The largest offset (from center of PTO shaft) is about 86". For my CUT, this gives about 54" to the right of the tractor wheel. Except at the dam, my pond edges are fairly flat, so I think that this will good for most of my ponds / ditches.

DM if you want more details.

 

[lastride]

Good information here, Going to follow this post for more.

Thanks everyone

 

[LouNY]

One issue with using the remote hydraulics or a third function is the abrupt stop action of the flow,
many hydraulic motors need an open flow path between the ports to allow the motor to spin down slow from the built up inertia.

 

[jgedmond]

One issue with using the remote hydraulics or a third function is the abrupt stop action of the flow,
many hydraulic motors need an open flow path between the ports to allow the motor to spin down slow from the built up inertia.

Good point Lou, I need to ask Limbhog about this issue. The Limbhog appears to have two hose connections and if you return one to the sump, then I guess you loose the reversing function.