Precision Manufacturing Miniclip

[Smokeydog]

Forest encroachment management is always an ongoing chore on our mostly wooded hillside farm. Many tools brought to battle the green horde. Myself, friends and neighbors have suffered injuries from trees. One death. Some devices are cartoonish like something Wile E Coyote might order from ACME for his nemesis.

Precision Manufacturing fabrication builds several types of innovative tree shears. Not common in my area and dealer were not much help other than price. Used models are scarce. Some useful videos online from users.

Found a miniclip model not far away still strapped to original shipping pallet from an owner who had purchased new top end tractor and attachments to help establish a new mountain homesite. Overturned tractor and shattered hip changed those plans. Negotiated price less than half new for an unused but weathered clipper.

Assembly via manufacturer video straight forward. One hydraulic line going from diverting valve to blade cylinder was assembled backwards, nps to orfs, required some disassembly to correct. Unique feature is a remote control diverter valve that lets you switch 3rd function from cutting to head rotation. The supplied AMG battery was dead and not chargeable. Used another battery source and found the wireless receiver box also dead. Suspect water damage from outside storage. Called manufacturer for tech support. Technician called back after a couple of hours. My receiver was at least 3 years old and since upgraded to a new style. $550 for the old style, $450 for the new. Battery cheaper locally. Discussed some about using a $20, 30amp, waterproof wireless remote from Amazon and DeWalt batteries. They are available to help.

Ordered two types of wireless remotes with transmitters, Dewalt battery mount and 12v transformer, lighted 20amp switch. This experiment ongoing.

Even though I can’t rotate the head yet, used in horizontal position to cut 40-50 trees off flush with the ground. The extended boom, tractor HST made for easy maneuvering and positioning. Cut everything fitting into jaws which is about 7”. Easy cutting near and under fencing. I have got some rocky ground especially near bases of trees. Blade unfazed. Did grip a few cut trees to pull out for easy grappling later. Manufacturer discourages such use. See attached video of a users 3 year review to evaluate the use and abuse.

Going to be a valuable weapon against our green alien friends for world dominance.

 

[5030]

My issue is, if I don't completely yank them out, the stump re-sprouts. That thing would most certainly work well on one of my M9's One, the tractor is heavy and two, has a lot of hydraulic flow. Third for me, is cost for something I wouldn't be using frequently.

 

[Smokeydog]

Hydraulic flow is much less an issue for cylinders versus hydraulic motors.

Hopefully cutting flush with ground will allow keeping maintained by rough cutter. Trees grow incredibly fast at the forest boundary. Selectively taking out small trees and horizontal limbs helps maintain that safe forest boundary.

Bushhog rated for 2-3”, Brown tree cutter 6-8”. This cutter can do same with much less required horsepower and collateral damage. Considerable more reach and maneuverability. Not bad for a small CUT.

No one tool can do it all. Time and physical ability considerations. Value my time at $200/hr so tools like this can certainly be a work force multiplier.

This is Precision Manufacturing smallest tree clipper. They make 12” cutting model for large tractors or CTL. Hydraulically controlled cut, rotation, and extension.

Precision Manufacturing – Solving Tree & Brush Problems!

Tame your property! Innovative attachments & detailed guides for tree & brush management. Precision Mfg - Quality Since 1992.

precisionmfg.com

 

[Smokeydog]

Hydraulicasaurs, tree eater.

Replaced the factory electronics with Amazon waterproof wireless receiver, transmitters and DeWalt 20v battery adapter. $45. Works fantastic. 180 degrees rotation. Went on a cutting spree. Initially thought the miniclip might be too small. Ability to use on a smaller tractor and smaller head are big bonuses. Easy to cut <7” trees flush with the ground, cut long stems up for hauling away and pruning limbs from hitting tractor. Realizing the thoughtfulness of design and engineering. Only complaint is my face is sore from grinning.

 

[5030]

For kicks and grins, I just priced the Miniclip. It's almost 5 grand currently. At that price point, it's not a viable attachment for my occasional use.

 

[RayIN]

Wish I could rent one for a week.
I imagine a user would have to be very careful cutting off large limbs above tractor cab height, or risk overturning the tractor.

 

[Smokeydog]

Wish I could rent one for a week.
I imagine a user would have to be very careful cutting off large limbs above tractor cab height, or risk overturning the tractor.

Yes and yes. It’s a trade off hazards. The small stuff more of a chainsaw hazard than the large sometimes.

Any tool has to earn its’ keep. Some can take many years. Wishful thinking on my part. We enjoy taking care of our property so there is an entertainment component also. Have a tractor to work with , not to watch me work. Already learning more about the usefulness of radio controlled remote valves that I didn’t know before.

 

[Smokeydog]

Green is a switch to indicate system is on. Remote transmitter is attached to steering wheel spoke. Red light is when solenoid valve is switched to rotate. Battery should last weeks of cutting. Electronics are housed in a heavy steel OEM box. Lights face the operator. The receiver has manual switch also. Can pair with over thirty transmitters.

Bought the current and replacement spare components for the electronics package all for <$100. Interesting ability to add an additional hydraulic circuit.

 

[Smokeydog]

Now after cutting 100’s of trees and limbs, clearing several hundred yards of fence line can really appreciate this tool. Moving the cut trees are more time consuming to move. Cutting up tall or branchy trees to haul away is easy. Head rotation makes alignment to cut easy. Mounted remote on the steering wheel makes switching between hydraulic circuits convenient. Do like the latching switches of my design better than the momentary OEM design while also having to control the 3rd function better. So far using on Kubota B26 has been great. Right at the lower suggested loader capacity of 1200#. Miniclip weighs 600# but at a distance. Cycle time 4-5 seconds on cutter.

Have many options for doing this type of work. Use to do this by hand, chainsaw, axe and polesaw. This is the easiest and cleanest by far. Cutting flush to ground will hopefully be maintained by rough cut mower. There is a sprayer option to apply herbicide to fresh cuts mounted to the miniclip. Rarely have to dismount tractor. No damage even to brittle old fences. Have been able to utilize the reach and clear trees from wooded forest roads and trails. Do like the selectivity and esthetics of this tool over some brush management options.