Turbo Saw

[DanielJ]

Anybody out there have experience with a "Turbo-Saw". Its a three point hitch, PTO driven, carbide tipped saw with a hydraulic grapple. You back up to the tree cut it down and the grapple pushes it away from the tractor and then can be used to move the debris.

I would like to hear of anyone's experience with this type of implement. Specifically, how low to the ground can they cut? Can they nip off high stumps? How effective is the grapple in making the tree fall away from the tractor?

Many thanks.

 

[lungdoc]

I'd be really, really careful with something like that and worried about safety. Specifically about loose branches (widowmakers...caleed that for a reason) coming down due to vibration or shaking of the tree. Can easily generate huge forces from a tree that could toss tractor in ways you wouldn't want. I'd invest in quality chain saws (always need more than one), safety gear and some chains/rope and snatch blocks before considering this.

 

[Craig Clayton]

That is an interesting machine. As long as the tree also knows that it is to fall away from the tractor all should be well. If the tree comes back across the tractor seat all will not be well for the operator.
Craig Clayton

 

[Big Wave D]

Here's a commercial video from them off of YouTube:

YouTube - Tractor Saw

They don't seem to be taking down anything overly large. I'd say mostly 'trash' trees, but they claim that hardwood can be taken down as well.

Check out the video and see what you think...

 

[lungdoc]

Suspect would be ok for the small trees or stumps seen in the video. If you tried that on a dead 10" diameter standing hardwood tree however would be a different story altogether.

 

[DanielJ]

Thanks for the feedback. I'd be attacking 4"-6" trash trees as in the video. Looks pretty useful if employed with common sense.

 

[DanielJ]

Thanks for your responses. I'd be dealing with small trash trees and cutting off stumps left after thinning pine plantation. If I get one I'll let you know how it works.