Which Mini Skid?

Gerhard · 1st May 2007, 10:21 AM

Yesterday I was at the BAUMA, it?s a very big fair trade show in munic.
So also the producers of mini skids was there.
And now I have the tourture of choice, betwen
Vermeer S600TX, Toro Dingo TX 420, Bobcat MT52, Boxer 526DX,
Ditch Witch Sk500 or SK650

Ramrod we can?t use, because the machine is too wide.

What do you think about this machines?
Perhaps you can tell me the advantage and the disadvantage, of the attachments and the machines.

Eric Frei · 1st May 2007, 10:50 AM

I have a Kanga.

Ground speed is good, the newer versions come std 4WD with higher ground clearance. The controls are good, lifting capacity may not be the highest out of them all though.

It's 990mm wide to get into places.

But they're made here so parts re easy to get hold of if need be.

I think you need to write a list of what you need and what specs you want then get comparisons.

Lift height
Lift weight
4WD
Ground clearance
Width
Length
Speed

etc etc.

Over here we have a locally made Dingo too, now the trenching and landscaping guys prefer them as they have 2 hydo pumps and a diverter valve so when trenching etc they can put more power to the attachment and less to the wheels. But for us tree guys we want ground speed and lifting.

There's also a good one called Thomas loader

http://www.thomasloaders.com/product.../MiniSkids.htm

And I have a TNT BMG swivel grapple.

Drouin Tree Service · 1st May 2007, 07:23 PM

The kanga is the best ive seen.

JohN Dee · 1st May 2007, 07:41 PM

Mmm I would love a kanga, I drool everytime I see you using it in your vids', no manual handling

How much did you pick your kanga up for Eric, brand new or 2nd hand?

Eric Frei · 1st May 2007, 08:53 PM

The loader new I paid around $20K the stump grinder attachment around $14K new.

I have modded the Kanga terminator stump grinder. 111mb WMV video here.http://www.palmtreeservices.com.au/video/kangamod.wmv

Roller · 24th August 2007, 08:41 AM

I went with Bobcat as their is a dealer a few miles up the road, the Kanga dealer is like 5 hours away..

Actually their isn't a bad skid in that list..

TreeCo · 24th August 2007, 09:40 AM

There is a Ditch Witch SK 500 that I have found for $5,900. US local. It has a new Honda engine.

It sounds like it's in good shape. I was told the tracks have 50% life left.

Any comments on this Ditch Witch? I may go look at it tomorrow. It's a 2004 model.

Panama · 24th August 2007, 10:55 AM

MultiOne SL30D, with a Branch Manager grapple of course. At 48" wide it won't fit through a 36" gate, but it gets into most back yards.

Eric Frei · 24th August 2007, 05:57 PM

Pics please

for those who own them lets see them in action!

This is a Kanga fitted with BMG and additional counterweight!

Drouin Tree Service · 24th August 2007, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeCo

There is a Ditch Witch SK 500 that I have found for $5,900. US local. It has a new Honda engine.

It sounds like it's in good shape. I was told the tracks have 50% life left.

Any comments on this Ditch Witch? I may go look at it tomorrow. It's a 2004 model.

Ill ask a freind im seeing tommorow Dan,He works in that type of field.

Panama · 10th September 2007, 09:39 AM

Ok, First attempt to post a pic, here it goes...

Eric Frei · 10th September 2007, 02:38 PM

Cool pics

That looks like a BMG grapple but has a rotator on it?

Love the chipper, now that is some serious gear.

You'll have to show us the grapple arm in action, video preferably. How much can it lift?

TrevMcRev · 10th September 2007, 09:37 PM

Nice gear! That unit looks just like an Avanti but different coloring.

Panama · 11th September 2007, 05:36 AM

Thanks Guys. The book says it's suppose to lift around three thousand, but I think it's more like two. That is a BMG, and yep, Dave put me a nice heavy duty continuous rotator on it. Since it's not a stand-on like the Kanga, I couldn't see having to climb on and off to rotate it. Also, TrevMcRev, the MultiOne loader probably is an Avanti under another name? It's made by CSF in Italy. We are a small crew so we rarely even take pics, but I'll try to get up to speed on the video stuff soon.

Roller · 13th September 2007, 07:54 PM

I wish i'd bought a mini, my compact tractor is just to big for the tree biz..

Panama, no mate multione loaders aren't avanti, avanti are made in Finland, and to be honest the Italian multione company offers a much better selection.

Panama · 14th September 2007, 12:52 AM

Roger that Roller. I bought mine used without too much research, as it was a good deal I didn't want to miss.

shaggs · 16th November 2007, 10:39 PM

Nice pic Panama!
Kanga all the way....although would love to try the tracked machines........

treekiwi · 20th November 2007, 11:19 AM

Anyone got any info on the Beever Squeezer grapple?, how much are they in the US?

Home | Beaver Squeezer Grapple, Inc.

newguy18 · 20th November 2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

The loader new I paid around $20K the stump grinder attachment around $14K new.

I have modded the Kanga terminator stump grinder. 111mb WMV video here.http://www.palmtreeservices.com.au/video/kangamod.wmv

nice mods ekka but can i make a couple suggestions?
1.i know they're a pita to get on and off but chain drive will give you more torque.
2.they're available here in the us but the 35 hp briggs vangaurd diesels are pretty fool proof.

those are my only 2 suggestions but it looks like the mods helped quite a bit.

Eric Frei · 20th November 2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treekiwi

Anyone got any info on the Beever Squeezer grapple?, how much are they in the US?

Home | Beaver Squeezer Grapple, Inc.

What about TNT's BMG grapple? That's what I use.

ronnyb · 21st November 2007, 12:36 PM

We have the Vermeer S600. Great lifting height for getting wood into the back of the truck and over the sidewalls of the dump trailer. We just ordered a TerraPower grapple bucket. Bought it used with only 70 hours on it for $7800 (US). Really a labor saver.

Eric Frei · 25th November 2007, 04:43 PM

RonnyB

What a bargain, lets see some pics of that!

shaggs · 25th November 2007, 06:01 PM

Hey Newguy, do Briggs make a 35hp diesel???
Would the 35hp model of the stump grinder for the Kanga be too heavy???

Eric Frei · 25th November 2007, 07:32 PM

It might be, especially if going downhill.

That'd be pretty wild, 35 hp!

newguy18 · 26th November 2007, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggs

Hey Newguy, do Briggs make a 35hp diesel???
Would the 35hp model of the stump grinder for the Kanga be too heavy???

Yeah I saw it on one of the many tool and parts online stores I've been to i'll try and dig up a link.
This one isn't diesel but thet do have some that are in the 20-
25 hp range.Briggs & Stratton Vanguard V-Twin Horizontal Engine with Electric Start — 35 HP, 1 1/8in. x 4in. Shaft, Model# 613477-0048-E1 | 20 HP + above | Northern Tool + Equipment
It might be a bit front heavy going down hill but you just put more blokes on the operator end.

Roller · 28th November 2007, 09:31 AM

kangas are fitted with Kubota diesels over here, Shaggs my 352 grinder has a Briggs/ Dhiatsu diesel on it

newguy18 · 28th November 2007, 10:28 AM

can you postm a pic of the engine and maybe the model number?

Mike Poor · 28th November 2007, 05:03 PM

Ekka, How do ya' like the grinder attachment? Gerhard, Which one are you getting? I've got an old toro tx420 w/ BMG grapple and love it! I think they all seem good and make life easier!

Eric Frei · 28th November 2007, 08:44 PM

Grinder attachment is OK, just fit a Kohler engine to it instead of Honda ... I have a video of some mods I did.

Kanga Terminator Stump Grinder modifications

shaggs · 29th November 2007, 08:59 PM

MMMMM Mods...luv mods.....

These ones are tax deductable too!!!!

View Poll Results: What?s the mini you like?
vermeer s600tx	11	30.56%
boxer 526dx	2	5.56%
bobcat MT52	4	11.11%
Toro dingo TX 420	6	16.67%
Ditch Witch SK 500, 650	3	8.33%
Ramrod	2	5.56%
Kanga	8	22.22%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll

1st May 2007, 10:21 AM	#1
Gerhard Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austria Posts: 12	Which Mini Skid? Yesterday I was at the BAUMA, it?s a very big fair trade show in munic. So also the producers of mini skids was there. And now I have the tourture of choice, betwen Vermeer S600TX, Toro Dingo TX 420, Bobcat MT52, Boxer 526DX, Ditch Witch Sk500 or SK650 Ramrod we can?t use, because the machine is too wide. What do you think about this machines? Perhaps you can tell me the advantage and the disadvantage, of the attachments and the machines. __________________ www.treetec.at

1st May 2007, 10:50 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	I have a Kanga. Ground speed is good, the newer versions come std 4WD with higher ground clearance. The controls are good, lifting capacity may not be the highest out of them all though. It's 990mm wide to get into places. But they're made here so parts re easy to get hold of if need be. I think you need to write a list of what you need and what specs you want then get comparisons. Lift height Lift weight 4WD Ground clearance Width Length Speed etc etc. Over here we have a locally made Dingo too, now the trenching and landscaping guys prefer them as they have 2 hydo pumps and a diverter valve so when trenching etc they can put more power to the attachment and less to the wheels. But for us tree guys we want ground speed and lifting. There's also a good one called Thomas loader http://www.thomasloaders.com/product.../MiniSkids.htm And I have a TNT BMG swivel grapple. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

1st May 2007, 07:23 PM	#3
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,697	The kanga is the best ive seen. __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

1st May 2007, 07:41 PM	#4
JohN Dee Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Climbing around the world Posts: 855	Mmm I would love a kanga, I drool everytime I see you using it in your vids', no manual handling How much did you pick your kanga up for Eric, brand new or 2nd hand? __________________ We are what we repeatedly do... Excellence then, is not an act, but HABIT... Red : Green : Blue

1st May 2007, 08:53 PM	#5
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	The loader new I paid around $20K the stump grinder attachment around $14K new. I have modded the Kanga terminator stump grinder. 111mb WMV video here.http://www.palmtreeservices.com.au/video/kangamod.wmv __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

24th August 2007, 08:41 AM	#6
Roller Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 143	I went with Bobcat as their is a dealer a few miles up the road, the Kanga dealer is like 5 hours away.. Actually their isn't a bad skid in that list.. __________________ www.arboraeration.co.uk Tree healthcare specialists covering the UK

24th August 2007, 09:40 AM	#7
TreeCo Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 307	There is a Ditch Witch SK 500 that I have found for $5,900. US local. It has a new Honda engine. It sounds like it's in good shape. I was told the tracks have 50% life left. Any comments on this Ditch Witch? I may go look at it tomorrow. It's a 2004 model.

24th August 2007, 10:55 AM	#8
Panama Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 8	MultiOne SL30D, with a Branch Manager grapple of course. At 48" wide it won't fit through a 36" gate, but it gets into most back yards.

24th August 2007, 05:57 PM	#9
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	Pics please for those who own them lets see them in action! This is a Kanga fitted with BMG and additional counterweight! Attached Thumbnails __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

10th September 2007, 09:39 AM	#11
Panama Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 8	Re: Which Mini Skid? Ok, First attempt to post a pic, here it goes... Attached Thumbnails

10th September 2007, 02:38 PM	#12
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	Re: Which Mini Skid? Cool pics That looks like a BMG grapple but has a rotator on it? Love the chipper, now that is some serious gear. You'll have to show us the grapple arm in action, video preferably. How much can it lift? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

10th September 2007, 09:37 PM	#13
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	Re: Which Mini Skid? Nice gear! That unit looks just like an Avanti but different coloring.

11th September 2007, 05:36 AM	#14
Panama Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 8	Re: Which Mini Skid? Thanks Guys. The book says it's suppose to lift around three thousand, but I think it's more like two. That is a BMG, and yep, Dave put me a nice heavy duty continuous rotator on it. Since it's not a stand-on like the Kanga, I couldn't see having to climb on and off to rotate it. Also, TrevMcRev, the MultiOne loader probably is an Avanti under another name? It's made by CSF in Italy. We are a small crew so we rarely even take pics, but I'll try to get up to speed on the video stuff soon.

13th September 2007, 07:54 PM	#15
Roller Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 143	Re: Which Mini Skid? I wish i'd bought a mini, my compact tractor is just to big for the tree biz.. Panama, no mate multione loaders aren't avanti, avanti are made in Finland, and to be honest the Italian multione company offers a much better selection. __________________ www.arboraeration.co.uk Tree healthcare specialists covering the UK

14th September 2007, 12:52 AM	#16
Panama Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 8	Re: Which Mini Skid? Roger that Roller. I bought mine used without too much research, as it was a good deal I didn't want to miss.

16th November 2007, 10:39 PM	#17
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: Which Mini Skid? Nice pic Panama! Kanga all the way....although would love to try the tracked machines........

20th November 2007, 11:19 AM	#18
treekiwi Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) + Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 258	Re: Which Mini Skid? Anyone got any info on the Beever Squeezer grapple?, how much are they in the US? Home \| Beaver Squeezer Grapple, Inc.

21st November 2007, 12:36 PM	#21
ronnyb Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 62	Re: Which Mini Skid? We have the Vermeer S600. Great lifting height for getting wood into the back of the truck and over the sidewalls of the dump trailer. We just ordered a TerraPower grapple bucket. Bought it used with only 70 hours on it for $7800 (US). Really a labor saver.

25th November 2007, 04:43 PM	#22
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	Re: Which Mini Skid? RonnyB What a bargain, lets see some pics of that! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

25th November 2007, 06:01 PM	#23
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: Which Mini Skid? Hey Newguy, do Briggs make a 35hp diesel??? Would the 35hp model of the stump grinder for the Kanga be too heavy???

25th November 2007, 07:32 PM	#24
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	Re: Which Mini Skid? It might be, especially if going downhill. That'd be pretty wild, 35 hp! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

28th November 2007, 09:31 AM	#26
Roller Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 143	Re: Which Mini Skid? kangas are fitted with Kubota diesels over here, Shaggs my 352 grinder has a Briggs/ Dhiatsu diesel on it __________________ www.arboraeration.co.uk Tree healthcare specialists covering the UK

28th November 2007, 10:28 AM	#27
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: Which Mini Skid? can you postm a pic of the engine and maybe the model number? __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

28th November 2007, 05:03 PM	#28
Mike Poor Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Urbana, IL,usa Posts: 69	Re: Which Mini Skid? Ekka, How do ya' like the grinder attachment? Gerhard, Which one are you getting? I've got an old toro tx420 w/ BMG grapple and love it! I think they all seem good and make life easier!

28th November 2007, 08:44 PM	#29
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	Re: Which Mini Skid? Grinder attachment is OK, just fit a Kohler engine to it instead of Honda ... I have a video of some mods I did. Kanga Terminator Stump Grinder modifications __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

29th November 2007, 08:59 PM	#30
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: Which Mini Skid? MMMMM Mods...luv mods..... These ones are tax deductable too!!!!

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