Which Mini Skid?

Gerhard · 30th April 2007, 03:21 PM

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.

Ekka · 30th April 2007, 03:50 PM

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.

a_lopa · 1st May 2007, 12:23 AM

The kanga is the best ive seen.

JohN Dee · 1st May 2007, 12:41 AM

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?

Ekka · 1st May 2007, 01:53 AM

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 · 23rd August 2007, 01:41 PM

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 · 23rd August 2007, 02:40 PM

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 · 23rd August 2007, 03:55 PM

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.

Ekka · 23rd August 2007, 10:57 PM

Pics please

for those who own them lets see them in action!

This is a Kanga fitted with BMG and additional counterweight!

a_lopa · 24th August 2007, 04:33 AM

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 · 9th September 2007, 02:39 PM

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

Ekka · 9th September 2007, 07:38 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, 02:37 AM

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

Panama · 10th September 2007, 10:36 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, 12:54 AM

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 · 13th September 2007, 05:52 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, 03:39 AM

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

treekiwi · 19th November 2007, 04:19 PM

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

Home | Beaver Squeezer Grapple, Inc.

View Poll Results: What?s the mini you like?
vermeer s600tx	5	23.81%
boxer 526dx	0	0%
bobcat MT52	2	9.52%
Toro dingo TX 420	3	14.29%
Ditch Witch SK 500, 650	3	14.29%
Ramrod	2	9.52%
Kanga	6	28.57%
Voters: 21. You may not vote on this poll

30th April 2007, 03:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Gerhard Gettin' motoring Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austria Posts: 13	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

30th April 2007, 03:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 5,673	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. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

1st May 2007, 12:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
a_lopa Astronaut Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Drouin Posts: 837	The kanga is the best ive seen. __________________ Free Tree Industry Link Directory Drouin tree lopping, land clearing and stump removals

1st May 2007, 12:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
JohN Dee Astronaut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 679	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? __________________ Climber with slow climbing speed, must make up with mighty chainsaw roar. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Red : Green : Blue

1st May 2007, 01:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 5,673	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 __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

23rd August 2007, 01:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
Roller Fly'n Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 190	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..

23rd August 2007, 02:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
TreeCo Afterburner is shakin' Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 260	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.

23rd August 2007, 03:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
Panama Break'n the ice 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.

9th September 2007, 07:38 PM	#12 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 5,673	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? __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

10th September 2007, 02:37 AM	#13 (permalink)
TrevMcRev Astronaut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 672	Re: Which Mini Skid? Nice gear! That unit looks just like an Avanti but different coloring. __________________ Melbourne Arborist, Total Tree Care, Pruning, Tree and Stump Removal

10th September 2007, 10:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
Panama Break'n the ice 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, 12:54 AM	#15 (permalink)
Roller Fly'n Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 190	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.

13th September 2007, 05:52 AM	#16 (permalink)
Panama Break'n the ice 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, 03:39 AM	#17 (permalink)
shaggs Afterburner is shakin' Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 459	Re: Which Mini Skid? Nice pic Panama! Kanga all the way....although would love to try the tracked machines........

19th November 2007, 04:19 PM	#18 (permalink)
treekiwi Cruisin' Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 85	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.