Skid steer or tractor best for moving logs?

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With luck I will be moving lots of logs in the forest.
I think skid steers maneuver in small spaces better. Plus I know farmers with tractors galore and they still bought a skid steer.
Plus a skid steer gives me the option of adding a "mulcher" that turns 10" trees into mulch. Expensive equipment but pays handsomely.

On other hand I feel more comfortable on a tractor than a skid steer.
 
Tracked skid steer (CTL/MTL) with forks or better yet a grapple will definitely out perform most tractor setups.
Having yet to have the pleasure of operating a proper log loader, I’m partial to a 4x4 telehandler. If you don’t have to move them too far, an excavator with a tiltrotator and grapple claw is an incredible combination of lift capacity and precision.
 
Depends on the terrain and log size. I have a L4701 Kubota that’ll lift about 1600lbs and I’m often left wanting more. The mill parks next to a “loading dock” so I can just roll heavier logs on. If I didn’t have other needs for a tractor I most definitely would have gotten a skid steer instead. Tractors are generally cheaper as well.


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Depends on the terrain and log size. I have a L4701 Kubota that’ll lift about 1600lbs and I’m often left wanting more. The mill parks next to a “loading dock” so I can just roll heavier logs on. If I didn’t have other needs for a tractor I most definitely would have gotten a skid steer instead. Tractors are generally cheaper as well.


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Colorado does not normally have many logs over 24" thick and they are generally pine or spruce. But the tree that landed on my foot a couple days ago felt like more than 1600 pounds!

A skid steer also takes less room on the trailer. As I recall they turn on a friggin' dime as well.
 
Pros and cons of both. I only have experience with a tractor but have been lusting after a skid steer for a long time. At the time of orchard a tractor made more sense to me but it’s very frustrating to not be able to see the forks. Especially when stacking bunks or slabs.
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I'm a skid loader fan. Tracked normally, wheel machine would work with chains or slip on tracks. Been helping the neighbor whom had a tractor. It's more of a pain then what it's worth. Basically need 2 guys to be efficient, or get on and off the tractor all day. Maneuverability is terrible, and lift capacity is in the gutter compared to a skid steer. Using a m7040su. Only thing the tractor has is ground clearance, beyond that a skid steer would kick its arse big time in the woods.
 
Tracked skid steer (CTL/MTL) with forks or better yet a grapple will definitely out perform most tractor setups.
Having yet to have the pleasure of operating a proper log loader, I’m partial to a 4x4 telehandler. If you don’t have to move them too far, an excavator with a tiltrotator and grapple claw is an incredible combination of lift capacity and precision.
I think we are talking serious money with most excavators. Then one needs a commensurate truck and trailer. My truck is only rated for, I think, about 12,000 pounds towing.

Plus I plan on offering services over a large geographic area. Travel doesn't bother me in the least. In fact I consider myself an "adventure traveler".
 

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