Break out the welder, and start creating! I needed a skidder/loader years ago. Now is the time to build one from a old pickup. I just happen to have a old POS 4x4 pickup that I am not exactly in love with. never mind it is only a 1/2 ton. I skidded a bunch of logs last year with a 1/4 ton jeep, a full size pickup would have been a radical upgrade!
Okay here is the plan. Grab the 1987 W150 and remove the bed and cab. All the sheet metal goes away. Build a boom to overhang the back of the truck which will be shortened to the spring perches. Install some sort of a relatively inexpensive winch with a decent line speed. Might use a separate battery with a isolator so that not killing the starting battery. Okay, skidder end is ready.
Next is more complicated, but within my capabilities (I think). build a front loader on the thing. I have the cylinders, and a valve and pump. Hoses are not a serious problem. Using some square tubing I think I can create a decent enough front loader. I will use the existing MF tractor for a pattern.
Not geared the greatest, but it should be capable of dragging a few logs around. Transfer case is about to "go out" so I might take it apart and LOCK it into low range. That should be enough for awhile. The V8 and auto tranny is in good enough shape. The front is a D44, but with the front clip missing I think lifting a log isn't gonna break things terribly quickly. Have to be careful tho.
I just got the bid on another cut to work on this winter. Need more equipment!!!
Thoughts??
Okay here is the plan. Grab the 1987 W150 and remove the bed and cab. All the sheet metal goes away. Build a boom to overhang the back of the truck which will be shortened to the spring perches. Install some sort of a relatively inexpensive winch with a decent line speed. Might use a separate battery with a isolator so that not killing the starting battery. Okay, skidder end is ready.
Next is more complicated, but within my capabilities (I think). build a front loader on the thing. I have the cylinders, and a valve and pump. Hoses are not a serious problem. Using some square tubing I think I can create a decent enough front loader. I will use the existing MF tractor for a pattern.
Not geared the greatest, but it should be capable of dragging a few logs around. Transfer case is about to "go out" so I might take it apart and LOCK it into low range. That should be enough for awhile. The V8 and auto tranny is in good enough shape. The front is a D44, but with the front clip missing I think lifting a log isn't gonna break things terribly quickly. Have to be careful tho.
I just got the bid on another cut to work on this winter. Need more equipment!!!
Thoughts??