Log Truck Questions

[A Wallace]

Hi guys, I'm looking at getting a log loading knuckle boom truck this winter (probably a medium duty international, only going to load 3-4 large logs at a time) and had some questions. If I were to buy the truck used and mount a knuckleboom, how much would the installation be? I'm thinking a 5-7 ton knuckle. Also what kind of grapple? I've used pincers before, but they're dangerous and difficult to work with. Below I put a picture of something similar to what I want, just needs steel posts on the sides. Thanks.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

5-7 ton is quite light duty. The loaders we have on the trucks are 10 ton and have had logs it couldn't lift.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

As far as cost, I have no idea, I'm a DIY kind of outfit

 

[A Wallace]

I think 5-7 ton should be enough, my father had one years ago and rarely had removals where it wasn't large enough, and even in that situation they would just cut them to a smaller size. I need something that can fit into tight back yards, so I don't want anything too big.

 

[Mowingman]

I picked up this old truck a few years ago. It was previously used by a railroad. I gave $17,000 for it. Had a 20' dump bed, extendable boom with 30' reach, rotating, bypass grapple. Handled 4000# at 20' extended reach. I can not remember what it would handle up close to side of truck. I shopped for 2 ears before I found one I considered "affordable". The photo shows the type of grapple that works well for logs, limbs, and brush. 'reach.

 

[A Wallace]

I picked up this old truck a few years ago. It was previously used by a railroad. I gave $17,000 for it. Had a 20' dump bed, extendable boom with 30' reach, rotating, bypass grapple. Handled 4000# at 20' extended reach. I can not remember what it would handle up close to side of truck. I shopped for 2 ears before I found one I considered "affordable". The photo shows the type of grapple that works well for logs, limbs, and brush.View attachment 538582 'reach.

Thats a nice deal, where did you find it? I've been looking online and haven't been able to find a site that sells medium duty trucks with knuckle booms, and the few I've seen were WAY too expensive.

 

[Mowingman]

I searched Craigslist all over the U.S., using the Key words, "Grapple truck". Dealers never seem have these trucks at reasonable prices.

 

[Mowingman]

There are several search sites that will search all Craigslist postings across the U.S. The trucks I found during my searches, in my price range, were all from private owners. I got mine from a tree service guy way up in the Arkansas mountains. I drove it almost 400 miles home in an ice storm/blizzard. That was quite an experience.
Jeff

 

[A Wallace]

There are several search sites that will search all Craigslist postings across the U.S. The trucks I found during my searches, in my price range, were all from private owners. I got mine from a tree service guy way up in the Arkansas mountains. I drove it almost 400 miles home in an ice storm/blizzard. That was quite an experience.
Jeff

Well you do what you have to do lol. I'd definitely do that for the right price. What website searches all craigslist postings?

 

[Mowingman]

There are several. However, the one I used the most is www.searchtempest.com