Log skidding with HG42

Pocketdozer · January 14, 2003, 05:59:45 AM

Has anybody out there have experience selective logging with one of these crawlers, I'm looking a buying one for doing this job. thanks in advance to any replies.

erik · January 14, 2003, 04:12:49 PM

In Sweden the HG/OC3 was mainly used for taking timber out of the forrest (logging?, skidding?). I havenÃ,Â´t found any HG/OC3 with blade or loader on it in Sweden. There was a company that put on rubberwheels (three on each side I think) and different tracks to make it a better forrest tractor. I will post a picture later of the conversion made by the Ãƒâ€"SA company. The new tracs was called "Alfa-tracs"
Erik

Blake Malkamaki · January 14, 2003, 08:05:29 PM

Cletracs have been used for years for skidding logs and make wonderful tractors in the woods. I've skidded logs and gathered maple sap with mine for years.

erik · January 15, 2003, 08:16:39 PM

Here is picture 1.
Erik

erik · January 15, 2003, 08:21:36 PM

Here is picture 2. Sorry for the size on picture 1!
Erik

erik · January 15, 2003, 08:31:57 PM

Here is picture 3.

The text says that the OC3 that is sold in Sweden has a reinforces frame, special forest drawbar, ROPS (ha, ha), heavy duty fenders with toolbox and radiator curtain. The winch on the picture is a Swedich made Mora Record, much lighter than the Carco winch and not that strong.
Erik

Eric Severance · January 16, 2003, 03:05:57 AM

They work good in tight places with light loads. Don't expect to come out with big hitches. You can increase your capacity a little by using a logging arch, or a dolly, as shown in Erick's pictures. Hey Erick, The OC-3 with rubber tires bears a striking resemblance to my OC-4 Alfta Track (picture attached I hope). I was aware that they were made in Sweden, but I did not know they were available for the OC-3 as well as the OC-4. Do you know of any sources for Alfta Track parts over there ? I could use a new pair of tracks for mine. Thanks, Eric

Mike Anderson · January 16, 2003, 04:10:27 AM

Nice stuff, guys.

Love that ROPS! What an amazing looking machine, Eric.

Mike

erik · January 16, 2003, 08:59:09 AM

Eric, I have a chance to buy an OC3 with alfa-tracs for $200 but I donÃ,Â´t know the condition of the tracs.

There are a lot of Alfa-trac converted machines in the woods up here in the north of Sweden. IH TD6, Fiat-OM, Volvo BM (Bamse) are some of them.

Here are some links.

http://www.dalnet.se/~gullberg/btd6eng.shtml

http://user.tninet.se/~irs543h/volvobm/Bamse1.jpg

http://user.tninet.se/~irs543h/volvobm/Bamse-2.jpg

Erik

erik · January 17, 2003, 03:11:06 PM

Sorry, the links donÃ,Â´t work!

Here is another picture:

Erik

Note-- picture edited and moved below

[Edited on 2-20-2003 by Blake]

Eric Severance · January 18, 2003, 03:43:46 PM

Thanks Erick, The restoration of my OC-4 is apearing to be a long way out from here right now. Just can't seem to find the time. So there is no hurry on the parts, but I am always on the lookout. I don't know how I would ever get parts that heavy shipped over here, do you ? I would agree that Alfta parts are much more plentiful over there. About the ROPS, I have to give the Swedes credit for at least thinking of it. I have heard some horror stories about back flips, and roll overs in this country with those same tractors. Take care, Eric

Eric Severance · January 26, 2003, 02:37:42 AM

I thought you might like to see a picture of my small scale logging out fit. The Scandanavian made three point hitch winch is another example of some of the fine logging equipment made there. It is a Farmi JL-30. This set up works good until the snow gets too deep, then the Cletracs have to come out !!!

Pocketdozer · January 30, 2003, 06:24:05 AM

thanks to all those replies, and those pictures, sure wish I could get my hands on one of those grill guards with the tube bumper. I have since bought the unit, and now own my own "pocket dozer":D

erik · January 30, 2003, 09:31:55 AM

Pocketdozer
I could send you one but the freight will be expensive cause it's not a tube it's a solid bar!!!

Send me an Anderson blade set up and IÃ,Â´ll send you the grillguard, bumper, skidplate, ROPS etc. (would be a dream come true)

Erik

Thom Kelly · February 09, 2003, 08:26:49 PM

I've been using my OC3 to harvest wild cherry from my mothers place, been real picky which trees I select as I'm using the lumber for trim in my home. The machine works very well and gets in and out of tight spots rather well without disturbing other growth. As you can see my OC3 is in rather disrepair however it stands up to the abuse I've put it through. I do have plans to restore it but I just have to many tasks for it right now. Sorry for the size of the photo but it's the only one I had of it skidding a log..
\

NOTE: Picture has been replaced due to size. See below.

[Edited on 2-20-2003 by Blake]

Log skidding with HG42

Pocketdozer

Mike Anderson

Pocketdozer