Considering
the wide variety of logging situations in today’s forests, it’s no surprise that
manufacturers offer many different skidder configurations. The machines are very
diverse...ranging from the small Forecat 2000 designed for logging in tight
circumstances to Morgan’s new SX-706 SB six wheel, swing boom skidder. The 11
manufacturers reviewed here offer over 30 machines with hundreds of grapple and
winch configurations to choose from, guaranteeing that whatever the size or
complexity of the skidding operation, one of the following machines can be
configured to meet the need.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar offers two tracked skidders. The Model 517 and 527 offer exceptional
balance
and traction and excellent ground clearance. Roller frames extend to the rear of
the machines to improve traction under uphill conditions and heavy loads while
wide track gauge helps provide side hill capability. Ground clearance is
enhanced with smooth belly pans and the absence of diagonal bracing to allow the
machines to move over debris and stumps with ease. Both models are powered by
4-cylinder Caterpillar 3304 engines, which employ direct injection and turbo
charging to create 120 net horsepower.
The track skidders offer improved
flotation and traction by putting more track on ground. The design also reduces
soil impact. Cable and grapple configurations are available for both skidders.
Wheeled skidders include the 525B, 535B and 545. They feature an industry
exclusive lock-up torque converter clutch that provides increases to operating
speed along with improved power and fuel efficiency. The 525B and 535B are
powered by Cat 3126 diesel engines while the 545 is equipped with the Cat 3306
direct injected turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine. The three skidders
offer net horsepower of 160, 180 and 200. Single and dual-function arches are
available for all models in sorting, bunching and thinning configurations.They
also provide an outstanding operator environment, single lever grapple controls,
and hydraulic steering and transmission controls.
www.caterpillar.com Circle Reader
Service Card 150
Forcat
The Forcat 2000 is the only small skidder specifically designed for select
logging able
to
get right next to the trees because of its small size and maneuverability. The
Forcat 2000 is equipped with an industrial type Onan 24 hp engine and a variable
flow hydrostatic transmission that allows the operator to work both tracks
independently for better traction and a 0° turn radius. Its 2.3 psi ground
impact also allows the operator to log in soft areas. The Forcat 2000 is
equipped with a powerful hydraulic winch, a hydraulic lift rear back plate, a
hydraulic lift front pile up blade, a fire extinguisher and four chokers. Every
accessory has a hydraulic floating position for better performance in all
situations. Circle Reader Service Card 151
John Deere
The company offers six skidders. The 540G-III offers a choice to couple a
direct-drive or torque-converter transmission to the powerful John Deere engine.
The operation can synch the wheels with full diff-lock for maximum traction, or
unlock them for less tire scuffing. A full 90 degrees of frame articulation
ensures
tight
turns, and the long wheelbase and wide stance provide unmatched stability. It
has 117 SAE net hp, features Inboard, heavy-duty planetary final drives,
hydraulic locking, and 30-degree stop to stop front axle oscillation. The
548G-III offers the same features and the cab feels like home with a beverage
holder, coat hook and a cell-phone hook up. It weights 23,690, lbs. and has 117
SAE net hp. The 640G-III has 160 SAE net hp with direct-drive transmission and
171 SAE net horsepower with torque converter option. The 648G-III weighs 33,400
lbs, has 160 SAE net hp. It offers the best of both worlds in the powertrain,
with a new torque-converter option. The wide stance and long wheelbase provide
stability and the thicker articulation joint and optional heavy-duty axles
ensure performance in rugged terrain. The 748G-III weighs in at 34,309 lbs., and
has 171 SAE net hp. The oscillating front axle allows the wheels to "step over"
uneven terrain. The grapple tongs feature a box design to add strength without
the extra weight and three internal ribs on each tong enhance durability. The
848G-III weighs 38,350 lbs. with 180 net hp. And its single-stage torque
converter Powershift transmission automatically adjusts to changes in the ground
terrain. www.johndeere.com
Franklin/Treefarmer
The Franklin/Treefarmer’s Q70, Q80 and Q90 skidders are four-wheel drive rubber
tired frame articulated vehicles, available with front axles or center section
oscillation.
The
Q70 and Q80 are available as grapple skidders while the Q90 can be configured as
either a cable and grapple skidder. Winches and grapples are rear mounted and
hydraulically actuated. Standard features include Cummins engines, Franklin
transmissions and axles and Clark torque converters. A rubber mounted OPS, ROPS
& FOPS modular quad cab with the seat fixed at a 35° angle and a side mounted
console and full steering wheel with adjustable tilt and telescoping column are
also standard. For cable skidders, the winch controls are on a single lever
electric joystick.
www.franklin-treefarmer.com Circle Reader Service Card 153
KMC
The KMC Soft Track is one of the best all terrain, all weather vehicles on the
market, says the company. With its three unique features of balanced weight
distribution,
torsion bar sprung suspension and high speed steel “live” track, the skidder has
the ability to skid timber on steep slopes, sensitive soils or wet. The KMC can
skid adverse 40 percent gradient and favorable slopes to 60 percent. It skids
areas of environmental concern with less soil compaction and site disturbance
than any other ground skidding equipment. The KMC 2600 is a versatile skidder
equipped with a swinging boom grapple able to pick up loads on either side of
the machine and well to the rear. It can help maneuver logs around standing
trees and be used to shift the weight of the machine when working on very soft
ground or steep slopes. Bringing the load forward onto the machine aids in
balancing the weight distribution, which results in better traction, greater
productivity and consistent low dynamic ground pressure.
www.kmc-kootrac.com or (800)
562-5303 Circle Reader Service Card 154
Morgan
Morgan International Silvatech Industries Inc. chose this year’s Oregon Logging
Conference
to debut its SX-706 SB six wheel, swing boom skidder. The SX-706 SB offers a
swing boom with 140° of swing, a lift height of approximately 12 ft. and 15 ft.
of reach. The grapple has a 120” opening and 15 sq. ft. capacity. Powered by a
Cummins 6CTA 8.3L engine rated at 260 hp at 2200 rpm, the typical fuel
consumption is 5-8.5 gph. The rear wheel is on a bogie axle mounted directly to
the rear frame with drive motors mounted inside. And it has a proprietary
Silvatech hydraulic/mechanical interface with positive torque reaction. The
air-conditioned operator’s cab is ROPS/FOPS certified and includes a sound
suppression package that reduces noise to less that 80 DBA.
www.morganforestry.com Circle
Reader Service Card 155
Prentice
Prentice Designed with a tough, dependable drive train to deliver smooth power,
steady
pull and efficient maneuverability on soft ground or steep slopes, the Prentice
490 is a rugged, dependable and productive machine. Utilizing a torque converter
transmission, tough outboard planetary axles and a comfortable, no-nonsense cab
design, the 490 is designed with ease of operation and simple maintenance in
mind. The 490 is equipped with a standard Cummins QSB 173 hp engine and offers
the choice of outboard planetary axels with either no-spin or mechanical locking
differentials for 30.5 x 32 tires or optional 30.5 x 32 and dual configurations.
Single arch or dual arch configurations are available with a choice of bunching
or sorting head grapples with capacities ranging from 9 sq. ft. to 13.2 sq. ft.
and weight limits from 1,780 lbs. to 2,300 lbs.
www.blount-fied.com/prentice.htm Circle Reader Service Card 156
Ranger/Allied Systems
For 30 years, Ranger has built reliable skidders that meet loggers’ needs for
simplicity and reliability. Critical components such as differentials and axels,
drivelines,
torque converters and transmissions are configured specifically for skidders,
resulting in very durable machines. Ranger offers skidders in both grapple and
cable configurations. Both lines come with several key specifications, including
Cummins engines, head-to-toe keel-shaped belly guards, on-the-go differential
locks and Clark powershift transmissions. The grapple configuration features
heads with 360° grapple rotation. Winch configurations include a large-drum
capacity winch with 5/8”, 3/4” or 1” cable and line pull maximums ranging from
31,432 lbs. on Model F65C to 37,311 lbs. on the largest Model F68C. Maximum line
speeds range from 260 ft./min. on Model F68C to 385 ft./min on Models H66DSC-II
and H67C-II respectively.
www.alliedsystems.com/ranger/skidder Circle Reader Service Card 157
Tigercat
The Tigercat 630C hydrostatic skidder is ideal in long distance skidding,
challenging
terrain
and high production applications. The 630C pulls large, heavy loads with reduced
drag resistance and increased payloads. The 240 hp Cummins QSC8.3 Tier II engine
is totally isolated from the hydraulic components with easy maintenance access —
the front hood enclosure tilts forward, exposing three sides of the engine and
providing a large work platform. The cab tilts as well, providing access to the
hydrostatic pump stack, motors and driveline. The 630C uses Parker’s IQAN
electronic control technology to govern all machine functions. Benefits include
integrated troubleshooting, simplified maintenance and repair with no hydraulic
pilot lines and variable engine rpm for reduced fuel consumption. The
hydrostatic drive system allows a smooth ride with no gear shifting. Inside the
cab, the seat and joystick controls are rotated 40° to the right for reduced
neck strain and an improved view. Grapple and arch functions are controlled by
one joystick. www.tigercat.com
Circle Reader Service Card 158
Timberjack
Timberjack offers 4 skidders with 9 different configurations. The 360D, 460D,
equipped
with the 6-cylinder John Deere 6068T engine, can be configured as cable skidders
with the Timberjack 4000 winch standard and the 6000 optional on the 460D. The
sealed winch units include a wetdisc clutch and brake and pressurized
lubrication. With standard equipment, operating weight for the 360D is 22,780
lbs with 23.1 x 26 tires yielding a ground pressure of 7.4 psi. The standard
460D operates at 30,025 lbs. with 30.5 x 32 tires and a ground pressure at 8.0
psi. Loads balance with front-to-back weight distribution that keeps traction on
the front tires and four axel configurations equipped with hydraulic lock
differentials are available to match tire and ground conditions. Grapple
configurations are also available on the 360D, 460D and 560D. The largest in
this series of articulated skidders, the 560D is powered by a John Deere 6081H,
6-cylinder engine. With a single arch grapple it weighs 33,335 lbs. while the
dual arch brings the weight in at 34,309 lbs. Grapples available for this series
have 360-degree continuous rotation and closed-center load-sensing hydraulics to
maintain constant pressure on the tongs. The 660D, the largest machine in the
line-up, has an extra-long wheelbase and the power and size to skid large loads
over long distances with no hang-ups. It is available in a cable configuration
with the Timberjack 6000 winch or as grapple skidder. The cast-steel dual
function grapple continuously rotates 360-degrees and opens to 130 in.
www.timberjack.com Circle Reader
Service Card 159
TimberPro
TimberPro has been working for over two years to develop a tandem axle grapple
skidder
and now that a heavyduty bogie axle has become available, they are now ready to
market the TS 620 E. This skidder has a 6-wheel dual arch design with continuous
rotation 25 sq. ft. grapple and 300 hp engine. One of the most unique features
is the large operator cab with a power rotating seat and controls. This allows
the operator to never have to turn around because forward can be either
direction. Hydraulics and engine service points are designed with easy access
for maintenance and the hydrostatic wheel drive features dual 160 Rexroth drive
motors. www.timberpro.com Circle
Reader Service Card 160
Trans-Gesco
The TG88D grapple skidder offers the proven powerful and low ground pressure
traction
of the TG88D clambunk skidder plus the advantages of a gigantic 45 sq. ft.
grapple mounted on an 18 ft. reach dual boom set. These booms fold upon
themselves for better weight distribution and the ability to push itself in
difficult ground situation. With a 35-ton payload capacity, it is very
productive on short and long skidding distances. Thanks to the small loading
time and the excellent steering ability, it is also an effective and safe
complement to grapple yarder and highlead operations to reduce harvesting cost.
This innovative grapple skidder is a productive and economical solution to high
volume producers. The TG88D Track Clambunk skidder is powered by a 400 hp
Cummins QSM engine. The proven and reliable 100 percent hydrostatic drive
traction provides a huge 160,000 lbs. draw bar pull, exceptional maneuverability
and optimum driving speed for maximum productivity. Long 80.5” bogies and a
choice of track shoes from 28” to 60” wide allow low ground pressure and high
performance on soft grounds, deep snow and steep slopes. The robust TG loader
with a gear reduction swing box is controlled by state-of-the-art load sense
hydraulics for fast and smooth functions. With a load capacity of 35 tons, it is
essentially an off-road hauling truck for long skidding distances.
www.transgesco.com or
[email protected] Circle Reader
Service Card 161
balance
and traction and excellent ground clearance. Roller frames extend to the rear of
the machines to improve traction under uphill conditions and heavy loads while
wide track gauge helps provide side hill capability. Ground clearance is
enhanced with smooth belly pans and the absence of diagonal bracing to allow the
machines to move over debris and stumps with ease. Both models are powered by
4-cylinder Caterpillar 3304 engines, which employ direct injection and turbo
charging to create 120 net horsepower. 
to
get right next to the trees because of its small size and maneuverability. The
Forcat 2000 is equipped with an industrial type Onan 24 hp engine and a variable
flow hydrostatic transmission that allows the operator to work both tracks
independently for better traction and a 0° turn radius. Its 2.3 psi ground
impact also allows the operator to log in soft areas. The Forcat 2000 is
equipped with a powerful hydraulic winch, a hydraulic lift rear back plate, a
hydraulic lift front pile up blade, a fire extinguisher and four chokers. Every
accessory has a hydraulic floating position for better performance in all
situations. Circle Reader Service Card 151
tight
turns, and the long wheelbase and wide stance provide unmatched stability. It
has 117 SAE net hp, features Inboard, heavy-duty planetary final drives,
hydraulic locking, and 30-degree stop to stop front axle oscillation. The
548G-III offers the same features and the cab feels like home with a beverage
holder, coat hook and a cell-phone hook up. It weights 23,690, lbs. and has 117
SAE net hp. The 640G-III has 160 SAE net hp with direct-drive transmission and
171 SAE net horsepower with torque converter option. The 648G-III weighs 33,400
lbs, has 160 SAE net hp. It offers the best of both worlds in the powertrain,
with a new torque-converter option. The wide stance and long wheelbase provide
stability and the thicker articulation joint and optional heavy-duty axles
ensure performance in rugged terrain. The 748G-III weighs in at 34,309 lbs., and
has 171 SAE net hp. The oscillating front axle allows the wheels to "step over"
uneven terrain. The grapple tongs feature a box design to add strength without
the extra weight and three internal ribs on each tong enhance durability. The
848G-III weighs 38,350 lbs. with 180 net hp. And its single-stage torque
converter Powershift transmission automatically adjusts to changes in the ground
terrain. 
The
Q70 and Q80 are available as grapple skidders while the Q90 can be configured as
either a cable and grapple skidder. Winches and grapples are rear mounted and
hydraulically actuated. Standard features include Cummins engines, Franklin
transmissions and axles and Clark torque converters. A rubber mounted OPS, ROPS
& FOPS modular quad cab with the seat fixed at a 35° angle and a side mounted
console and full steering wheel with adjustable tilt and telescoping column are
also standard. For cable skidders, the winch controls are on a single lever
electric joystick. 
distribution,
torsion bar sprung suspension and high speed steel “live” track, the skidder has
the ability to skid timber on steep slopes, sensitive soils or wet. The KMC can
skid adverse 40 percent gradient and favorable slopes to 60 percent. It skids
areas of environmental concern with less soil compaction and site disturbance
than any other ground skidding equipment. The KMC 2600 is a versatile skidder
equipped with a swinging boom grapple able to pick up loads on either side of
the machine and well to the rear. It can help maneuver logs around standing
trees and be used to shift the weight of the machine when working on very soft
ground or steep slopes. Bringing the load forward onto the machine aids in
balancing the weight distribution, which results in better traction, greater
productivity and consistent low dynamic ground pressure.
Conference
to debut its SX-706 SB six wheel, swing boom skidder. The SX-706 SB offers a
swing boom with 140° of swing, a lift height of approximately 12 ft. and 15 ft.
of reach. The grapple has a 120” opening and 15 sq. ft. capacity. Powered by a
Cummins 6CTA 8.3L engine rated at 260 hp at 2200 rpm, the typical fuel
consumption is 5-8.5 gph. The rear wheel is on a bogie axle mounted directly to
the rear frame with drive motors mounted inside. And it has a proprietary
Silvatech hydraulic/mechanical interface with positive torque reaction. The
air-conditioned operator’s cab is ROPS/FOPS certified and includes a sound
suppression package that reduces noise to less that 80 DBA.
steady
pull and efficient maneuverability on soft ground or steep slopes, the Prentice
490 is a rugged, dependable and productive machine. Utilizing a torque converter
transmission, tough outboard planetary axles and a comfortable, no-nonsense cab
design, the 490 is designed with ease of operation and simple maintenance in
mind. The 490 is equipped with a standard Cummins QSB 173 hp engine and offers
the choice of outboard planetary axels with either no-spin or mechanical locking
differentials for 30.5 x 32 tires or optional 30.5 x 32 and dual configurations.
Single arch or dual arch configurations are available with a choice of bunching
or sorting head grapples with capacities ranging from 9 sq. ft. to 13.2 sq. ft.
and weight limits from 1,780 lbs. to 2,300 lbs.
drivelines,
torque converters and transmissions are configured specifically for skidders,
resulting in very durable machines. Ranger offers skidders in both grapple and
cable configurations. Both lines come with several key specifications, including
Cummins engines, head-to-toe keel-shaped belly guards, on-the-go differential
locks and Clark powershift transmissions. The grapple configuration features
heads with 360° grapple rotation. Winch configurations include a large-drum
capacity winch with 5/8”, 3/4” or 1” cable and line pull maximums ranging from
31,432 lbs. on Model F65C to 37,311 lbs. on the largest Model F68C. Maximum line
speeds range from 260 ft./min. on Model F68C to 385 ft./min on Models H66DSC-II
and H67C-II respectively. 
terrain
and high production applications. The 630C pulls large, heavy loads with reduced
drag resistance and increased payloads. The 240 hp Cummins QSC8.3 Tier II engine
is totally isolated from the hydraulic components with easy maintenance access —
the front hood enclosure tilts forward, exposing three sides of the engine and
providing a large work platform. The cab tilts as well, providing access to the
hydrostatic pump stack, motors and driveline. The 630C uses Parker’s IQAN
electronic control technology to govern all machine functions. Benefits include
integrated troubleshooting, simplified maintenance and repair with no hydraulic
pilot lines and variable engine rpm for reduced fuel consumption. The
hydrostatic drive system allows a smooth ride with no gear shifting. Inside the
cab, the seat and joystick controls are rotated 40° to the right for reduced
neck strain and an improved view. Grapple and arch functions are controlled by
one joystick. 
equipped
with the 6-cylinder John Deere 6068T engine, can be configured as cable skidders
with the Timberjack 4000 winch standard and the 6000 optional on the 460D. The
sealed winch units include a wetdisc clutch and brake and pressurized
lubrication. With standard equipment, operating weight for the 360D is 22,780
lbs with 23.1 x 26 tires yielding a ground pressure of 7.4 psi. The standard
460D operates at 30,025 lbs. with 30.5 x 32 tires and a ground pressure at 8.0
psi. Loads balance with front-to-back weight distribution that keeps traction on
the front tires and four axel configurations equipped with hydraulic lock
differentials are available to match tire and ground conditions. Grapple
configurations are also available on the 360D, 460D and 560D. The largest in
this series of articulated skidders, the 560D is powered by a John Deere 6081H,
6-cylinder engine. With a single arch grapple it weighs 33,335 lbs. while the
dual arch brings the weight in at 34,309 lbs. Grapples available for this series
have 360-degree continuous rotation and closed-center load-sensing hydraulics to
maintain constant pressure on the tongs. The 660D, the largest machine in the
line-up, has an extra-long wheelbase and the power and size to skid large loads
over long distances with no hang-ups. It is available in a cable configuration
with the Timberjack 6000 winch or as grapple skidder. The cast-steel dual
function grapple continuously rotates 360-degrees and opens to 130 in.
skidder
and now that a heavyduty bogie axle has become available, they are now ready to
market the TS 620 E. This skidder has a 6-wheel dual arch design with continuous
rotation 25 sq. ft. grapple and 300 hp engine. One of the most unique features
is the large operator cab with a power rotating seat and controls. This allows
the operator to never have to turn around because forward can be either
direction. Hydraulics and engine service points are designed with easy access
for maintenance and the hydrostatic wheel drive features dual 160 Rexroth drive
motors. 
traction
of the TG88D clambunk skidder plus the advantages of a gigantic 45 sq. ft.
grapple mounted on an 18 ft. reach dual boom set. These booms fold upon
themselves for better weight distribution and the ability to push itself in
difficult ground situation. With a 35-ton payload capacity, it is very
productive on short and long skidding distances. Thanks to the small loading
time and the excellent steering ability, it is also an effective and safe
complement to grapple yarder and highlead operations to reduce harvesting cost.
This innovative grapple skidder is a productive and economical solution to high
volume producers. The TG88D Track Clambunk skidder is powered by a 400 hp
Cummins QSM engine. The proven and reliable 100 percent hydrostatic drive
traction provides a huge 160,000 lbs. draw bar pull, exceptional maneuverability
and optimum driving speed for maximum productivity. Long 80.5” bogies and a
choice of track shoes from 28” to 60” wide allow low ground pressure and high
performance on soft grounds, deep snow and steep slopes. The robust TG loader
with a gear reduction swing box is controlled by state-of-the-art load sense
hydraulics for fast and smooth functions. With a load capacity of 35 tons, it is
essentially an off-road hauling truck for long skidding distances.
