I could not agree more!!! I'm thinking I could build one with all new parts and purchased steel. for around 6k tops. but then I'd also have to buy a high flow skid loader with the 7 pin connector very good read thanx. I was not aware of that. good info!!!
The mini is a vermeer S800tx stand on track machine with 40 hp diesel. The HD grapple is used on a Bobcat Toolcat and Bobcat A300. Made a very high pitch ting noise when I broke the harden shaft pins. All back together and working great now. Picked up a telehandler last fall so looking for bigger grapple. It can lift 4 to 7 k lbs depending on reach. The processor I subbed was a Blockbuster 18-20. Works great on a certain size log. $70 and hour for processing. Thought that was cheap. Did have to run half the pile through the super split to make smaller pieces. Uniforest makes a scorpion grapple that looks nice and heavy.
here is a skid loader processor. you can see a few flaws in this design. like when the log doesn't drop into the splitter tray exactly perfect. it would be nice to be able to reach with your hand and rite the round. (shrug) I called this manufacturer a number of years ago. and they said it was either 30 or 40k for this splitter attachment. ALSO, you had to dedicate the skid loader to that attachment, because you have to change around the valves in the hyd system.
15 cord in 4 hours. Then three months to resplit with super split and put in totes. I had all the logs trimmed so no limbs or crotches. Just good logs. All I could do to keep up loading the processor with grapple.
That is also beating the machine to death when he shakes the processor to get the round so he can split it. That Hahn processor is really heavy too (2250). It would make a decent load without a log on it. http://www.hahnmachinery.com/firewood-processor/ More specs on this site SSP-160 Firewood Processor Here is a testimonial for the hahn. TimberLine Magazine Article - One Man and a Load of Firewood Produces Big Volume with New Hahn HFP160 Lol, I was thinking it may cost $7k to build a processor for a Skid Steer, so we are thinking the same on cost. The Halverson does not require high flow. The downside is it only does 15'' diameter logs. Skid Steer Log Splitter & Firewood Processor Here is a good read on considerations for building your own processor. 6K Products - Design Considerations
I agree 94Bullitt, That article by 6K products is very informative and right on track. Good read there for anyone wanting to learn about firewood processors.