Kubota SVL 75-2

A skid loader, skid steer, track loader, CTL, the workhorse of the tree industry goes by many names, but one thing is for sure, the machine is a swiss army knife of the equipment world!

The options are endless when deciding on a machine to accompany your tree service. Not only are there numerous brands, but each brand has many different configurations and sizes to choose from. It takes a considerable amount of time to dial in exactly what you need to accomplish the job and often compromises need to be made. The goal is to find a tool that checks as many of the boxes as possible, all without losing out on key features.

There are 2 chassis sizes that tree companies choose between. The Mini Skid is small and nimble, fitting through gates and alleyways, but it offers less operator comfort and protection. With the downfall of operator comfort comes the beneficial ease of access. There is no cab to crawl into before operating the machine, so the change between running a chainsaw and operating is just a few steps away. Mini’s are traditionally smaller and less powerful than a full frame machines. Sure there are exceptions to that rule, but the standard-size mini has a tipping load of around 1000 lbs. Sounds like a lot of weight, but when you are staring down a 5-foot diameter cottonwood trunk you need all the lifting capacity you can find!

The full-sized machines also come in many different sizes but share the common trait of having a ROPS, or Roll Over Protection System. size comparison happens quickly when picking out a machine. 40-horsepower machines come in a smaller and lighter chassis but can lack the oomph to move large amounts of material, but on the other end of the spectrum, 135-horsepower beasts lumber around a yard and tear up lawns with their incredible weight. We landed on the larger size of the spectrum with the SVL-75, sitting at 75 horsepower and about 10,000 pounds of total weight. 75 horsepower is enough to run the high-flow hydraulics demanded by brush mowers and stump grinders, but it comes in a smaller chassis, allowing us to access more yards. With a tipping weight of around 6500 pounds, we can defeat the largest trunks, moving and lifting to where they need to go.

Next on the comparison list is Tracked vs Wheeled machines. Wheeled machines offer faster ground speed, cheaper initial cost, and significantly less maintenance. One might think that a wheeled machine would be nicer on lawns as well, but the opposite is true. All the weight of a wheeled machine is resting on 4 small contact points, dragging across the lawn every time you make a turn. Lawn damage, as well as available traction, is why we landed on the tracked machine. We also optioned for the wide track model, bringing our ground pressure down to a measly 4.7psi. The low ground pressure allows us to float over muddy ground, but more importantly, lets a 10,000lb machine not rut up a nice lawn! Tracks also have the added benefit of stability, there is no bouncing from a tire to worry about when moving large pieces of wood, and the surefootedness lets the machine work on steeper slopes while brush cutting.

If you think our SVL-75 is right for your tree project, stop barking up the wrong tree, Text or Call us today! 320-321-3677