Skidders
Small But Highly Productive Machine
Over the years, technology has made agricultural operations a lot easier. There are several tractors used for different purposes. Amongst these many tractors is the skidder. The skidders are popularly known as equipments used in forestry or agriculture. They are compact, heavy-duty truck used for a variety of purposes with different applications. They come in different sizes, which fits demanding operation.
In forestry or agricultural worksite, the skidder is typically used to transport logs from the felling area to any destination it is required. It does this function on any given terrain with speed and power. It is built in such a way that it balances whatever it carries despite the fact that the weight of what it takes is not evenly distributed on the tractor. This shows how efficient the machine is in getting work done. So whether an operator wants to pile up logs or arrange them in rows, the skidder is the perfect equipment to be used.
How The Skidder Operates
The operation of a skidder is straightforward as long as the operator understands the rudiments of tractors operations. What this implies is that the performance level of the machine is dependent on how adept the operator is because the machine is already built to operate at the highest level.
They are built to serve short distance skidding exercise. This is the way to get the best out of the machine. Once they are employed on longer distance, much time and fuel are consumed to carry out operations.
Skidders take multiple trips to get work done because of their low payloads. These trips even require the maintenance of the trails given that they carry heavy materials, and the weight affects the terrain and slows the machine down. Outside of this, the machine is perfect for forest or agricultural operations.
Some Popular Types of Skidders
Skidders come in three different types and sizes. As a result, contractors have enough option to choose from. A plus to this is the fact that they are not expensive and are versatile. The very popular skidders types include:
- A cable Skidder – This type of skidder is very comfortable to use for operators. They are used to remove logs and trees from steep terrain. This is done using the wrapping logs or woods to be moved with the cables. They are very efficient in removing trees on hilly terrains.
- A grapple Skidder – The grapple skidder is said to be the most productive type of skidders. It is capable of picking more than one log at a time. This is a significant reason it is preferred as compared to the cable skidder.
- A forwarder – The forwarder is a relatively unpopular type of skidder. Some people do not consider it as a skidder, but it performs all functions of a skidder, so it can be regarded as one.
If a contractor is in the market for logging and forestry equipment and has not added the skidder to the list of equipments, this omission would adversely affect the success of the project.