Timber Framers Guild Forums General General Forum Questions Skidsteer to move timbers etc..

Looking at picking up a used skidsteer for around our timber and sawmill lot. How good are these things with long lengths of timber / logs? We like the idea of a dual purpose machine as it has forks and a bucket with it. Price is hard to beat.

Any experiences with moving long timbers with a skidsteer?

I frequently rent one for a day to unload a semi-load of timbers being delivered to the job site. It's much easier than moving my forklift from the shop. A larger sized tracked skidsteer is very powerful, compact and nimble, and also are easy to tote around. I would stay away from a wheeled skidsteer if you are going to do a lot of off-road work. Their downside is the lack of visibility, it can be a bit tricky when you are reaching up high to line things up. They have the same fork spacing as most forklifts and I have never had any issue moving 25' timbers around.

I use a tracked skidsteer for moving timbers at my shop. It works great, but I've also tipped it from lifing too many oak timbers.

All in all...each size has it place in these applications. The skill of the driver goes a long way in what can be logistically and effectively achieved during your work day. I do think you will be disappointed and with time will only get better...