Tractor based operations
Wesnet services when selecting a tractor for use in its woodland management operation took the decision that small was best. with this in mind we purchased a compact tractor from RIKO Uk suppliers of the alpine and tractor range and know supplying the Carraro and AGT range of tractors. This unit not only provides ample power but has a low ground impact and is able to access confined spaces such as coppice areas.
The unit chosen is a 35hp front steer tractor of the Quad design. it is fitted with a logging blade for moving timber and other objects out the way.
With this unit we are able to carry out a range of operations including:
- Ride and Paddock management
- timber extraction
- fencing operations
We have a 1.5m flail mower for the tractor which provides the perfect solution for ride and small paddock management. this is especially suited to smaller sites, or soft ground where a larger machine would be unsuitable.
Since purchase the flail mover has mostly been employed within the woodland we manage, for ride and open grass management, it is able to cope with the full range of grass and scrub species up to about 1 inch it is also employed as a bracken roller as it has less impact of other ground vegetation.
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| Compact tractor and 1.5m flail | Work commencing on and overgrowing area of grassland |
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| Before work begins 1.5m bracken choking open grassland | Site after mowing |
When purchasing the tractor we also bought a compact forwarder to allow easy removal of timber from restricted sites such as hazel coppice. since the purchase of this equipment it has proved a major asset allowing fast removal of lager diameter timber as well as the coppices products. We have also carried out contract work for the Forestry Commission in the New Forest as part of the Life III project, restoring the riverine habitats of the forest. Our job was to remove small length birch and scots pine from important and wet sites near Homsley camp site. In the 11 day of work we where able to remove about 150 tones of timber from the 2 sites allowing other works to be carried out without restriction.
Timber extraction
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| The tractor and forwarder at work in our own wood, also showing the logging blade |
When purchasing the tractor we also bought a compact forwarder to allow easy removal of timber from restricted sites such as hazel coppice. since the purchase of this equipment it has proved a major asset allowing fast removal of lager diameter timber as well as the coppices products.
We have also carried out contract work for the Forestry Commission in the New Forest as part of the Life III project, restoring the riverine habitats of the forest. Our job was to remove small length birch and scots pine from important and wet sites near Homsley camp site. In the 11 day of work we where able to remove about 150 tones of timber from the 2 sites allowing other works to be carried out without restriction.
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| With 150kg weight our unit will even cope with flints with clay. |
We have Just purchased a hydraulic post drive for the tractor which allows us to carry out fencing operations much faster.
The machine is of the inline design allowing access to restricted fence lines.
The unit bosts a 150kg weight and 3 way hydralic control. with easy operation from 1 valve chest making any adjustments quick and easy.