Oliver or White log skidder?

[Merlin in Rushford]

Hello!
Another beautiful, warm, sunny winter day here in SEMN! On my walk home from the IGA this morning, I stopped to look at an older ('60's-'70's?) vintage John Deere log skidder. There is no model number on it, but it appears to have a Deere 4-cylinder diesel engine. Also, it looks like the machine is built largely from ag-tractor components, ie axles, transmission, engine, console and so-forth from a 3020 or 4020. It made me wonder: did Oliver or White Industrial ever build a log-skidder, or experiment with a concept/prototype for one? One could be built rather easily from 1850 or 1950 diesel tractor components. The closest thing White has is a 4-210 with a 4110 dozer blade (just needs a winch and tree-guards). Perhaps Oliver/White tried to market crawler tractors for this purpose. What are your thoughts? We see a lot of log-skidders around here. Enjoy a safe and Blessed close to your 2011!
Merlin in Rushford, MN

 

[oliver fan]

Yes they did.

In 1970 the White Construction Equipment (WCE) A division of White Motor Corporation built the White 2-78-LL and the 4-78-LL tractors. The LL stands for Log Loader.
The basic tractor was a 1650/1655 industrial tractor with some modifications. The fuel tank was removed and the operators station was turned 180 degrees. Then they mounted a special loader so it worked on what was now the front of the tractor. The fuel tank and hydraulic tank was mounted just ahead of the operator. There was a hydraulic winch mounted on the rear, just back of the radiator. It was called a log lugger and only worked on a four wheel (4-78) tractor. I would think you would need a good load on the loader so you would have traction all the way around.

I have never see one of these units, I am describing this tractor from the WCE advertising brochure printed in 1970.

I am glad you didn't ask about the White industrial tractors with hydraulic sidebooms or the White Beach Maintence System.

 

[Oliver88pa]

Why do you say that Oliver fan? Not to get off topic but I am.
On topic that would be cool if White actually made an articulating skidder with a detroit in it. I'm sure they would have compete with Timberjack and JD for sure...

 

[Merlin in Rushford]

Thank you for the information!
The skidder I was looking at here in town is a Deere 540. I have never seen pictures of the White Log Loader, although I have seen 2-78 and 4-78 Industrials with loaders, backhoes and forklifts. Could you please post a photograph of the White log loader, if you have one? Thank you! Enjoy a Blessed day!
Merlin in Rushford, MN

 

[Tramway Guy]

While I was traveling in Southwest Michigan about 25 years ago, I saw a home-built articulated skidder that somebody made up out of two 77 or 88 tractors. It had one engine and two transmissions. PTO was connected to a winch on the back, and it had a blade on the front. I took some pictures, will look to see if I still have them.