The Awassos MD 60C articulated mini-skidder is ideal for low impact forestry and selective cutting (thinning) operations.
The MD 60C looks very similar to the conventional skidders used in forestry. It is smaller, lighter and narrower, w
hich enables easier manoeuvring between trees as well as less soil impacts. The mini skidder is ideally suited to thinning operations. It also has a much lower price tag (less than Canadian $100,000, FOB factory) which makes it accessible to smaller landowners and contractors. It is possible to transport it with a pick-up truck and trailer when it needs to be moved to new felling areas.
It uses various recognised engine brands and has a three speed manual transmission with a two speed transfer gearbox (i.e. six forward gears). Diesel consumption is very low, ranging from two to three litres (.35 to .53 US gal) per machine hour.
A joystick operates the steering, winch and front blade functions. The MD 60C has a 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) winch with a 30 m (100 ft) 7/16 cable (longer cable optional). It has a winching speed of 19.8 m/min (65 feet/min). It also has a manual locking differential.
It has a remote control that allows the operator to run the winch from either inside the cab or at the choking area for a one man operation. It is even possible to turn off the engine when the operator leaves the skidder to choke and then start it again via the remote control when the operator is ready to winch in. The winch can be stopped or started via remote control at any time. Some of the other key specifications are included in the table below.
| Engine power | 50.7 kW (68 hp)50.7 kW (68 hp)50.7 kW (68 hp)50.7 kW (68 hp) |
| Engine size | 3.3 litre |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 litres (22.5 gal) |
| Weight | 4,200 kg (9,240 lb) |
| Ground clearance | 508 mm (20”) |
| Max turning radius | 4,000 mm (157.5”) |
| Max articulation | 40 degrees |
| Tyres | 14.9 x 24 (option of 500/60 x 22.5) |
| Max speed | High gear – 20 km/hr (12 mph) Low gear – 10 km/hr (6 mph) |
| Cab | ROPS, OPS and FOPS approved |
| Maximum slope (manufacturer) | Up to 70% (with a steep slope oil pan) |
| Approximate load size | 2,300 kg (5000 lbs) |
Source: www.awassos.com/mini_skidder