Tractor First, Right?

Idk that I read either way: are you looking for new or used?
I've seen a lot of log trucks; pretty rare to see one that isn't abused and used up pretty badly. Just something to consider.

 

I wasn't making the leap to you buying a log loader: just wha I see specced for tractors that are appropriate for logging get pretty beat up pretty fast- so in your position id be hesitant to buy something especially nice just to see it bunged up quickly.

The nicest equipment I see is operated by the owners- and that stuff gets rebuilt pretty frequently because of incidents in the woods.

 

This, Sir, is a Heavy 3. The most used, most versatile truck known in the north. Run the bigroad. Run off-road. Run the ice roads. Run to Hell and brings you back so you can sit at the lunch counter and tell war stories to the cowardly.

Mr @HandLogger, you're probably going to buy the truck and put a driver in it. A Heavy 3 is a rugged truck. Very capable. But the off-road can be tough. You're going to need to find the right type of driver. A driver has to 'finesse' the truck. Easy on the controls. Easy on the drivetrain. Silky smooth. Otherwise, you will shatter leaf springs, break shocks, u bolts, hangers, crack wheels, twist driveshafts, snap pinions, grenade transmissions, and over rev engines.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

He's right. There are options tho. You can find a clean truck with the engine and transmission of your choice that's been on road, do a @superhauler conversion on it, and build and fortify it to your own personal specs. Or buy a heavy 3 that hasn't been ridden hard yet (get ready to dig deep in your pockets). The only way that I would do the Superhauler conversion is if I myself was planning to drive the truck.

Why?

The parts will no longer match the vin number. If you need a service and don't know the parts number,it gets even more expensive. I myself went the Superhauler way and built my own truck and know all the parts and numbers and whatnot, and so, if I need repairs, I can tell them stuff I know like the back of my hand. Shops nowadays prefer to experiment with your bank account and throw parts at trucks until they find a match (at the rate of $150/hr and $1.50/mile). I look, I diagnose, I call and order, I get it right the first time, I get charged only 1 roadside charge, I save tons of time and money.

 

Our road trains back home hauling iron ore were 18 speed with LL. But we were making 200+t move. We were off road on lining sites and the big Mack did it easy. 700HP 2600ft lbs torque. You would have to engage the tri drive and cross locks with LL and split every gear to not rip driveshafts out.

You have many different options. But you need to find one that works for your work. Sounds to me you need to find something that only does the bush work. Contract out loads from Florida.

No matter what truck you buy. Your driver is going to have to be high level otherwise you are going to need a BIG cheque book.

 

So you already know. LOL. This day and age, it is extremely difficult to find talent.

 

The Unpardonable Sin in HeavyHaul: Abusing the Equipment.

 

That is so true. I build a truck to MY specs! The high payed engineers say some of the stuff I do won't work. I prove them wrong alot and prove them right sometimes. You can't throw a steering wheel holder in a truck I have (modified) like six said, when it comes to ordering parts I go to MY parts book... there is no other book like it!