Lane Shark or Hardee Brush Tiger users

[CGMKCM]

I have a couple miles of trails through the woods that need to have trees uplimbed or pruned a couple of times per year. I also have 12 acres of fields that are tree lined and the trees need to have the same.

I am thinking about buying one of the two products listed in the title. I have watched Utube videos on both products but it looks like the users shown in the videos are sent equipment to try out and review. I am looking for feedback from actual users. Will the Lane Shark overheat my hydraulic system on my HST tractor? Are both products built well, any breakage problems, cost to maintain etc.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I have a couple miles of trails through the woods that need to have trees uplimbed or pruned a couple of times per year. I also have 12 acres of fields that are tree lined and the trees need to have the same.

I am thinking about buying one of the two products listed in the title. I have watched Utube videos on both products but it looks like the users shown in the videos are sent equipment to try out and review. I am looking for feedback from actual users. Will the Lane Shark overheat my hydraulic system on my HST tractor? Are both products built well, any breakage problems, cost to maintain etc.

Never used either but they will most definitly raise the oil temperature in your tractor. How much and how problematic that is depends on lots of variables like duty cycle snd ambient temperatures. Both would probably benefit from the fitment of an external oil cooler.

Dan

 

[GreensvilleJay]

There's another 'thread' about huge installation problems with a Lameshark.......Seems like weeks of ''try this, that,maybe this?' NO online support like wiring diagrams,parts list, etc.

Adding an oil cooler in the return line is a good idea provided to KEEP IT CLEAN.....

 

[TheOldHokie]

Never used either but they will most definitly raise the oil temperature in your tractor. How much and how problematic that is depends on lots of variables like duty cycle snd ambient temperatures. Both would probably benefit from the fitment of an external oil cooler.

Dan

Should have checked before runnimg my mouth. The Brush Tiget has ots own hydrsulic power pack - no heating isdues with it.


Dan

 

[GreensvilleJay]

went to Hardee's website. THEY have a GREAT installation system compared to the nightmare the laneshark has !! Just a quik look but much nicer.
Since their hydraulic system is self contained, NO problem swapping machine between different tractors, NO fear of mixing oils, or heat going to YOUR tractor.

 

[number two]

At almost twice the price!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I didn't look at the price, was focused on the 'engineering' aspects of it. I can 'see' it being $1000 more for the PTO pump and hoses.
If I actually needed one, I'd consider borrowing or, ugh, renting a 'trim dozer' for a week. Get RID of the offending greenery.

 

[Smokeydog]

Similar issues on a larger scale. I have used a hydraulic polesaw to clear limbs. Needed for larger, higher limbs. Low heat, low flow compatibility.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I didn't look at the price, was focused on the 'engineering' aspects of it. I can 'see' it being $1000 more for the PTO pump and hoses.
If I actually needed one, I'd consider borrowing or, ugh, renting a 'trim dozer' for a week. Get RID of the offending greenery.

A thousand dollars barely buys the pump.

Dan

 

[DVR]

I have a lane shark. My mx5400 is plumbed for it.
I broke the output stub shaft a couple of years ago. Lane shark sent me an updated shaft and blade carrier. I haven't had any other problems. I often run it for well over an hour in the middle of SC.
It's an awesome tool. You just need to keep in mind it's not a forestry mulcher.
It best to not consider it a land clearing tool, rather a land maintaining tool.
It does a much better job on "soft" wood than "hard" wood species.
If they still set them up for SSQA and JD make sure you cut off the JD top "hooks" or they will hit your curl cylinders.

I have no association or allegance to LS. I will be glad to answer questions.
I've had mine for about 3 years. Probably ~50hrs on the LS.

 

[CGMKCM]

I have a lane shark. My mx5400 is plumbed for it.
I broke the output stub shaft a couple of years ago. Lane shark sent me an updated shaft and blade carrier. I haven't had any other problems. I often run it for well over an hour in the middle of SC.
It's an awesome tool. You just need to keep in mind it's not a forestry mulcher.
It best to not consider it a land clearing tool, rather a land maintaining tool.
It does a much better job on "soft" wood than "hard" wood species.
If they still set them up for SSQA and JD make sure you cut off the JD top "hooks" or they will hit your curl cylinders.

I have no association or allegance to LS. I will be glad to answer questions.
I've had mine for about 3 years. Probably ~50hrs on the LS.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: A thousand dollars barely buys the pump.

yeesh what kind of pump ?
I can buy a 540 PTO pump, 2500PSI, 21GPM for 600 canucks but hardee charges $2700 USD !!
They also list the hydraulic motor(no specs...) for $2500 !!

 

[TheOldHokie]

re: A thousand dollars barely buys the pump.

yeesh what kind of pump ?
I can buy a 540 PTO pump, 2500PSI, 21GPM for 600 canucks but hardee charges $2700 USD !!
They also list the hydraulic motor(no specs...) for $2500 !!

They are not using Princess Auto qullty components. A commercial quality cast iron PTO pump from a name brand OEM like Prince is about $1200 and they are on the less expensive end. Plus Hardee is not using an agricultural style pump - I expect its even more expensive. Take a look at some pictures.

Add to that a heavy duty box steel 3pt hitch skid frame, 30-40 gallon steel reservoir, electric oil cooler, and a bunch of 1" plus hydraulic hose, fittings, and couplers.

I build hydraulic kits and I understand component costs and how quickly they add up. Pump cost is usually a small percentage of the total. if i were building it myself I would be budgeting $3-4K minimum just for parts and materials.

The expectation you could buy a commercial hydraulic power pack like that for $1000 is total fantasy.

Dan

 

[CGMKCM]

I have a lane shark. My mx5400 is plumbed for it.
I broke the output stub shaft a couple of years ago. Lane shark sent me an updated shaft and blade carrier. I haven't had any other problems. I often run it for well over an hour in the middle of SC.
It's an awesome tool. You just need to keep in mind it's not a forestry mulcher.
It best to not consider it a land clearing tool, rather a land maintaining tool.
It does a much better job on "soft" wood than "hard" wood species.
If they still set them up for SSQA and JD make sure you cut off the JD top "hooks" or they will hit your curl cylinders.

I have no association or allegance to LS. I will be glad to answer questions.
I've had mine for about 3 years. Probably ~50hrs on the LS.

On my tractor I already have the Kubota 3rd function kit with sump drain. My understanding is, I would need to purchase and install the electrical switch assy. offered through LS for proper operation.

Did you already have 3rd function on your tractor? Is this how you are set up? Is your mx5400 HST? Does your loader operate well with the LS?

I was in touch with LS and they stated that excessive heat would only be a problem if my 3rd function did not return to sump. Something about restrictions causing heat build up.
Thanks!

 

[TheOldHokie]

On my tractor I already have the Kubota 3rd function kit with sump drain. My understanding is, I would need to purchase and install the electrical switch assy. offered through LS for proper operation.

Did you already have 3rd function on your tractor? Is this how you are set up? Is your mx5400 HST? Does your loader operate well with the LS?

I was in touch with LS and they stated that excessive heat would only be a problem if my 3rd function did not return to sump. Something about restrictions causing heat build up.
Thanks!

Lane Shark seems to struggle with this issue. AFAIK none of the Kubota third functions return to sump. The 3rd function outlet goes to power beyond for downstream power to 3pt, rear remotes, backhoe, etc. If you plumb the Lane Shark return into the power beyond outlet the route to tank goes through all of those devices.

That said the Lane Shark return does not have to be plumbed into the 3rd function outlet. It can be plumbed directly to sump via the tank return on the loader valve. That minimizes return restrictions and eliminates the possibilty of deadheading the rotating mass of the mower but it comes at the cost at the cost of loosing all use of 3pt and any other downstream valves/outlets when the LS is connected AND running. When the Lane Shark motor is OFF everything behaves as usual.

You DO NOT need their switch. All you need is a way to hold the the the third function on and a simple toggle switch wired into one side of the the 3rd function circuit will do that.

Dan

 

[GreensvilleJay]

FYI the Princess Auto PTO pumps are made by Anfield in Georgia,USA
I was pricing JUST the pump ,not the 'power package', though that'd be easy IF hardee posted actual part numbers.

 

[TheOldHokie]

FYI the Princess Auto PTO pumps are made by Anfield in Georgia,USA
I was pricing JUST the pump ,not the 'power package', though that'd be easy IF hardee posted actual part numbers.

Great. You can put a "quality" PTO pump on the tractor for $600. You are still a very long way from anything close to that power pack.

Dan

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Please post all the manufacturer's part numbers for the 'power pack' unit so I can accurately price from my suppliers. It's the only way to compare 'apples to apples'.

 

[DVR]

On my tractor I already have the Kubota 3rd function kit with sump drain. My understanding is, I would need to purchase and install the electrical switch assy. offered through LS for proper operation.

Did you already have 3rd function on your tractor? Is this how you are set up? Is your mx5400 HST? Does your loader operate well with the LS?

I was in touch with LS and they stated that excessive heat would only be a problem if my 3rd function did not return to sump. Something about restrictions causing heat build up.
Thanks!

I have a third function on my mx5400. I think it is the wr long brand as that is what my dealer typically uses.
It has an additional return for lane shark plumbed to the sump. (3 total hydro fittings with 3rd function fittings included).
I have the lane shark "switch" in the cab. It's a bulky 3 button switch box. You have to press two to engage and 1 to turn off flow. I'd prefer one on/off switch but I'm sure it's a safety precaution.
My mx5400 is hst and the loader works fine with LS running.
3pt hitch does not. You can lower but not lift. To gain lift the LS needs to be shut off. I try to cheat and run bush hog at same time as LS which imo isn't a great idea.

My MX5400 was purchased new with 3rd function and LS stuff installed prior to delivery.

The LS is a huge time saver for me. I trim my roads (~4 miles) and food plots twice a year. If I were doing it by hand about 75% of that likely wouldn't get done.

 

[DVR]

FWIW- when running the LS you are pretty focused on the LS. So, other parts of the tractor might get run into some stuff you'd normally avoid.
I would not want a rear pump and lines running from the rear.

I also like to have some weight on the back which a power pack might make difficult or impossible. I'll typically shut down the LS and bush hog the trimmed limbs. the go back to running the LS.

Hope that helps.
Bottom line- it's very useful and worth the $ to me.