Big John Truck Mounted Tree Transplanters

Big John is the clear leader in the industry because of the rugged durability, ease of maintenance, and superior design.

Big John Transplanters are built with tree survival in mind. All models employ curved, die formed, spoon shaped blades. This superior design enables the operator to dig a root ball so that maximum root mass is taken. Unlike machines that dig in a straight "V" design, the Big John travels vertically through the root zone and curves to join together in a round shaped ball.

Big John Truck Mounted Tree Transplanters are installed on your suitable chassis at the plant in Heber Springs Arkansas.  The installation includes trimming and boxing your truck frame, the cab rack, water tank and pump, Power Take Off configured precisely to your transmission, and all hydraulics including the pump. In short, the unit mounted on your truck complete and operational. 

Should you wish, we can assist you in locating a good new or used truck. We have several sources with whom we work all of whom are very familiar with the needs of our customers and provide very competitive prices.

                                                Contact us for additional information.

 Transplanter Specifications

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Truck Specifications for Big John Truck Mounted Tree Transplanters

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1. Model 45
2. Model 55
3. Model 65
4. Model 80
5. Model 90

We suggest the cab to axle specifications as the ideal. There are special considerations, such as a need for a short wheelbase for working in tight quarters--such as when a truck mount model is used for production digging (basketing trees).

Tandem axle trucks are required for the models 80C and 90C. Be certain that the tandem is a full twin screw. Tag axle trucks lack sufficient traction. Inter-axle differential lock is important. Side to side lock is a very beneficial option.

Either conventional or cab-over (tilt cab) are acceptable.
Tilt cab has the advantage of a tighter turning radius. Conventional cabs seem to have better traction.

Cab height should be considered from a standpoint of allowing the tree to be set down without damage to the trees canopy. In general, many prefer low cab heights such as I-H S series, F series Fords and The GM Top Kick. A longer frame length will tend to compensate for a higher cab.

Transmissions: Allison automatic transmissions work fine. The choices should be the MT-653 or MT-750 or Universal Series.* Manual transmissions should be geared low to provide adequate reduction in reverse. Ten and thirteen speed transmissions generally allow for adequate reduction in low and reverse. 

Frames: Frames should be double or reinforced. High tensile STEEL single frames are generally adequate. Frames will be trimmed and boxed behind the rear spring hanger as part of the installation process. Frame should be clear and not obstructed for 70 inches in front of the trunnion. Frames should not exceed 40 inches in height as measured 24" in front of the front tandems. (25 inches for model 45) NO ALUMINUM FRAMES.

Suspension: Standard Hendrickson walking beam seem to work the best. Rubber block do also. Air-ride type suspension is preferred by some, but they are a minority. NewWay air-rides are not suitable for tree spade installation. Rayco type suspension should be avoided as they do not do well in off road use.

Tires: Most find that radial tires with lug tread do very well. Bias-ply tires will also do an adequate job. Tire sizes for Model 55 and larger should be a minimum of 9:00x20.

IN REFERENCE TO TRUCK MOUNTED TRANSPLANTERS Additional cost

MODEL 45 Class 111 and 1V Trucks (1 TON) with AUTOMATIC + $1,000.00
Transmissions require Engine belt driven "WET" Kits.

All VOLVO Trucks with VOLVO Transmissions Require VOLVO- + $1,000.00
OEM Power take Off Drive Units.

*(The MT-653 series transmission requires a torque converter lock up kit manufactured by and installed by and authorized Detroit Diesel Allison vendor)

*(All Allison Universal Series or World Series transmissions require a "HOT SHIFT KIT" Power Take Off Engagement Kits. On these transmissions, the power take off drive unit mounts forward of the torque converter. It is driven by a spur gear on the flywheel which necessitates the special order PTO and " Hot shift kit") Additional cost...$1,000.00

NOTE: Engines with electronic throttle control require installation of remote throttle control by truck vendor. Engine must be computer programmed to recommended RPM setting.

Model 45

Minimum truck requirements:
10,000# GVW (Example: GMC 3500 or Ford F-350)
Preferred requirements:
15,000# GVW (Example: GMC H-D or Ford F-450, F-550) 
Cab to axle length: Minn. 80"-84" 
Transmission: Automatic transmissions require special equipment adding $1,000.00 to the cost of the machine. Most automatic 4X4 and all manual transmissions do not require special equipment.

NOTE: REAR MOUNTED FUEL CELLS WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE REAR SPRING HANGER WILL NOT WORK. FRAMES ARE TRIMMED BEHIND REAR SPRING HANGER.

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Model 55

Minimum GVW 24,500# (Single Axle Truck)
Axle rating front: 7000#
Axle rating rear: 17,5000#
Preferred rear: 19,500# 
Cab to axle 120"-124" Ideal (Minn. 101" w/ 250 H2O Tank)

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Model 65

Axle rating front: 12,000# (Tandem Axle Truck)
Axle rating rear: 34,000#
Cab to trunnion: 108"-138" (Minn. 96" w/ 250 gal H2O Tank)
single axle mounting-not recommended
Axle rating front 9,000# (Single Axle Truck)
Axle rating rear 23,000#
Cab to Axle 124"-138" (Minn. 101" w/ 250 H2O Tank)

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Model 80

Axle rating front: 12,000#
Axle rating rear: 34,000#
Preferred rear: 38,000#
Cab to trunnion: 156"-160"

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Model 90

Axle rating front: 12,000#
Axle rating rear: 38,000#
Cab to trunnion: 156"-180" 

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