“I used to run a Prentice but it was never set up to run the circle saw efficiently. I switched to Barko because they offered a great circle saw package over 20 years ago. I’ve stayed with Barko ever since because they’ve continued to develop great products and they know what they are doing. The 295ML that I purchased last is the 4th Barko I have purchased. I’m very satisfied with the efficiency of their loaders. The dual pumps save you a lot of time. You can take one off and put it back on in about an hour which makes it easier if you need to change anything or make an adjustment. The 295 is also very fuel efficient. We get about 24 loads on 68 gallons of fuel or roughly three gallons per hour. Everything else we were using was burning between 5 and 6 gallons an hour.”

David Parrish – Parrish Pulpwood, Inc.

“I really like the 495ML EPIC. The EPIC controls have a lighter feel and require less force to use. I could really feel the difference, reducing the fatigue in my hands and knees. It’s a lot smoother overall than other loaders I have operated. It’s nice to have the extra speed and power the EPIC offers when you need it, but I especially appreciate the Economy Mode and Auto-Throttle features. 20% fuel savings really adds up!”

Brad Rootkie - Central Pine Lumber Company

“We’ve had great luck with our Barko 495ML. It’s very fuel efficient and reliable. And it feels real smooth when you operate it. We’ve had the 495ML for a little over a year. So far it has over 2,000 hours on it and we haven’t had any problems. The cab is really quiet, very comfortable and the climate control is great. It’s just a great machine in every way. We would definitely buy another.”

Arthur Stout – Northern Timber Industry

“What I like most about my Barko 495ML Magnum and my 595ML Magnum is the speed and strength. You can turn out loads faster. I get about 3 ½ to 4 gallons of fuel per hour compared to my Prentice which burns between 5 and 6. I really like the new cab. It has more room, is very comfortable, you can see a lot more and the controls are laid out better. Barko service and dealers have been real good. If you have problems, they come out and work with you.”

Kevin Harrison – Harrison Logging, Inc.

“I tried the 295ML Magnum and like it so much I bought a 595ML Magnum. Barko Loaders are more fuel efficient, more powerful, and have a lot of speed. And that’s important when you get paid by the load. We usually get more than 20 hours per tank. The 595ML Magnum is more durable. We just haven’t had many problems with it. Barko has bent over backwards anytime we’ve needed them. The cab is comfortable and real quite. It’s easy to operate. We’ve owned Huskies and Prentice Loaders before. A Barko costs a little more, but you’re getting more loader. With a Barko, you get what you pay for and with the gas efficiency and the service, it pays you back quickly.”

Quinton Hill – Quinton Hill Logging

“I bought ½ the acreage of a dairy farm close to my parents. The property had really been let go. I tried bigger and bigger tractors, bulldozers but just wasn’t getting it done. So I brought in some people with these logging tractors that had been converted to mulchers and they were able to give me what I wanted within a week time versus the months it had taken me on my days off. I was so impressed I decided to buy one of these machines and start a second career as a land clearing/mulching business clearing for pipelines and private land owners. I’m not one to sit on the porch. I started out with a converted Hydro-Ax, but since it was a logging tractor that had been converted, it just didn’t have the power I needed to get the job done and it wasn’t balanced right. I looked at a Tiger Cat too, but ended up buying the Barko 930 with the 305 horsepower since it was engineered solely for the type of work we do. The machines that have to be converted just don’t cut it. We own 2 Barko’s now. We have a proactive dealer with really intelligent and knowledgeable mechanics. And we have had access to Barko engineers for technical application advice. That’s a big asset to me. “

Michael Horn – Hornco, LLC

“We looked at other brands, but chose the Barko 930. The 930 is easy to operate and maneuver and uses less fuel than my Tiger Cat. The power and maneuverability is really the best fit for my needs. We clear right of way for pipelines so the 305 horsepower really makes a difference. The cab is sealed very well. This keeps the dust out which is very important if you have allergies like me. It also helps keep the heat and the air inside and cuts down on the noise level. Overall, the cab is quieter and more comfortable. I really like the personal service I get from the dealer and from Barko. I currently own 1 Tiger Cat and 3 Barko’s and am in the process of buying my 4th Barko.”

Melvin Henkin – Thicket Land Clearing

“We do a lot of right of way clearing for oil and gas companies. Our business prides itself on its fast response and focus on customer service. Initially, we went with the Barko because of the availability at the dealership. Basically, they always had them on the lot. We kept using Barko because of the durability. Our Barko machines are constantly running day in and day out in probably the hardest applications we have. They have held up better than any other piece of equipment we have owned. When we have needed service, the dealer and Barko have been very responsive and gave us individual attention. Barko just keeps making improvements that make their machines better and better. They have great visibility, their cab is comfortable and we are very satisfied with the climate controls. The 885c (replaced by the 930) is very fuel efficient compared to some of the older 885’s we have had. Typically we burn a tank a day, with the new one it’s a tank every 2 days. ”

Erin Kelly – Cedar Shark

“The Barko 930 was designed with mulching in mind. It has a bigger hydraulic cooling system. The reverse fans prevent a lot of damage to the radiator caused by debris.  The 930 was designed as a mulcher, not a forestry or tree cutting machine that can be converted into a mulcher. This machine is built and designed to do the job you need it to do. And the AC in this makes the Barko cab the most comfortable on the market.

Barko stands behind their products with the best warranty out there. I’ve worked closely with Barko engineers for two years to make sure that the machine is able to do what it is supposed to. We are a dealer and we test them. I’ve run every one of them. To me, Barko is top of the line. When you start looking at horsepower per dollar, Barko by far is the best buy.

If I could choose one company to deal with it would be Barko.”

Lynn Hendrix – Lynn Hendrix Truck & Equipment Sales

“We originally chose the Barko because it came with a mulcher head and it was made for exactly the type of work we do, land clearing. All in all it’s been a really great experience owning this one. The size of the Barko 930 is perfect for the type of work I do. It has so much more maneuverability on the job site than other tractors and is well balanced. Visibility was the biggest selling point for me. When you’re clearing, you’ve got be able to see to be safe. There’s nothing I can’t see from inside the 930 cab. I can see the bottom of the head, the top of the bar, and both sides. The harness belt keeps you more secure than a single strap across the waist. Sometimes we cut on the side of hills. The Barko 930 comes standard with a shoulder harness. This keeps you more secure in seat than a single strap across the waist. I’m in the cab sometimes 8 to 10 hours a day and I don’t feel beat up like I used to in other machines. The climate controls are excellent! I can get it 55 degrees in the cabin if I need to. I love the stereo system. How many machines come with an AM/FM & CD player standard? They really thought of everything when they designed the 930. I just can’t say enough about it. Actually, I even brag about it."

Carl Hollenback – Asplundh Brush Control

“My father owned a Barko and he liked it so much that I bought a Barko 160A. I have never had any major problems with it and just perform regular maintenance. If I ever need a part, the dealer usually has it in stock. Barko’s been good to us so when it comes time to buy another machine, it will be a Barko. I’m glad to see that they brought the orange color back. It really looks great.”

Randy Blalock – Blalock Logging

“I’m a fourth generation logger and the owner of Small Time Logging in Wildesboro. We specialize in residential land clearing and prefer the Barko 160A to competitors because of its ability to get into tight spaces. It’s a niche that we have really been able to thrive in. Over the years, I’ve tried different machines, but I just couldn’t do what I could do with the Barko. The Barko gives you more power when you need it, which allows you tackle more with less equipment. I have been most impressed with the performance and durability of these machines. Overall, the Barko 160A is a big bang in a small package.”

Jonathan Niten – Small Time Logging