How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar?

   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #1  
I

iplumb

Gold Member
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Apr 9, 2009
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333
Location
Mason MI.
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B2920
Hi guys. My log tongs are due to arrive today :thumbsup: anyway I'm trying to figure out the best way to hook them to my draw bar because they have a chain hook on them. I would like to keep the swivel. and I would like to keep them as close to the tractor as possible so I can lift the front of the logs. Thanks Swivel Grab Skidding Tongs | Log Skidding | Northern Tool + Equipment
 
   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar?
  • Thread Starter
#2  
Pictures of your set up would be appreciated. if you have one handy. Winch isn't in the budget:p
 
   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #3  
Clevis
 
   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #4  
Hook them onto the top hook of the quick hitch (mine is iMatch).
 

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   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #5  
Hi sir. If you use that kind of hook to pull logs ALWAYS be carefull because the higher you will put your 3 pts, the easier it will be to flip the tactor over if your log hit a stump, a stone, a solid root....( you flip over in less than 3/4 of a second so ,too fast to push the clutch or do anything.....ask me how I know ....luckily the tractor stalled when I was looking at the sky (where I was going with the angels) , it is so fast you cannot imagine) There is logging winch that are safer ( I have a Farmi), the lower blade protects the end of your log when you pull....it is the best advise I can give you ...and use your ROP in case of. Good luck and BE SAFE .Roger
 
   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #6  
Perhaps not in your budget, but I would recommend a Log Arch. I purchased a Log Rite, but many others have made their own. The big thing with a Log Arch is safety. Like others have said, getting the tongs too high can cause your tractor to flip. One thing for sure, be sure your ROPS are up and you have your seat belt on.

Suggestion - go over to the Forestry Forum and see what people have done there. This is a great board, but the other specializes in logging.

Stay safe.
 
   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #7  
roger 4400
Calculate the speed of the tractor moving forward and the rotation time for the flip to happen. I've found that moving slow and steady, that the flip can't happen in less than a second. Moving fast forward however, is not a good idea. Carrying counterweight as FEL with added ballast in the bucket (although I usually work in the woods with the forks on the FEL)

I don't discount the fact that catching the log on an object as mentioned will cause the front end to raise. Awareness of those objects in the path is extremely important. As with anything, one can't just get on the tractor and "go". Things break and happen quickly. But have always had time to get off the hydro forward pedal, or put in the clutch, or dropped the 3 ph in plenty of time.

The OP wanted to raise the log when pulling and the risks of doing that all need to be considered. The added cost of a logging winch such as the Farmi were not in the cards for the OP.
 
   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #8  
beenthere said:
roger 4400
Calculate the speed of the tractor moving forward and the rotation time for the flip to happen. I've found that moving slow and steady, that the flip can't happen in less than a second.
The OP wanted to raise the log when pulling and the risks of doing that all need to be considered. The added cost of a logging winch such as the Farmi were not in the cards for the OP.
Click to expand...


I've pulled logs with tractors for 30+yrs now and NEVER once flipped we used chains back before all these tongs winches etc... came into play. We would hook close and raise the front of the log. I think your post is RIGHT ON THE MONEY :thumbsup: slow and steady is safe, and will get the job done :thumbsup:
 
   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #9  
beenthere said:
Hook them onto the top hook of the quick hitch (mine is iMatch).
Click to expand...

I believe that is absolutely wrong. Consider the physics. You are a high risk of flipping the tractor over.

The tongs should be connected with chain and clevis to the draw bar (below the rear axle).
 
   / How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar? #10  
beenthere said:
roger 4400
Calculate the speed of the tractor moving forward and the rotation time for the flip to happen. I've found that moving slow and steady, that the flip can't happen in less than a second. Moving fast forward however, is not a good idea. Carrying counterweight as FEL with added ballast in the bucket (although I usually work in the woods with the forks on the FEL)

I don't discount the fact that catching the log on an object as mentioned will cause the front end to raise. Awareness of those objects in the path is extremely important. As with anything, one can't just get on the tractor and "go". Things break and happen quickly. But have always had time to get off the hydro forward pedal, or put in the clutch, or dropped the 3 ph in plenty of time.

The OP wanted to raise the log when pulling and the risks of doing that all need to be considered. The added cost of a logging winch such as the Farmi were not in the cards for the OP.
Click to expand...

Frankly this is a really dumb explanation/rationalization for an even dumber practice of using the 3PT hitch inappropriately. I don't mean to insult you but there are naive tractor owners who just might bite and copy your method so it is necessary to make clear that this is just plain dumb. No other way to describe it.

If you cannot get the log up high enough using the drawbar then skid it on top of something like a car hood, don't risk a well known fatal accident waiting to happen.
 
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