Home made log skidding attachment

[DennisFolsom]

The photo below shows a low-cost attachment that I assembled for light-duty log skidding. I was influenced by the "trapezoid" hitches that some of the folks in this area have made, and by Norwood's Log Hog, which is available from Northern Tool for $299. This one may not be quite as rugged as the Log Hog, but should do what I need of it, and cost me about half as much.

I started with a 3PT drawbar from Tractor Supply ($30). Then I added a "draw bar stabilizer" from Northern Tool ($80 with shipping). I used a couple of 1/4 inch x 1.5 inch bars for braces, and bolted on a pair of 5/16 grab hooks. Since I don't have a welder at this time, everything was bolted together. One advantage is that I can unbolt the other stuff and use the drawbar by itself, if I have a need. The draw bar stabilizer also serves as a receiver hitch. The ball mount from my pickup fits nicely into it. I find that I can carry a chain on this hitch as well.

I built this a few weeks ago, but just tried it out late today. I moved three rotting logs that I want to rot somewhere else than where they were laying. The end of the larger one is in the photo. The setup worked great.

Most of my firewood trees won't be much bigger than the log in the photo. I know that I should be extra careful when pulling from a high hitch. I can use a clevis on the drawbar and set it low, when I need to pull from a lower hookup. Most of the time, i will want to skid with the front of the log up off the ground.

 

[rekees4300]

Nice work ... just wondering about the strain on the toplink.

 

[DennisFolsom]

Nice work ... just wondering about the strain on the toplink.

I think the toplink can take quite a lot. My photos do show that the alignment is such that a lot of the pull must go there. Meanwhile, I think the toplink takes quite a beating from most attachments.

In my case, I bought the tractor with a backhoe on it. I got most of the 3PT pieces, but the toplink was missing. The toplink in the photo came from my local Tractor Supply. If I wreck it, I won't be out a lot of $$$.

 

[rekees4300]

Okay wasn't concerned about the toplink per se but where it attaches to the tractor. I may be wrong but I think the toplink is designed to lift attachments rather than to pull. Don't know if that area could withstand the full force of the tractor if a log got caught on a stump or big rock. Something to think about .. good luck.

 

[Baby Grand]

Nicely done!
If you're concerned about pulling from the hitch, take a little extra time and also secure the log with a rope or chain to the drawbar. This way you are lifting with the 3 point, but pulling with the drawbar. You still need to be mindful that the butt of the log doesn't dig into anything, so go slowly, pay attention to your front end and keep your foot near the clutch. The rope also keeps the log from swinging fore-n-aft, so it doesn't slam into your drawbar.

 

[JD 4520]

Dennis - from your picture, it appears like you have a backhoe attachment on your tractor. If I am seeing this correctly, I would suggest that you use your backhoe bucket and a chain to lift slightly the log to drag. Obviously need to be careful with weight and all other safety considerations but I have seen this done by neighbors a number of times and works very well. If a picture would be useful I can send one later.

Gary

 

[Dead Horse]

One I made before I bought my winch / skidder.

 

[Deerlope]

I have been skidding logs for near onto 40 years. I have seen and heard of all kinds of accidents. The best place for that log is under the drawbar. That way if you do snag something the tractor will come down on the log when and if the front wheels start to come up. It sometimes keep s one from going over backwards.

 

[DennisFolsom]

Thank you all for your thoughts, suggestions and safety concerns. The following is a link to Nothern Tool's page on the Log Hog. There is a video linked from the page, if you want to see that one in action.

Norwood Log Hog Log Skidder Tractor Attachment, Model# 41255 Log Hog | Log Skidding | Northern Tool + Equipment

My home-made rig works in a similar fashion.

I realize that the fact of something being commercially available doesn't necessarily make it a good idea. The main concern is whether I will be pulling from too high up on the tractor, leading to the potential of being pulled over backwards.

I know some people who have used a similar rig on tractors with standard transmissions. They pull with the clutch foot ready to stomp at any time. Even then, there are stories of guys scaring themselves with it. My HST stops pretty quick if you yank your foot off the pedal. Also, I'm not the type to bull and thrash with a tractor. My way is to go slowly and carefully.

Knowing of the potential for problems, I intend not to try to pull over stumps and rocks that could fetch up the log. Today, I experimented with how to hitch the log up. I tried to get a short enough hitch that the log would be behind the 3PT drawbar (to protect the tractor from the log somehow coming too far ahead - not likely with a short hitch). Mostly, I found that I had the log suspended just under the 3PT drawbar. This seems to be what Deerlope is suggesting.

gbomalley - In cleaning up a downed tree from Hurricane Irene, I did use a chain to the hoe bucket to bring the log closer to me, where I could cut it up more easily. However, I have read in another thread that it is a big no-no to drive the tractor with something chained to the hoe. The relief valves are designed to prevent damage from too much pressure from the pump, but not to protect against excessive pressure caused by external forces on the movable parts of the backhoe. Besides that, I have far less ground clearance with the backhoe on. John Deere's subframe design is one that does not leave anything hanging much below the rear axle when the hoe is dismounted. Therefore, I expect most of my logging will be done with the backhoe off.

I did a bit of clearing today, in an area that I want to move a shed into. I pulled out three softwood logs, that I am saving for potential use as skids. The largest of these was only about 10 inch diameter at the butt end. My hitch worked fine for this task.

If and when I skid heavier stuff, I plan to carry it low and go carefully, paying attention to anything that might snub the log up.

 

[North Country]

In the video they don't show it, but there'a a pull chain attached low in the still picture.

They lift from the log hog but pull from a lower spot on the tractor (draw plate?)