3 Point Log Skidder

[Ken45101]

Apparently you guys are fortunate enough to be able to get right to the logs? In my hilly terrain, I can't do that so I need a winch to get the logs close. I had an old box blade that I mounted a HF winch to. It's slow, but it does retrieve the off-trail logs. I added several grab hooks on the box blade for actual pulling, and a chain box for storage. I can drop the box blade to help hold the tractor when pulling.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I built a box like this. All removable without using tools. I have a winch so chains go on that. You could make a slotted bar to hold chains like on the winch.

 

[luvmexfood]

I pull with a boompole attached but not with it. Use the pole to lift one end of log up when I get to the trailer and winch it on. When pulling I take chain from log, over the lower hitch point of the boom pole where the three point hitch pins are, around a pin in the drawbar, back over the other side of the upright and hook to the chain. That way when you are pulling with the boompole lowered all the weight is on the drawbar. Then, if needed, you can raise the boompole slightly and it will put a little weight on it and give better traction. Depending on the size of the log you can sometimes raise it enough to prevent it plowing in. Just don't raise it too much if going up a hill.

 

[Gordon Gould]

So, I'm gonna set this up and use for a while and see how it goes; dimensions TBD.

I'll post what dimensions I come-up with.

The draw-bar is the lower left; I'll use HD clevises for the links, the boom will float on the spacer-bar, perhaps 2 hooks to hold the chokers at the end of the boom.

View attachment 355086

I'll also collect materials for the initial drawing and also add a trailer-receiver.

Thanks for the great discussions.

That looks good. Your double clevis joint is a good idea to make it simple and try it out. I wonder if it will be to losey-goosey for a long term solution.
Make sure you keep us posted.

 

[8N Ren]

Check this out for some ideas.

OMNI Mfg LLC

 

[Xfaxman]

Check this out for some ideas.

OMNI Mfg LLC

I can say they are well built. I have the Transformer Hitch.



And the Carry All.

 

[amigauser]

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

 

[PatMcD]

Here's one I made. very similar to the OP's design. I opted for log tongs and a couple of grab hooks for chokers, but basically the same. Works great!

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

Here is a combination receiver hitch/short boom poll that I have used to skid logs with...
I use it for a multi purpose tool platform....

I lift the log with the 3pt, short boom.... But pull with a second chain on the draw bar...
To pull from 3pt is too high compared to the center height of the rear axle....

Keep safe...
===

 

[Tkblacktail]

Thanks for all the pictures and help,

I got a large portion of my project done today using some shop-floor materials and my original spacer-bar n pins. I didn't have any 2X2 tubing for the mast that will most likely have a short boom. Looking at welding the mast on top of the spacer-bar and running it up under the horizontal tab below the connecting link; then gusset a boom outwards.

I bought the hitch receiver in town for $11.

I found some nice 3 point hitches on-line for $70-$300, but I wanted to make this myself.

I'm always looking for ways to stay upright when working so being able to detach the chokers at waist-level would be great.

View attachment 355503View attachment 355502

The last bit of decision-making is to use a 36" floating boom that attaches to the draw-bar, floats on the spacer-bar, and passes through the base of the mast; we shall see if I can find a 3" "I" beam or rectangle.