3-Point Hitch Skidder attachment

[scottbrrtt72]

Hi All,

It has been a while since I posted anything on TBN. I recently purchased this used skidder attachment to collect logs for my portable band saw mill. The attachment works great, however, I don't have the power to lift the log with my 3-point hitch. I own a JD 790 and from the specs I can only life 815 lbs. I have really enjoyed my machine, but this bums me out. I hate dragging logs with the front-end loader. I think it is time to upgrade to something bigger. I am thinking a JD 4510 or 4610. The lift capacity on those two machines is 2500 lbs. Any thoughts?

[scottbrrtt72]

another photo

[scottbrrtt72]

one more

[art]

A good unit on the other side for you would be the L-4300 Kubota or the MX5000.

[Mrwurm]

There was a thread a while back that described adding shim packs to the 3pt relief valve. Some 790 owners have been able to increase their lift capability for only a few bucks. Of course, you must assume the risks of modifying your machine.

[RoyJackson]

You get the tractor to perform work. If the machine you have cannot do the work, and you have enough work to go for a machine that can do it, reckon the choice is obvious.

I haven't had any work the really approached the limits of the 3PH or the loader (with the possible exception of lifting the 60" Land Pride cutter off my Ranger). I pull large branches and occasional smaller trees (trunk Ø of 8 to 10", maybe 15'-25' long). This is a pretty rare thing for me, though.

Apparently, you have work that exceeds the limits of your 790. Do you have enough of the kind of work to justify buying a bigger tractor?

[Mrwurm]

Here it is.

It's in a comment from Mark D

Adding shims

[hazmat]

Nice looking unit. Any info on the mfg? Local Dealers? How much? I did a google search, but came up empty handed.

YES you need a bigger tractor. MY 18HP New Holland will lift 1,260# @24" behind the three point.

[beenthere]

scott
I think the 4510 or 4610 will pull a good load for you, and wouldn't discourage you going that route. See this thread for my method of using the logging tongs, directly on the deere I-match hook. Just drop the ballast box and throw the logging hook on, and away to the woods.

I think your 'crane' on the 3pt looks like a good outfit, but even on my 4300, I wouldn't need to have that high a lift for pulling logs, and it puts such a cantilever on the 3pt, that it reduces the capacity of the 3pt. Also, makes it so that in a trouble spot, you can't lower the 3pt enough to get the log on the ground, or low enough to drop the logging tongs over the log. I have logged using a 3pt to pull logs out of the woods for over 40 years, first with an 8N Ford, a TO 30 Ferguson, a Deere 420 Utility, and now a Deere 4300. I get plenty of traction from lifting the log, but it will need to be balanced with weight on the front end (loader now, or snow plow blade). Never would I have wished to be able to lift the log higher than what the top of the 3pt will take the logging tong.

The picture of the lift that you show appears to be a little light where the logging tong is fastened to the top arm with a lightweight clevis and what appears to be a 1/2 or 5/8" bolt. Good luck in your decision. If I were you, I would first try out an I-match setup on your Deere 790. I think you will be surprised what it will bring out of the woods, although it will still likely be a little weak in the 'shorts'. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[scottbrrtt72]

Thanks for the information. I'm not sure if I want to modify the 790. I will need to read that threat closely.

The problem I'm having is justifying a bigger machine. My 790 is paid off. Do I want another payment?....not really. My machine does what I want it to do the majority of the time. In addition, I have a truck and a trailer just big enough to pull the 790 without any problems. If I go to a bigger machine then my Ford F150 and 16 foot trailer would struggle. I know because I towed my friends 40 horse Kubota and it struggled with it. This would mean upgrading to a bigger truck, which I don't have the money to do.

As to the attachment I found it in the want add. I tried looking up Ranger Equipment and couldn't find anything either. I paid $375.00 for this unit.

The gentleman I purchased it from had a ton of attachments for sale. He is selling everything so he can pay off some bills. I am afraid that will be me if I upgrade to a bigger machine. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]