Wallenstein FX 90 Skidding winch

[msmith]

Looking real hard at skidding winches and the local dealer has the Wallenstein FX 90 in stock. I'm concerned that the 9000 pound winch might be a little on the light side for what I am doing. My tractor is the one in my avatar, a New Holland T4030 75 engine hp and 62 at the PTO. These hills are part of what inhibits access to a lot of my blowdowns for firewood, so a lot of winching would be very steep uphill. Their size ranges from zero to 30 inches with the most of them being in the 12 - 20 inch range, oak, beech, hickory, locust, etc., the usual hardwoods in the east.

So, does anybody have one or know someone that has one? Would it be fine or should I consider bigger? Any info would be greatly appreciated as I have zero experience with skidding winches. Thanks.

 

[dbaer78]

I have an FX 90 I use behind my mx5100 kubota. Very happy with it after seven years of use. I use it on trees about like you describe. But it will NOT skid a 20 inch diameter tree length log uphill through heavy brush. I have managed it with a pulley block to double pulling capacity. I think it's the perfect match for my tractor but if I had yours id probably consider the FX 120 or the new FX 110 and FX140. Whichever you choose I think you'll be happy... They're very well built implements.

 

[namesray]

I use my 7600lb winch behind my 50hp mx5200. It works great, but I could easily use a bigger winch. Your tractor will easilly handle 9000lb fx90. In my opinion, if you are going to be using the winch a lot, I would get a larger model as your tractor could still handle it, and you wouldnt lack for pulling power. You could always cut the log smaller if your tractor does struggle with the larger winch. With the bigger winch, you have more options. Good luck.

 

[motownbrowne]

Get a bigger one. Your tractor will handle it well and the additional cost won't be much relative to the total price.

 

[luc2121]

I have a fx90 that i use behind my deere 6120(85hp) and it works great,pulled many big logs uphill.what really helps when they start getting really big is cutting the butt like you would a cedar post, helps it skim over the ground and not plow.

 

[Deerherd]

I have the newer version FX140 and like it very much and think your tractor could make good use of the 14000 lb pull. When I was pricing them it was only a couple hundred dollars difference between the old and new models and the new models come with two choker chains and a couple upgrades. I paid just under 5k but that included a self releasing snatch block, which is something that has come in very handy. (The snatch block was a little over $300)

Like a grapple ANY skidding winch is a great addition to your tractor and the FX90 might just fit your needs very well, especially if you can save some money. But I would at least get pricing on the FX110 and FX140 before making a decision.

Good luck and pay close attention when running whichever winch you decide on, they are very powerful tools!

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I have an FX90 and I've pulled some big sticks with it,

some even up out of a fairly steep ravine

and I think the FX90 will do what you want to do. BUT, if you already know you are going to have a lot of tough pulls, get the bigger winch! I see no sense in buying something that you will be maxing out most of the time, it just adds a lot of unnecessary wear and tear...

SR

 

[msmith]

Looking at least at the FX 110 and if I can swing it, the 140. Gotta have the snatch block. Snatch blocks are handy handy. We use the heck out of them at work winching trucks or power poles on to location. Thanks for the info guys. It's good to see what guys are using, how they are using it, and if they have good results. Farm equipment isn't cheap so it's nice to get it right the first time.

 

[bmartin172]

I'm a bit late to the party. I am looking at the Wallenstein winches. I have a 4WD Mahindra 4540 41hp. I have Cat 1 and II arms for the three point. My question is should I just stick with the FX85 or will the tractor lacking nine HP be too much on the tractor. The FX110 has a minimum HP rating of 50HP.

 

[fruitcakesa]

I have a Norse 450 which has a 10k lb pull and so far it has pulled everything I have hooked onto including a 24" pine 20 ft long uphill.