Issue using logging winch on new to me TC35 tractor

[mpilihp]

So I just got a used NH TC35 tractor, it is much larger than my old one which was a Pasquali 998 tractor.

I hooked up my Norse 190 Logging winch to it this weekend and finding a large problem.

When the unit is lowered on the ground its connection to the PTO shaft is so much lower than the tractors PTO output that the angles on the u-joints are super sharp. When PTO is engaged the u-joints make a clunking sound.

To work around this for my immediate need to move wood I just kept the winch elevated so the shaft was more level and it operated fine. The second issue with this is I was unable to winch the logs in tight enough so that I can lift them off the ground and not have the butt end of the log hit the ground as I am moving them. And the logs were low enough to allow them to swing under the winch bottom plate and made it tough to maneuver as at one point I got stuck and needed to back up and guess what I couldn't push the log back...

So I cant afford and don't want to buy a larger winch. I am wondering if I can just weld on a blade extension on the bottom of the winch so it stands 4-6 inches taller.

 

[jeff9366]

Check to see if Lifting Rod stirrup pins are in the highest adjustment holes. "Higher holes = higher lift."

If the pins are in the lower holes, changing to the higher holes will lift winch about five inches.

You can see in the two photos how much difference this can make.

If your winch is Category 1, Three Point Hitch should NOT require modification, only adjustment. Your TC35 is about as "standard" as tractors come. Norse is a mainline brand winch.

If my suggestion does not cure, see what suggestions others offer.

 

[CobyRupert]

I don't think changing the pin holes will fix OP's problem. His problem is the vertical distance between his tractors PTO height and the PTO shaft connection height at the winch, when the winch is resting on the ground. Typically winches should rest on the ground when winching so the tractor doesn't get pulled backwards.

Assuming OP doesn't want to put smaller rear tires on his new tractor to lessen the height of it's PTO shaft, he either has to:
1) Raise the winch (his extension idea seem good), or
2) (Some how) Move the winch farther back so the PTO shaft angle is not as steep.

I have a class 1 winch on a class 2 tractor, angles are really steep, but no chattering. I would never run it at 540 rpm. That's not the case here right?

 

[CobyRupert]

or.....
just maybe them-there u-joints have seen better days and time for new?
Are you sure the 2 u-joints on the pto shaft aren't 90 degrees out of phase?

 

[jeff9366]

CR: Great thought.

 

[motownbrowne]

Assuming the shaft is assembled correctly, adding an extra section to the winch blade seems like the correct thing to do. My Farmi 351 has legs, instead of a blade, which allows you to change the height of the winch when it's resting on the ground. I have to use different settings for the two different tractors I use the winch on. If I leave it in the lower setting, the PTO shaft is stressed when it's on the taller tractor, and if I leave it in the taller setting, I can't lift logs high enough with the shorter tractor.

I'd think adding onto the blade should fix the problem, but how much to add might be tough to figure out precisely. Add too much and you'll lose valuable lift range. Too little and when the blade sinks into the ground as your tractor gets pulled backwards you'll have the PTO shaft problem again.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Could you winch the logs in close as you can but not under the winch then unhook the hitch and draw the empty cable in and lock it. Then turn off pto. Back up to hitch. Lower winch to the ground. Hook the choker chains to the slotted lift bar and raise the hitch as you normally would against the blade.......... Just a thought to get you by - maybe. Adding an extension is the best way if it doesn't take away to much of your lift height capability.

gg

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I have all the steel cut, to add 6" to the bottom of my winch...

BUT I'm going to bolt mine on, just in case I don't want the extra length, if I put the winch on a lower to the ground tractor.

SR

 

[Sysop]

Could you add a quick hitch or something into the fray to move the winch farther away from the tractor? Farther away the winch is, the less the angles will be on the driveline.

 

[mpilihp]

or.....
just maybe them-there u-joints have seen better days and time for new?
Are you sure the 2 u-joints on the pto shaft aren't 90 degrees out of phase?
View attachment 508013

Hi good thought, i dont think so but i will check. The angle is extremely steep so i dont think that is it. It worked fine on my other tractor.

The 190 winch is small i think its a class 0 and not a class 1. I got it with the other tractor that i sold which i sold the tractor for more than i paid and kept the winch so its free at this point.

Im thinking i wi bolt on a section of steel about 5 -6 imches and see hiw it works.

Thanks!