How not to skid logs

   / How not to skid logs #1  

MikeS_in_GA

Bronze Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
85
Location
Georgia - near lake Oconee
Tractor
Kubota M5400
I just bought this 3pt hitch/boom pole combo off of eBay and thought it was a great idea for skidding logs. I thought I would start off small and went to a 15" diameter 25' long oak. I picked up the butt end with the loader and threw a chain under. I turned around and hooked up with my shiny new implement and this is what happened.
 
   / How not to skid logs #4  
Need the pictures attached, friend
 
   / How not to skid logs
  • Thread Starter
#5  
ok - trying to post pics again.
 

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   / How not to skid logs #8  
Sorry to see that. Yep, it's all about leverage......
 
   / How not to skid logs #9  
Can't say that was much of a buy. Looks pretty light weight for lifting a 15" 25' oak log, IMO. And this 'boom' is pretty weak to a lateral or side load. Not designed for pulling, or even lifting for that matter.
If you don't have a quick hitch, then it is something to look into. Hooking that chain to the top hook of the quick hitch keeps your 'load' closer to the tractor and gives plenty of lift to get one end of a log off the ground and the weight on the rear tires for traction.
Keeping the log just off the ground will limit how much the front end can come off the ground and give you plenty of time to react to a 'back flip', as long as your forward speed is slow.
 
   / How not to skid logs #10  
Sorry to see that. If you are serious about skidding logs, look at one of the Farmi logging winches. They are set up for exactly that type of application. They aren't cheap (the Farmi 351 ran about $2200 a couple of years ago... I'm sure it's more now. You'd probably want to step up to the 501 model for your tractor).

A cheaper alternative is just a pair of skidding tongs attached to your draw bar.

John McNerney
 
 
 
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