How do you skid logs with your tractor..pics?

[MarcusCarr]

Here is a question for the creative collective out there.

I have 10 acres of forest to clean up, which includes a lot of down trees and logs.

I would like to be able to grab the end of a log somehow and drag it out...without getting off the tractor.

Any pictures would be most welcome.

Thanks,
Marcus

 

[RedRocker]

I've always wanted a skidding winch, but you have to get off to use it. I've seen some rear mounted grapples that might do the trick.

 

[MikeD74T]

I've been cleaning up wind damage that occurred last spring. Have retrieved over 100 trees on 38 acres. Sawed 1300 bd. ft. of lumber so far with 2x that much more to saw. I'm using chains & a drawbar hook. Wouldn't be too much effort to build a short boom pole & hang a small hydraulic grapple but just haven't had much time. I think I'd hang the grapple on 3 links of chain to allow some swivel but remain aligned for grabbing the log.
Here's some grapple ideas. MikeD74T

tractor grapples

http://pingviini.piketa.net/~pingvindesigns/laitilanrr/tiedostot/jountokoura1400_9.6.2006.wmv
log grapple

http://www.ptoshafts.com/newpage90.htm

 

[Spiveyman]

Here's some grapple ideas.

tractor grapples

You've gotta love how good TBN'er are at helping you spend your money!

MikeD74T, that thing is really cool. I'll have to add that to my "one of these days" list.

 

[Bedlam]

Yes how much if any money are you wanting to spend?I have seen pics here wher people use their 'quick hitch' to skid them.I myself made a frame from an old plow frame, cutting in and mounting the lower pins and then we=lding on some hooks. I use one 'main' grab hook that is welded to a ring that allows it to swing as it wishes. and several smaller grab hooks to pull the 'smaller' ones .There is one drawback to this and its becasue your pulling on the lift arms and the upper link, This is not the 'right' safe place to pull from. But lots of people do, and I do also. take the risk I guess. but I go slow and easy.Youd really want to pull from the brawbar under the rear to keep from doing "wheely. You want to have the butt end off the ground so it wont hit any obstacles. and stop you suddenly.

maybe these will help.Itw ould be nice if this post turned into a picture group. so we could have all the idea is one. I will submit mine tommorrow.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/96637-log-dragging.html?highlight=skidding+logs

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...tch-log-skidding.html?highlight=skidding+logs

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ap-way-haul-logs.html?highlight=skidding+logs


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/92530-grapple-logging.html?highlight=skidding+logs

 

[RonMar]

Unless you have some(lot) money, I don't see any way of doing it without getting off the tractor. proper drag claws/grapples are pretty specialized and expensive.

I don't think I have any pics of any of my drag ops, sorry. For logs, I use a 20' length of chain to reach the log to pull it to the trail. I can usually get the tractor close enough to reach with this length. I use a shorter length with the boom for lift. I hook the chain around the end of the log and then to the drawbar frame(lowest point on the rear of the tractor). I usually try and rig the drag so the front end of the log is under the end of the boompole I usually have on the 3PH. A sort length of chain with a hook on the end runs from boom down to where the chain attaches to the end of the log. This is so I can lift the front of the log if necessary to keep it from digging in while the drawbar chain pulls it along. It is important that the draging force be applied low down on the drawbar incase the log hangs up on something while draging.

When I have enough room, or the log is cut short enough to maneuver, I pick the log up in the middle with the fork bucket/grapple.

 

[MarcusCarr]

This is all great information. I will use a chain and skidder tongs connected to the drawbar. I need the exercise anyway =]

Marcus

 

[RonMar]

I played around with skidder tongs that my FIL gave me a few times and wasn't very happy with the results. They occasionally come loose as the log is going to roll around a bit if it isn't perfectly straight and as it is drug over obstacles/uneven terrain. When it does, you have to re-position and get off the tractor again to reconnect. A chain with the narrow throated hook(locks to a single link) has served me well at gripping the end of the log without comming loose. A "peevy" or log rolling bar(pointed bar with half a logging tong hook) can come in handy for rolling the log around to set the chain underneath on the larger logs.

Ron

 

[lug nut]

I cleared several trees ranging in size from about 3-8" at the base the other day with the FEL. I had the BB on the back to smooth over the holes left from the root balls.

I needed to move the felled trees about 100 yards to the south pasture. So, I backed up to them with the BB raised up over the root ball, lowered the BB, hooked a chain around the trunk of the tree, lifted the tree, and then proceeded to drag the tree to the pasture. Even though some of the trees were close to 50 ft tall, I had no trouble moving them were I wanted to.

 

[MarcusCarr]

Lug Nut, that is a great idea. The majority of the trees i need to move are lodge pole pine, which would easily fit under the BB.

Marcus