Hi Kids!
I just installed an electric logging/recovery winch in a somewhat unusual manner on my new Kubota L4330. I had almost the exactly the same installation on my previous L3600 and it provided many years of excellent service. I though someone in the forum might be interested in the installation.
Essentially, I wanted a winch to skid out logs from the thicker sections of the forest, move leaning “widow maker” tree falls from a safe distance, and have a potential vehicle recovery winch to be used in an emergency. I also didn’t want the winch to impede use of either front or rear mounted implements. I couldn’t justify the cost of hydraulic winches and this is what I came up with.
Before I show the installation I’ll mention that I’ve not had any battery/electrical problems with regard to the winch and always try to use it in a “straight on” pulling manner to minimize any stress on the loader assembly. I also always use the 12’ remote control to operate the winch away from the straight line cable (be-heading) path. I curl or raise the bucket to alleviate undue stresses from jammed logs or imbedded stump ends.
The photographs show the essential installation, however, some of the bracing and welding had yet to be completed when they were taken. Also, the old winch cable had yet to be replaced. The winch in the photographs is a WARN 8,000 model.
Photo: Winch Mount: This shows the placement of the winch on the rear of the bucket. The winch sets on a hardwood block that protects the FEL paint from cable scrape and also provides a mounting surface for the cover snaps. The winch is through-bolted via a backing plate inside the bucket. You will note that I had to cut the ears of the quick-detach arms for winch clearance.
Photo: Winch Power lead: This is the power lead from the battery. It is equipped with a “quick attach” coupling that has the upper end sealed with silicone. The final installation is a bit neater than shown in the photograph. The leads are connected directly to the tractor battery via a 12V circuit breaker. I drilled 1” holes on each side of the battery platform floor and exited the cable using both a rubber grommet and a short length of protective rubber hose to prevent cable chafe.
Photo: Winch Roller: This shows the mounting of the roller fairlead. The plate also serves as a deflective shield for the winch should a rock or dirt fall out of the top rear of the bucket.
Photo: Winch Cover: This photograph shows the respective position of the covered winch in place. The cover keeps dirt and water out of the winch when the FEL is used and also serves as a housing for the remote control and snatch blocks that are secured to the winch itself when it is not in use. The winch end of the power cable is also stored under this cover.
The winch does not effect the normal operation of the FEL bucket. The winch draws a large amount of amperage and works well if used judiciously. Excuse the repetition if this set up has been shown in the forum before.
Ken
I just installed an electric logging/recovery winch in a somewhat unusual manner on my new Kubota L4330. I had almost the exactly the same installation on my previous L3600 and it provided many years of excellent service. I though someone in the forum might be interested in the installation.
Essentially, I wanted a winch to skid out logs from the thicker sections of the forest, move leaning “widow maker” tree falls from a safe distance, and have a potential vehicle recovery winch to be used in an emergency. I also didn’t want the winch to impede use of either front or rear mounted implements. I couldn’t justify the cost of hydraulic winches and this is what I came up with.
Before I show the installation I’ll mention that I’ve not had any battery/electrical problems with regard to the winch and always try to use it in a “straight on” pulling manner to minimize any stress on the loader assembly. I also always use the 12’ remote control to operate the winch away from the straight line cable (be-heading) path. I curl or raise the bucket to alleviate undue stresses from jammed logs or imbedded stump ends.
The photographs show the essential installation, however, some of the bracing and welding had yet to be completed when they were taken. Also, the old winch cable had yet to be replaced. The winch in the photographs is a WARN 8,000 model.
Photo: Winch Mount: This shows the placement of the winch on the rear of the bucket. The winch sets on a hardwood block that protects the FEL paint from cable scrape and also provides a mounting surface for the cover snaps. The winch is through-bolted via a backing plate inside the bucket. You will note that I had to cut the ears of the quick-detach arms for winch clearance.
Photo: Winch Power lead: This is the power lead from the battery. It is equipped with a “quick attach” coupling that has the upper end sealed with silicone. The final installation is a bit neater than shown in the photograph. The leads are connected directly to the tractor battery via a 12V circuit breaker. I drilled 1” holes on each side of the battery platform floor and exited the cable using both a rubber grommet and a short length of protective rubber hose to prevent cable chafe.
Photo: Winch Roller: This shows the mounting of the roller fairlead. The plate also serves as a deflective shield for the winch should a rock or dirt fall out of the top rear of the bucket.
Photo: Winch Cover: This photograph shows the respective position of the covered winch in place. The cover keeps dirt and water out of the winch when the FEL is used and also serves as a housing for the remote control and snatch blocks that are secured to the winch itself when it is not in use. The winch end of the power cable is also stored under this cover.
The winch does not effect the normal operation of the FEL bucket. The winch draws a large amount of amperage and works well if used judiciously. Excuse the repetition if this set up has been shown in the forum before.
Ken
Last edited: