Tractor Logging

[Treefarm]

I have Timberland in Oregon that I have been logging with a small dozer for the past ten years.
Lately, I have my eye on a DK65 with a Farmi winch, probably the 501.
I would love to hear feedback from anyone that has experience yarding logs with a tractor. I like the dozer but it is too slow on the turn. Often, I collect logs from all over the property and put them on one landing. This means I am somtimes driving 1/2 a mile to get the log. My dozer walks like an old lady. If I had $125k laying around I would buy a new faster dozer but 35k for a new tractor and winch sounds a lot better. Plus the utility of a tractor can't be beat.
What do you think?

 

[magicheater]

I used a Farmi 501 for a few years. Only has winching capabilities, get ready to lug the cable and chain to the logs. Usually has 3-4 sliders so you can winch more than 1 log at a time. You will want a good stout 3PT lift on the tractor. Nice durable unit. I sold mine in favor of a 3PT grapple/winch combo.

 

[JoelD]

How about a used skidder?

 

[ToadHill]

I've been using this setup for about 5 years now. Depending on the size of the log I can haul up to 3 of then at a time. It's not a wench so I have to back up to the log to get it lifted to drag, but it works just fine.

I use low range second or third gear to get the log out to a logging road then switch to high range second gear to take them to the landing.

Been using it to clean out beech.

 

[williekioti]

How about a used skidder?

+2

Depending on how many acres you are treating, how often you treat, half mile draws?? I'd be scouting for a used skidder. They are designed and made to haul wood for production. I don't have one, but have used tractor mounted Farmis. They do fine for small lot/part-time cutter, but they are no substitute for a real piece of timber harvesting equipment.

You can pick up a used small to mid-sized skidder around here for $10-20k, use it for a few years and turn it around for the same thing. Just saying. Not to sound negative on the Farmi winches, I have coveted one for years, but I do not have real production in mind. Just putzin' around in my wood lot for a few logs and a bit of firewood. Unless you need the tractor for other purposes and want one versitile piece of equipment for different tasks. A skidder pretty much just skids and pushes, not much more to do than that. So if that's part of your thinking (one piece that multi-tasks), than maybe a tractor is the way to go. It will certainly out skid a dozer, though you will really have to watch the terrain because you'll give up much stability with a tractor. In fact, the tractor is far less stable than a skidder.

 

[joe496chevy]

I had a DK65, that I used for a number of years, and very happy with its work. I am still using the Farmi JL501 that I had on the dk65, now on a DK40se. I found the smaller tractor is better for my small roadways, and a bit more manuverable. I was so happy with the farmi winches after about 2 years of use, I have started selling them too.

 

[Will_C]

Do you have other uses for the tractor? If you don't, the used skidder idea would be a good thought. If you have other uses, the tractor/winch will do fine. There were a pair of loggers locally that worked full time for 20 years, using a small dozer for hilly ground and a tractor/winch for the bulk of their skidding. They did not get rich, but stayed in business and supported their families with that set-up.

Will

 

[williekioti]

Do you have other uses for the tractor? If you don't, the used skidder idea would be a good thought. If you have other uses, the tractor/winch will do fine. There were a pair of loggers locally that worked full time for 20 years, using a small dozer for hilly ground and a tractor/winch for the bulk of their skidding. They did not get rich, but stayed in business and supported their families with that set-up.

Will

You're much more concise than I......................... ;-)

 

[Treefarm]

I harvest 5-10 loads a year, mostly on the weekends during June. When I clear cut I rent a D5 dozer and get 3 loads a day. Buying a used skidder makes me nervous because I know how hard commercial loggin is on equipment. Something with a warranty puts my mind at ease.
Like many on this forum I am a land owner and take pride in doing the job myself. Plus, I'm only 33 so swinging a saw all day is still fun.
Will I need a 50 Horse plus tractor to handle the yarding? Also, does the Farmi freespool?

 

[ToadHill]

The pictures I posted earlier of my skidding equipment shows it hooked to a DK35 hp tractor. It has plenty of power for my hilly farm. It's also not as large which makes it easier to get around in the woods.

 

[Youare]

I have been using a Farmi winch, the smallest one they make, for almost 30 years it started out on the back of a Ford 8N and now resides on a Kubota L3000DT. I cut an average of 12 full cords of wood a year and do some light logging to feed a portable saw mill.

A farm tractor is not specifically made to go in the woods, it does not have the overhead protection or the underbelly protection a skidder or dozer has and does not have the same stability on rough ground. That does not mean you can not use a farm tractor to log with, it only means you have to know the limits of your machine and stick to them.

One piece of equipment that makes tractor logging safer is an arch. This allows you to lift the whole log off the ground without putting a lot of weight on the rear of the tractor which makes the front end light. It also keeps the log from snaging a root or rock while you are pulling it which can cause the tractor to rear up and possibly turn over.

The Farmi winch is a very tough piece of equipment when used on the correct size tractor. Depending on the type of terrian you are working on and the road system you have you should be able to move wood faster with the tractor. Your hitch size maybe smaller with the tractor but you can make more trips in less time.

The ultimate setup would be a forwarding trailer that has a log loader attached. However the cost of a tractor and trailer approaches the cost of a skidder.

Randy

 

[Gil Case]

I gotta ask you loggers a kind of dumb question, since I do not log, but skid a few logs out of the woods for firewood (with my CK20hst). The logs get so full of dirt and little stones that they raise he__ with the chain saw blades. I am thinking about bucking them up where they fall to avoid the constant sharpening. But then they have to come out in the bucket which does not hold many rounds. Just curious how you guys solve the problem.
I suppose that is what a log arch does for you in commercial logging.

 

[Treefarm]

I gotta ask you loggers a kind of dumb question, since I do not log, but skid a few logs out of the woods for firewood (with my CK20hst). The logs get so full of dirt and little stones that they raise he__ with the chain saw blades. I am thinking about bucking them up where they fall to avoid the constant sharpening. But then they have to come out in the bucket which does not hold many rounds. Just curious how you guys solve the problem.
I suppose that is what a log arch does for you in commercial logging.

The first thing is to cut the limbs as close as possible to the tree. This avoids extra dirt snags as you skid.
Next, use a peavy. This will help roll the log as you cut; keeping your chain out of the dirt. Also, the peavy will be a nice tool to nock off any dirt chunks that collect.
Another thing to consider is the time of year you are skidding. If you do most of the work when mud is not a problem it keeps dirt off the wood and helps maintain forest soil.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I usually block the logs in the woods (or, at least, into 4-ft sections). Last year I built a carryall box and between the box and my FEL bucket (with toothbar), I can load a bit over half a cord at a time...and the load is fairly well balanced front-to-back, too. I suspect this approach overloads the carryall, which is rated at 1000 lbs, but so far I haven't had any problems.

BOB

 

[Youare]

A log arch does keep the logs cleaner, I made mine 30 years ago for about $60.00.

The other option you have is to buck the trees in the wwods and then carry them out in a trailer.

Here is a picture of the trailer I made and the arch.

 

[Gil Case]

Well, you are all a lot handier than I am. I can make most anything out of wood, but welding up a trailer or a logging arch are a little out of my league. Now buying a trailer I can handle.
I think the best idea is to not use my bucket on the FEL since it is so small, but to put the pallet forks on and take the wood out in 4-6' sections.
I guess we got off on a tangent here and should be over in the "Owning and Operating" forum, thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Arky217]

If your logs are not too big (no more than 24" dia. and 16' long), and the ground is fairly level, an ATV with a logging arch works fairly well.

I logged and milled enough lumber for my retirement house using just that setup.

Here is a link to some pics of my setup.

But you will have to join to see the pics.

 

[spruce Deere]

+2

Depending on how many acres you are treating, how often you treat, half mile draws?? I'd be scouting for a used skidder. They are designed and made to haul wood for production. I don't have one, but have used tractor mounted Farmis. They do fine for small lot/part-time cutter, but they are no substitute for a real piece of timber harvesting equipment.

You can pick up a used small to mid-sized skidder around here for $10-20k, use it for a few years and turn it around for the same thing. Just saying. Not to sound negative on the Farmi winches, I have coveted one for years, but I do not have real production in mind. Just putzin' around in my wood lot for a few logs and a bit of firewood. Unless you need the tractor for other purposes and want one versitile piece of equipment for different tasks. A skidder pretty much just skids and pushes, not much more to do than that. So if that's part of your thinking (one piece that multi-tasks), than maybe a tractor is the way to go. It will certainly out skid a dozer, though you will really have to watch the terrain because you'll give up much stability with a tractor. In fact, the tractor is far less stable than a skidder.

+3 Good Skidders can be found on the cheap right now. They are purpose built for woods navigation. Tractor loggn' can be good, long as you have all week to make one load. Between trying not to harpoon ones self and the unguarded tractor, only moving one or two logs at a time, and dealing with funky terrain and the seat pucker factor, tractors should not really be in the woods. I have skid firewood logs with my 790, only after a skidder or a cat has cleared the way, and it still makes me nervous. Farmi winches are nice for the tractor, but along with the winch you should look to have guards built for the tractor, find 14 ply tires to minimize flats and good set of tire chains like trygg chains. Yep if I had extra money burning a hole in my pocket and had a stand of timber to manage, SKIDDER would be my first thought

 

[williekioti]

I harvest 5-10 loads a year, mostly on the weekends during June. When I clear cut I rent a D5 dozer and get 3 loads a day. Buying a used skidder makes me nervous because I know how hard commercial loggin is on equipment. Something with a warranty puts my mind at ease.
Like many on this forum I am a land owner and take pride in doing the job myself. Plus, I'm only 33 so swinging a saw all day is still fun.
Will I need a 50 Horse plus tractor to handle the yarding? Also, does the Farmi freespool?

I certainly understand you're reluctance to browse used machinery. I haven't personally done the used skidder thing, but have worked with friends on their woodlots that have done this. Bought a decent used machine, used it to log their lot, sub out a few cuts on others' lots, then turned the machine over. This is clearly not for everyone, but is a possibility. Proper scouting is essential. Timing the market helps too.

The pride in doing your own work I understand too, as many here probably do..... Tractors, chainsaws and sweat-equaty go together quite well. As far as tractor, I'd go with as much tractor you can afford, that has good ground clearance, good wieght for ground engagement that will fit on your ground (fit your skid ways, turns, etc). Do you need 50hp? Only you can answer that as I've never worked your ground. I see many 30-45hp tractors working the woods around here, mostly northern hardwoods, skidding log length. A lot of this is hobby or part time logging where budget, small woodlots, narrow roads and/or using what you have may be considerations. But if you're looking to pull bigger hitches and make time there's no substitute for size & ponies..... I do see large Ag (>50hp) tractors wearing winches too, usually a farmer drawing some wood in the off times. The tractors set up with a forwarding pup-trailer are very appealing too. Size of the wood you're pulling will be a factor on machine size. I've pulled a few hitches on my CK30 that I would not repeat under the same circumstances..........

Tractors do have a long history of wood hauling in the northeast. I have videos of Lind tractors pulling some amazing hauls on ice roads in early 1900s.

Yes, the Farmi freespools. Can't imagine using a system that didn't, might as well grapple it.

Good luck with your endeavors and if looking for a dedicated wood puller don't completely discount the skidder idea.

 

[arrow]

I gotta ask you loggers a kind of dumb question, since I do not log, but skid a few logs out of the woods for firewood (with my CK20hst). The logs get so full of dirt and little stones that they raise he__ with the chain saw blades. I am thinking about bucking them up where they fall to avoid the constant sharpening. But then they have to come out in the bucket which does not hold many rounds. Just curious how you guys solve the problem.
I suppose that is what a log arch does for you in commercial logging.

Gerry
We live in the same territory so my advice to you would be to skid your logs out in winter. Get your leading edge up with your 3 point. I'll start skidding in December if there is some snow on the ground otherwise I'll wait until January. Easiest skidding in the world is that 8" of snow on the ground while it is 15* to 20* outside. Logs stay relatively clean. It would help on the landing if you had some type of fork arrangement on the loader bucket for stacking. Since you asked about skidding, I'll keep my remarks centered on that technique of wood extraction