Tractor loggers: Who knows snatch?

[Coyote machine]

Coyote, that one would not be ideal for logging due to weight and design -- you want a simpler flat rotating plate design if possible, to be robust under dirty/muddy conditions. Plus I'd go with thicker rope capacity. For logging, I recommend either 5/8" or 3/4" ropes.

Sorry, I disagree. My Igland model 4001 winch (www.igland-as.com) {hit British flag in upper right corner of page for English, unless you speak Norweigan} came with 150' of 3/8" steel cable, and I have used the exact snatch block I posted to pull twice the winches capacity on many occasions. 4,000# x 2 = 8,000# with block in place. Optional larger diameter steel rope cables can be ordered, but are not necessary. The snatch block is designed to be attached to a tree above ground level, out of the mud, etc. and works perfectly. I've cleared huge logs with my winch, and on one occasion even snapped the swaged end when pulling too hard and fast against an immovable stump, without the block in use. (Operator error, no fault of winch). YMMV.

 

[s219]

I'm not questioning the capacity or function of that block, just that it is more complex/bulky/heavy than normally used for logging and tree work. Ultimately, it will work just fine, but you can certainly find more compact, more robust blocks for logging. This is the type most commonly used for tree work:

No pins or parts to lose or get gunked up. Side plates pivot about the common pin/axle.

 

[bcp]

New item at Harbor Freight. Now $17.99

Snatch Block



Bruce

 

[Coyote machine]

I'm not questioning the capacity or function of that block, just that it is more complex/bulky/heavy than normally used for logging and tree work. Ultimately, it will work just fine, but you can certainly find more compact, more robust blocks for logging. This is the type most commonly used for tree work:

No pins or parts to lose or get gunked up. Side plates pivot about the common pin/axle.

Do you have a good source for cable and blocks? Do you have a tractor winch? If so, what brand/model?

 

[Mudfarmer]

Here is what you want. I use one with my Igland logging winch, it doubles capacity of winch to 8,000#. It has a grease zerk and opens up to allow the cable in/out. Great tool.:thumbsup: Get it with a short double loop end tree saver strap. Look under clamshell snatch blocks.
4050 Snatch Block (3/8" wire x 4" sheave)

The above one is the exact one I have.

I agree with Coyote. I have about four of these and they work great in my muddy, dirty, hilly Western Washington tree farm contrary to what other posts have stated. Not particularly heavy either. Note that you are going to chain this snatch block to a tree or other dead point so you can winch your logs around corners; not much fun threading the chain through those islets on a rotating block every time you have to move it or take the cable out. On this type you pull the pin; the cable and chain both can come out the side - easy set up and take down. I picked miine up at my local saw and logging supply shop/Stihl dealer. if you lose the pin replace it with a lynch pin - works fine. They come in various sizes, so match the cable you're using. Also work great when you need a little extra oomph winching the stuck tractor out of the mud.
Mf
Mf

 

[Coyote machine]

I agree with Coyote. I have about four of these and they work great in my muddy, dirty, hilly Western Washington tree farm contrary to what other posts have stated. Not particularly heavy either. Picked them up at my local saw and logging supply shop/Stihl dealer. if you lose the pin replace it with a lynch pin - works fine. They come in various sizes, so match the cable you're using. Also work great when you need a little extra oomph winching the stuck tractor out of the mud.
Mf
Mf

Thanks; and I love mine, it's a great tool designed specifically for the task it serves, changing the direction and doubling the capacity of the winches cable limit. I looked at the other pulley at Wesspur, and though it can be used for the same purpose, their main use is for climbing/lowering tasks from/in trees; a totally different task and purpose. IMHO.

 

[TnAndy]

I've used a Jet brand, 2 ton, for years. Nice thing about it is it opens so you can put the winch cable in/out easy. I don't think I'd want a snatch block that didn't open.

That one Coyote showed looks good and tough...and again, you can open it to put the cable in. Most snatch blocks that don't open are only designed to pull a cable with NO end on it.....if you have a hook or something on the end of your cable, it won't fit thru the block.

JET SNATCH BLOCKS

 

[s219]

In case it's not obvious, the block I posted from Wes Spur opens fully. The side plates pivot apart about the axle shaft to expose the pulley. It doesn't take more than a couple seconds to unhook the eye and pivot the plates. After using this type of block, I'd never go back to the old cast style with all the extra parts.

I get that people like to recommend what they have, but I have used all types of blocks over the years, and it became very obvious to me which ones were better for tree work. I've used the plate style blocks for pulling, for setting up fairleads, and for setting up yarder lines. Even used one to setup a zip line to manually move log sections across a creek, where the block rode along a tensioned logging line and another block/tackle hung below to raise the logs. It's that kind of versatility that makes the plate style blocks better in my opinion.

 

[redprospector]

There's a lot of difference between logging and "tree work".
I think I'll stick with my heavy old McKissiks. Lives depend on it.

 

[Coyote machine]

Nice setup! I think we're talking different purposes here. You're talking tree work with ropes and simple pulleys and some snatchblocks. I'm talking about tractor powered PTO logging winches, and associated heavy duty tools.
BTW, one pin to hold the clamshell type cast iron snatchblock together is just that, one pin, not a bunch of complicated extra parts.
A tractor winch cable under 8,000#s of tension needs a substantial block to keep the winch operator safe from harm.