3-point log lift & skidder on small tractor

plumbstraight · Nov 8, 2015

One for the wife's K20. 10,000lb electric. Handy with the 2in receiver for a trailer.

TractorGuy · Nov 10, 2015

double post.

TractorGuy · Nov 10, 2015

I made a set of tongs but they don't seem to grab most of the trees I'm trying to skid. They only want to grab larger diameter trees. Tongs would be great if you could get them to work on all size logs without getting off and on the tractor.

I have resorted to skidding with my dirt scoop and a short length of chain. If I need to pick the log up to get the chain under it I can just scoot the edge of the scoop under it and lift it up. I hook the chain around the tree then hook the other end on the flat iron on top of the scoop frame. Been working good.

This guy made the best tong skidding setup I've seen.

SPYDERLK · Nov 10, 2015

Sure looks like everybody is pulling from the top link. :bomb:

hslogger · Nov 10, 2015

All tongs are not created equal. There are SKIDDING tongs and their are LOADING tongs each has a different construction that might not register unless you see them side by side. That also includes homemade stuff that guys think" there, that'll work" and actually they don't do the job. The angle of the dangle is a all important, gents. Some ol timers used to take big old Buick or Caddy hoods, stick a hole in em for a chain to pass through. Chain ran from tractor through the hole and around the log which would all tighten up when tension was applied and it kept the log end out of the mud and running on top of the surface. Okie is as Okie does.

Sawyer Rob · Nov 10, 2015

Here's the BEST log tongs I've ever used,

I've never had them slip off a log, not even one time!

They are from Norwood Industries and they offer two sizes.

SR

roadhunter · Nov 10, 2015

TomSeller said:
Be careful about pulling from much higher than the rear axle if the log hangs up on something, or over backwards you may go.

This ^^^.

Small tractors are prone to tipping to start with because of the narrow stance. There was a recent thread about a really neat grapple attachment for tractors that had a chain on top for lifting and another chain hooked down low for the pulling. Anything above the axle for pulling with a tractor is asking for trouble. Especially if it has large rear tires which amplify the problem.

I almost purchased a winch skidding setup for my tractor but had second thoughts about tearing it up in the woods and working on uneven terrain. I decided to build a small machine just for skidding that also had a 6 way blade for cleanup duty and a low center of gravity. Started with a Vermeer trencher and a hydraulic winch. Added a boom, foamed the tires, and chains.

farm boy00 · Nov 10, 2015

roadhunter said:
This ^^^.

Small tractors are prone to tipping to start with because of the narrow stance. There was a recent thread about a really neat grapple attachment for tractors that had a chain on top for lifting and another chain hooked down low for the pulling. Anything above the axle for pulling with a tractor is asking for trouble. Especially if it has large rear tires which amplify the problem.

I almost purchased a winch skidding setup for my tractor but had second thoughts about tearing it up in the woods and working on uneven terrain. I decided to build a small machine just for skidding that also had a 6 way blade for cleanup duty and a low center of gravity. Started with a Vermeer trencher and a hydraulic winch. Added a boom, foamed the tires, and chains.
<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/build-yourself/446918-3-point-log-lift-skidder-img_0091-jpg"/>