Picking up logs, grapple or thumb? Advice please.

JWR · Sep 20, 2016

Sure irvingj, understand. Makes sense. You're not trying to run around the property with a 12' log 18" in diameter lifted off the ground. We all do what we need to do and hopefully keep an eye out for preserving life and limb.

Fiziksgeek · Sep 20, 2016

JWR thanks for the concern for my safety and that of my tractor!

The logs in the pics are ash. I have 27 taken down earlier in the year...all dead or dying...such a shame. Emerald Ash borer. The biggest logs I picked up I estimated at about 1000 lbs using an online calculator. I definitely cannot lift the big ones to full height, but I have no reason to do so anyway. There are some logs inthe pile that I cannot lift at all without cutting them down a bit. The curl specs on the DL95 loader aren't that much higher than lift capacity, so I think I am ok. With those larger logs, I am at or near my max capacity (+ or -), but I wouldn't call it abuse. I have the backhoe on for counter weight.

In general, I *think* I am being safe. No need for a disclaimer IMO. If everyone ran around doing unsafe things just because someone on the internet did it...well...our species would probably die out pretty quick!

Fiziksgeek · Sep 20, 2016

AxleHub said:
Because I haven't done any big log hauling with my sub compact tractor yet . . I guess I'm a little confused by some of the pictures and intentions expressed. Lifting an 800+ pound payload of gravel or pallet of blocks is one thing because its narrow and centered between the front tires. Yes its a heavy load but its well within specs AND within the tires and axle.

But lifting a 12' to 18' length of. heavy log (same 800+ pound load) . . Is quite something else because there are added forces working against you. Unless you can consistently find the exact weight center you can't have a balanced load left to right. Secondly ground even-ness or rocks or dropped branches all create potential forrocking the tractor suddenly. That's bad enough on a heavy load centered betwern the tires . . . But leveraged out several feet ???

Lastly it serms like there is a potential for twist of backhoe or fel arms.

My point is . . You're going to be cutting the log up anyway . . so why not it to 6 or 8 foot length before moving it ?

I'm not saying long branch logs or long smaller logs can't be carried . . What I'm questioning is why would you risk hauling long heavy logs when you're going to cut them anyway ?

And if the answer is to save time . . I'd point out that a 6' or 8' heavy log hauls easier and faster than a long heavy log I would think.

You have fair points about the safety risks, and everyone has to evaluate their own circumstances. My previous reply to JWR may answer some of the questions about how much risk I was taking. That being said, image the case where someone (me) may have some log length firewood delivered. Because I have no access for a large truck in my yard, the logs get dumped close to the road. Maybe even in the driveway, because I don't want them to tear up my front lawn. Ultimately, the wood needs to make it to the back of my property, 300-400 feet away, where it will season for 1-2 years depending on species. There are a lot of variables, but I don't think I'd be able to make 2 trips with a smaller log in the same time I'd make 1 trip with a bigger log. I think there is an efficiency calculation somewhere in there which will say 1 trip with a big load gets the job done faster. Not to mention the wear and tear on my lawn from making 2x the number of trips!

I will also add, the big pile of logs in the pics was made by the tree service using a JD4210 TLB using a set of pallet forks. Even if I had the lift capacity, I don't have enough reach to stack logs that high! I typically wouldn't move them any significant distance in that current size with my machine.

irvingj · Sep 20, 2016

Oh, yeah! I forgot to mention that that's a "vintage" McCulloch Pro-Mac 10-10 -- I'm guessing (I bought it used) circa 1969 or so. Still works, though!

Gotta love old school! :cool2:

Ooklaa · Sep 20, 2016

Well i think sometimes when a person posts in a thread that they didnt read the whole thread. I know for myself i clearly stated many times i am not moving any logs around with my fel or backhoe. Just lifting them to cut, i am moving them with a chain and dragging the logs on the ground.

AxleHub · Sep 21, 2016

Ooklaa said:
Well i think sometimes when a person posts in a thread that they didnt read the whole thread. I know for myself i clearly stated many times i am not moving any logs around with my fel or backhoe. Just lifting them to cut, i am moving them with a chain and dragging the logs on the ground.

Ooklaa,

I was pretty certain you stated a couple times that you pick up the full length logs and transport them a short distance (30+feet) to your cutting area where you cut them up.

Did I misinterprete those statements to mean you don't pick the full length logs up and move them the 30+ feet so at that location you lift them upbto chest height to be cut ?

Ooklaa · Sep 21, 2016

Ooklaa said:
Ok so I have a gc1720 loader/backhoe. I have been burning firewood for a couple of years now but I've been buying split wood. I decided to get some log lengths wood and do some splitting myself. I purchased a dirty hands 35 ton splitter(was thinking of getting rugged made) from Lowes and got the extended warranty. Got a nice Husqvarna chainsaw and good to go lol. Ok well my firewood is in a good spot so I don't have to move it around d far. I hook a chain to a log and drag it like 30 feet to my cutting area. Now I want to pic up the log about chest height so I can cut it nice nice.

For the those who have the thumb and or grapple can you please post some video of it, especially if you got some nice size logs.

This is what I did today, not perfect but I picked up some nice size log with ease. Do you think a thumb on the back of the backhoe could grab the log and hold them steady while I cut them to size?

First post in the thread first paragraph second too last sentence. I clearly stated that i drag the logs.

Fiziksgeek · Sep 21, 2016

Depending on the log and the terrain, I'd be willing to drive 30 feet with one of these big logs in my loader. Everyone's situation is different, hard to judge from some online comments. Reminding folks of safety concerns is always good, especially newer users, but beyond that...we're all grown ups...

Ooklaa · Sep 29, 2016

Fiziksgeek said:
Late to the game as I was out of the country last week for business, but was able to grab a couple of pics and a quick (poor quality) video of how I use the bucket thumb.

You can see my general technique is to approach the log with the bucket vertical, close the thumb on the log, then curl. I seem to be abel to curl the weight of a big log, even if I can't lift it. Meaning once I've curled, I might not be able to lift the log anymore, but I find I've already gotten enough height for cutting, and probably more than I want for transporting that much weight around.

View attachment 481629 View attachment 481630 View attachment 481631 View attachment 481632

Here is quick video

Can you provide any info as far as install cost, parts cost as i will be adding the thumb now to my tractors. Can you post a picture or a video of what you use to open and close the thumb please? Is it directly connected to our loader joystick or is it s seperate one?

Fiziksgeek · Sep 29, 2016

Ooklaa said:
Can you provide any info as far as install cost, parts cost as i will be adding the thumb now to my tractors. Can you post a picture or a video of what you use to open and close the thumb please? Is it directly connected to our loader joystick or is it s seperate one?

I'll try to get a pic or two when I have some time. The 3rd function valve is from W.R. Long. Its mounted on an L bracket on the inside of the loader mount, right above the existing hydraulic connections. It barely fits, in fact, one of the connectors rubs slightly on the edge of the hood. Its not a big deal to me, there aren't many options as to where it can/should go. But it doe make access tot he quick connects more difficult. The valve comes with a new "ball" for the top of the loader joystick with a toggle switch on the side. You can orient it which ever way you want.

On the bucket, I had a piece of 3/8" x 4" flat bar welded to the top of the bucket for reinforcement before the thumb was installed. Also makes a nice place to weld some hooks.

I think it was about $1200 plus the cost of the thumb and hydraulic hoses. I have Goffs do the install before delivery.