Best method for a tractor to move/haul/process downed logs?

[KyleH]

That thing is pretty sweet, very versatile for sure.

 

[Xfaxman]

That thing is pretty sweet, very versatile for sure.

Yep, 'tis.

Back to the OP's problem of removing trees and logs on narrow trails, besides dragging with a chain, this is one way that I got one out after I pushed it over with the stump bucket.

Chained it on and backed down the road.

 

[pat32rf]

Well, I had a 20hp Bota that I traded in on a 35hp JD 4x4. My BIL had a 60 hp Massey 2wd and always called me to bail him out. He then bought a 35 (approx) hp Massey compact but still calls me to bail him out of tight spots. Meanwhile my 4300 JD has about 6000 hrs of bush work, trail building and snow plowing on it......Just sent another two log trucks loaded with pulp ( poplar and basswood) to the mill.

 

[ovrszd]

I didn't say it was a good idea, just showing that it was possible.

I sold my tractor soon after I bought the first Compact Telehandler.

I would rather mow 20 acres of pasture with an out front mower on the V417, than on any tractor with a 3 point brush hog.

The V417 will go in the woods, where equivalent lifting capacity tractors won't fit.

I respect you. I also am not questioning anything you say as truth. With that said, your telehandler simply does not replace a tractor. If it does in your World, I'm happy for you. Obviously your World is limited on it's variety. For me, there would be more times the Telehandler wouldn't handle the task than would. And all this is without discussing price. I've called you out on this before. Would you be kind enough to clarify to the OP what your Telehandler cost??

 

[DieselBound]

Folks! The tasks and environments that we all face are wildly different, as too are our priorities and budgets (and general preferences). Let's just provide DATA points to the OP so that the OP can use this information as a guide for HIM.

I think that everything is cool. And, lastly, keep in mind that all of us here are quite fortunate to be able to be here discussing all of this: I don't know about others, but I've traveled to places where the overwhelming numbers of people couldn't even fathom having ANY of the tools that we're talking about.

 

[LD1]

The telehandler is an impressive machine for sure. So are skidloaders.


But far too often, I need a "road" gear that neither provide. That is a big issue for me.

 

[sd455dan]

Dieselbound i agree


Well in that case buy the chainsaw first and go from there- going to need to limb and cut rootballs /stumps loose. It will do a lot of de-tangling
Also agree with buying a 50+ hp new/used utility tractor with skid steer quick attach and a grapple.

One other thought would be to rent a 24k-32Klbs. excavator for a few days , remove stumps -push over any questionable trees and transport the logs to a suitable place- and then go back to using the above mentioned tractor.

 

[Xfaxman]

I respect you. I also am not questioning anything you say as truth. With that said, your telehandler simply does not replace a tractor. If it does in your World, I'm happy for you. Obviously your World is limited on it's variety. For me, there would be more times the Telehandler wouldn't handle the task than would. And all this is without discussing price. I've called you out on this before. Would you be kind enough to clarify to the OP what your Telehandler cost??

I paid 52K for a Demo with 44 hours, 6 years ago. The pictures don't lie, it has done everything necessary on two different 80 acre horse ranches.

The reason I keep posting, is because most of the members and 6818 guests that are on here right now are like I was in the summer of 2009, did not know what a compact telehandler was and had never even seen a picture of one. I bought one to remove silt from an old farm pond. Sold my tractor and am like a kid in a candy store ever since.

A lot of guys have two or three tractors to do what I can do with one machine.

 

[roadhunter]

This threads is quite funny. You can tell who is insecure about thier tractors.

I started thinking about what a tractor does better than a telehandler and the telehandler has some pretty big advantages.
For moving snow the telehandler is much better. with a stronger bucket as well as 4 wheel steering which makes it much more maneuverable. Also allows much larger piles of snow. For running an auger the telehandler is better is it has down pressure and can be reversed if necessary.For loader work the telehandler wins and it's not even close. Many of the hay guys around here have switched from tractors and skid steers to compact telehandlers.

Tractor has some advantages mowing but also have some downside as the telehandler will operate on slopes as it can level the chassis and the telehandler is more maneuverable and can get under things like branches better than a tractor.

Honestly when it comes down to it pulling farming implements (disk, plow, etc,) is really the advantage of the tractor. Loading logs in this situation the telehandler will blow a tractor away. For box blade work it's pretty close as the telehandler essentially has topntilt as well as down pressure but teh tractor gives you a better view and you can add t&T.

Heck you could put a hydraulic winch on a telehandler and it woudl make a good skidder now that I think about it. Lower center of gravity and 3 way steering is better and more maneuverable under branches. Better engine and operator protection, tougher tires, etc...

At least for what I do a little telehandler would probably work just as well of not better than a tractor. XFax has some cool toys that is for sure. Heck it's even easier to rent attachments for a telehandler and with strong hydraulics it would run about anything.

 

[Xfaxman]

The telehandler is an impressive machine for sure. So are skidloaders.


But far too often, I need a "road" gear that neither provide. That is a big issue for me.

The "road" gear in the V417 is only 15.5 mph, but that is fast enough for me. :thumbsup: