DIY logging winch build

ericm979 · Nov 3, 2017

FarmWrench said:
Could I put a bug in your ear for your next build? Or even to glean a few ideas on this one.

Call the US Forest Service research center and ask for the free plans for the "Bitterroot Yarder". While at it ask for the bigger Yarder as well.

I had to look that up, I found this:

8351-235-MTDC: Bitterroot Miniyarder for Light Forest Materials

FarmWrench · Nov 3, 2017

Call them and they will send complete blueprints, and parts.

Locally walenstine (spelling?) Skidding winch (next to heaviest model, sits on the kiote dealer's lot for $4500.

No one, has a dual line yarding capable winch outside of $50k and east side of the Rockies.

davedj1 · Nov 3, 2017

mark in portugal said:
I'm also interested to see how your build goes; I'm considering a recovery winch for the tractor as I have managed to get stuck a few times.
So much to think about though...

I want to dig out an old pond with the fel, but the odds of getting stuck are about 10/1 [in favor of]. And there are trees to anchor to.

Keep in mind that if your cable or rope breaks or comes free, it will snap back towards the tractor with massive force and speed. that's why those winches have big heavy shields.
I'm sure you know all that, but as I didn't see it stated in the thread I had to add it anyway.

I would mount a 12v electric winch with synthetic rope on the back of the tractor, probably be your best bet for the occasional drag out of the mud, or chain a 4x4 to the tire

davedj1 · Nov 3, 2017

FarmWrench said:
Could I put a bug in your ear for your next build? Or even to glean a few ideas on this one.

Call the US Forest Service research center and ask for the free plans for the "Bitterroot Yarder". While at it ask for the bigger Yarder as well.

Appreciate the insight. I am not going to be logging however. I will check it out though, never know when a good idea will jump out at ya. I just got off the phone with them and ordered a set. I was intrigued at the "built with common items" part.

davedj1 · Nov 3, 2017

Here is how the clutch will be engaged, it's very similar to some name brands. The center wedge will have a handle on it. Those wedges were cut out of the 2 1/2" DOM and 1" washers from TSC were welded on. The two bolts are to tighten and adjust the clutch.

OH, I did call on the Farmi clutch discs for a 351, there are six pads that look like brake pads, they are $40 each and the rivets are $2.50 each and you need 12 of them, I politely thanked them and said good bye. The local "dealer" for Farmi doesn't stock anything in fact they don't even list it on their website. Both places I called had to order them in from Farmi and they would take a week or so to get. I guess that's good that they last 20 years or more!
I'm having serious thoughts about just buying some cheap brake pads for a Ford Explorer or the like and bolting them on. Or just go ahead and try the clutch from a 90's Camaro.

mark in portugal · Nov 3, 2017

Sawyer Rob said:
A "recovery" winch isn't such a bad idea on a tractor, but a recovery winch makes a poor skidding winch!

That's the difference...

SR

I understand that, but there are also a lot of similarities in mechanics and construction.
Quandaries I wrestle with; altering the direction of torque of the pto 90 degrees, lowering the ratio enough, and safety control.
I'm thinking maybe a chain cogwheel instead of a cable drum, as it might be light enough to wrestle onto the tractor in the field.
And of course, how to keep within my budget of just a tad over zero.

mark in portugal · Nov 3, 2017

Yes, I've chained logs to the wheels several times; just the day before yesterday in fact.
It usually works, but it deep mud sometimes the whole log just slides under. Also it's sort of yucky.

This is a 4 ton 4wd tractor with 5' od rear tires, and if a 12v winch exists that could pull it, then it would cost FAR more than I can pay.
A big hydraulic might work, but anything like that is rare and totally expensive here in Portugal.

FarmWrench · Nov 3, 2017

Have you considered cleaning the muck out of the pond with a silt scoop? Slackline excavator style. Have a second machine pull the scoop out via cable haul the silt back with the bigger machine.

Check deep in the Heavy Equipment forum.

davedj1 · Nov 3, 2017

Got the handle welded on

pmsmechanic · Nov 3, 2017

davedj1 said:
OH, I did call on the Farmi clutch discs for a 351, there are six pads that look like brake pads, they are $40 each and the rivets are $2.50 each and you need 12 of them, I politely thanked them and said good bye. The local "dealer" for Farmi doesn't stock anything in fact they don't even list it on their website. Both places I called had to order them in from Farmi and they would take a week or so to get. I guess that's good that they last 20 years or more!
I'm having serious thoughts about just buying some cheap brake pads for a Ford Explorer or the like and bolting them on. Or just go ahead and try the clutch from a 90's Camaro.