Skidding Logs with tractor.

[MF RED in MT]

What I use is the Timber Tuff TMW-54 Log Grapple - 22" (A.K.A. poor mans grapple), but lately I just rotate these jaws 90 degrees, back up to the log, pick it up off of the ground then cut the log into 18" long rounds

A simple HF chain with the link style hooks on both ends will work fine as long as you can attach the chain to a higher anchor point on the 3 point hitch.

A simple 3 point quick hitch from HF with a chain link style hook welded in the center at the top will work.

Or you could get a similar setup already to skid your logs.

Here's a few links for you to check out and also my log skidding/raising system pic:

KC

Amazon.com : RJ Designs XHD 3 Point Log Skidder - Designed and Made in USA - Super Strength and Durability - Standard Model Without Log Chain : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com: Timber Tuff TMW-54 Log Grapple, 22": Garden & Outdoor

 

[CobyRupert]

Maybe not affordable, but....

Log Grapples | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment

 

[John_Mc]

Maybe not affordable, but....

Log Grapples | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment

Before I spent the money for one of those, I'd recommend a 3 Pt hitch logging winch. Less money than most of those models, and a lot more flexible.

 

[Rustyiron]

Is there any affordable attachment that would make it easy to approach logs, grab them and then drag them to another location?



I'd bet that most are less than 18" in diameter.

I've also thought of building something

Any ideas?

I've trimmed your question to the bones. It seems like;
1 you'd like to grab the log meaning you have good access and would like to remain on the tractor.
2 18" logs and you can do some fabrication.
There are places that sell grapples and rotators only, that is just the components. You wouldn't necessarily need a rotator and a small hanging grapple similar to the previously posted Wallenstein set up are about $2000. The "structure" would be your part.
Hud son and Iowa farm equipment are 2 places that I've seen these parts for sale.
It's hard to beat a $2500 3pt winch, and around here there easy to sell if you choose to after your done with it if you don't mind taking a little "ding" on the investment.

 

[BufordBoone]

Maybe not affordable, but....

Log Grapples | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment

I'll purchase one of those just as soon as I get the payment from the Nigerian Prince I got an email from. Nice! Can't wait! :laughing:

 

[BufordBoone]

I've trimmed your question to the bones. It seems like;
1 you'd like to grab the log meaning you have good access and would like to remain on the tractor.
2 18" logs and you can do some fabrication.
There are places that sell grapples and rotators only, that is just the components. You wouldn't necessarily need a rotator and a small hanging grapple similar to the previously posted Wallenstein set up are about $2000. The "structure" would be your part.
Hud son and Iowa farm equipment are 2 places that I've seen these parts for sale.
It's hard to beat a $2500 3pt winch, and around here there easy to sell if you choose to after your done with it if you don't mind taking a little "ding" on the investment.

I'll take a look there, Rustyiron. Thanks.

From what I've read so far, I think I'm most likely to get a set of those lifting tongs and use them with a boom pole I've got.

Thanks, to everyone, for the ideas!

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

I have skidded a lot of logs from the bush using a 3pt receiver hitch similar to the picture in post #2, and a hook at the top link attachment point to hold the lifting chain..
You ALWAYS, ALWAYS skid with another chain to the tractor draw bar..

Our old woodsman neighbor estimated some of the logs were about the weight of the tractor.. Again... ALWAYS pull with the draw bar.. Only lift with the 3 point..

 

[Gordon Gould]

Here is another way you can do it. A short boom pole off the draw bar. Good lift and keeps the weight low. It's not a very good picture that I copied from somewhere thinking it was a good idea.



gg

 

[CobyRupert]

I have skidded a lot of logs from the bush using a 3pt receiver hitch similar to the picture in post #2, and a hook at the top link attachment point to hold the lifting chain..
You ALWAYS, ALWAYS skid with another chain to the tractor draw bar..

Our old woodsman neighbor estimated some of the logs were about the weight of the tractor.. Again... ALWAYS pull with the draw bar.. Only lift with the 3 point..

Why not pull with the 3 point hitch?
Pulling from drawbar keeps both ends of log in the dirt. All of log in dirt actually, chain saw gets more dull, log more likely to snag a root or stump, log pulls harder, rear of tractor has less weight/traction to pull log.
I agree that you shouldn’t pull with 3 point (or 2 point) hitch with connection point raised higher than axle or tractor can do a backflip. I can see that when pulling with a boom pole, it’s almost impossible to pull from below axle, and flip danger increases.
...but aren’t tractor’s made for pulling with the 3 point hitch (plows for example)?

 

[FTG-05]

I used to use the ball hitch on my LMC box blade, chain and a Logrite 28" tongs.

Like this set up shown here:

Then I got my grapple:

So much easier, so much more versatile. I never use the BB or tongs anymore.

If anyone wants the 28" Logrite tongs, let me know, there yours free for the asking. Just come pick them up; no shipping.