Skidding Logs with tractor.

[ericm979]

Wow FTG that's quite a wood shed!

 

[Creamer]

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稚 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痴 almost impossible to pull from below axle, and flip danger increases.
...but aren稚 tractor痴 made for pulling with the 3 point hitch (plows for example)?

I have the same question. I have a drawbar between the two arms of the 3pt hitch and i often put the hitch down and back the drawbar under the end of the log and then throw a chain around the log to the drawbar with an open hook so it will lock tight. I do not lift the log much - just enough to keep the end from dragging in the dirt so it is well below the axle.

 

[crazyal]

I would like a 3pt winch but just haven't enough use for one. What I do is use the loader to lift the end of the logs and put a piece of firewood under them so wrapping a chain around them is easy if they are laying on the ground. If they aren't too heavy I'll even drag them a ways using the loader. I use the 3pt hitch when pulling them. Just don't try to get a running start and jerk them. The downside is they do get dirty. A log arch would help keep them up out of the mud but I probably only cut 5 or 6 trees a year for firewood. Half of them I'll buck up in place so it just doesn't make sense to get an expensive option to make it easier.

As for the "don't pull above the center line of the rear axle, I do it all the time. If you have a HST or shuttle shift I don't see it as much of an issue. A geared tractor, yes. Your foot could slip off the clutch and as the front comes up you can't get to it quick enough. But with an HST or shuttle you would have to keep your foot on the gas pedal or it'll just stop.

 

[WranglerX]

Our property is not flat, so I was leery of skidding tongs on the 3 point.
I've been using a grapple on front end, and this Small Wood Lot Tools - Timber Maintenance, Pre-commercial Thinning, Firewood, Fuel Reduction skidding tong set up. The skidding tongs are safe because you adjust the lower chain length to drag the log with your draw bar, so the 3 point only lifts the log up off the ground.
I've skidded over 100 logs from 16' to 60' long. Just back up, lower the 3 point and drive off. Rarely have to get off of the tractor to hook or unhook.
Patrick

That thing looks simple enough to make if you can figure out the geometry of the moving pieces...

Dale

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Why not pull with the 3 point hitch?

I think it really depends on what tractor you have...

It's not easy to lift the front of mine, I pull on the top pully on my skidding winch all the time and the front stays down, even with heavy pulls.

SR

 

[s219]

There should not be a huge amount of pull required to skid a log with the butt elevated, so I have no concerns using the 3-pt hitch for that. If there is a lot of resistance then something is wrong!

 

[MF243RedTop]

Or way too much log for too little of a tractor.
Know what you should or shouldn't do.
It doesn't take nothing fancy to drag a log, most important factor is the rump on the seat.

 

[CalG]

I've got an offer to do some TSI with a return of firewood over the next few years,

I'm making plans to drive up north and pick up an Igland 3501 tomorrow. The land is much too "steep" to consider dragging every piece to the landing.

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

Why not pull with the 3 point hitch?
Pulling from drawbar keeps both ends of log in the dirt.

+++
I lift with the 3pt receiver hitch..
I pull with a chain under the raised log connected to the draw bar.. That way there is minimal pull on the 3 point..
It is easy enough to take the time to hook up this way..

Many have reported if you ever do raise the tractor front end, you will never let that happen again.. Many seem to have to find out for themselves..

 

[banjoman]

FTG-05 Any chance you live close to Maryville Tn? Thanks