skidding logs

Mallard1 · Sep 16, 2023

We had several oak trees blow over this year and block trails so now I need to move them out. I was thinking of building something but then I saw this picture using a quick hitch and tongs. I have tongs so I could do this for free. any reason why I should build/buy something rather than just do this?

2manyrocks · Sep 17, 2023

If you drag a log down a hill, what are the odds that it will try to buck up against the back of your tractor with nothing to stop it? I only mention this because the tractor tree winches seem to be designed so that the butt of the log is secured against the winch for towing.

dstig1 · Sep 17, 2023

A lot depends on how big your tractor is (weight), how big the log/tree is, and your terrain. Not enough info to say much of anything intelligent, yet.

Mallard1 · Sep 17, 2023

all of the trees we move are in hardwood river bottoms, we don't have any elevation changes to speak of, the only time I can think of that being an issue would be a creek crossing. I would have to look closer at the tractor but I believe the quick hitch would keep it from going into a tire and the draw bar being extended should keep it from hitting any thing else on the tractor. the log would have to be lifted very high to get above the draw bar and I don't think I have that much 3pt lift.

Thank you for bringing that up, I really don't want to tear something up!

Mallard1 · Sep 17, 2023

dstig1 said:
A lot depends on how big your tractor is (weight), how big the log/tree is, and your terrain. Not enough info to say much of anything intelligent, yet.

Tractors will be a JD4320 with loaded tires that should weigh around 5,500 lbs when working. the other tractor is a NW Workmaster 75 cab that should be around 6,500 lbs.

logs will all be oak, mainly red oak and white oak cut into 9'6" or 19' long. diameter at butt end will range from 18" to 30". the bigger logs will be cut to 9'6"

as said the terrain is flat river bottom land.

so far this year we have cut up 5ea 19' logs and 12ea 9' logs and was able to pick all of them up with a grapple on the NH however the loader was maxed out on the 19' logs. we have about 3-4 times this amount to go.

the logs we need to get now are all on trails where the trailer cannot go so we will have to skid up to 600 yds or less.

CalG · Sep 17, 2023

That is a great way to move logs without a lot of "new equipment". I've been doing it for years.

If things get dicey, just drop the load.

It's not rocket science!

nyone · Sep 17, 2023

I wouldnt worry to much about the log pushing the tractor down hill. It would have to be really steep for that or s really smooth log.

I have used a chain or log tongs over the back edge of my box blade. Anything really works.

Thomas · Sep 17, 2023

If you feel comfortable using tong do so,if snow on the ground I consider using chain.

mikester · Sep 17, 2023

2manyrocks said:
If you drag a log down a hill, what are the odds that it will try to buck up against the back of your tractor with nothing to stop it? I only mention this because the tractor tree winches seem to be designed so that the butt of the log is secured against the winch for towing.

Thats what your PTO shaft is for. Log Stopper.

Rockbadchild · Sep 17, 2023

you certainly can, but what I do is, i cut the end of the long towards the tractor in a taper and use a sling chocker.

Jrasband · Sep 17, 2023

I really like Boom Poles, you can move a pretty big log and only have the the back tip of it on the ground. There is only two things you have to watch out for but not really on flat ground lol.

Don't lift your 3 pt all the way up when skidding unless you are not driving. If the log starts coming at you drop the load on the ground.

Quebecguy · Sep 17, 2023

If you only have a few logs to do on a flat surface, can't you just chain one end of the log to the bucket and back the tractor out?

square1 · Sep 17, 2023

mikester said:
Thats what your PTO shaft is for. Log Stopper.

The drawbar works nicely

2manyrocks · Sep 17, 2023

Drawbar would be the lowest center of gravity, but you can't raise the butt of the log to keep it from digging in unlike the rear 3pt. Have to be cautious with the 3pt not to get in a situation where the tractor can tip backwards. FEL might get tweaked trying to pull a large log.

Dragging trees out of clearing, best method?

20 years ago, farm was (selectively) timbered. Behind the house, are some old trees with tons of little trees and scrub trees. Looking to clear a section behind the house and take it all down. "Trees" are anywhere from say, 2" diameter to several at 24". I'm debating on getting several burn...

www.tractorbynet.com

ericm979 · Sep 17, 2023

What would be ideal would be to lift the butt of the log with the 3pt but pull from the drawbar.

Jstpssng · Sep 17, 2023

That seems like it would work well. Both tractors have some weight which will help you stay in control. Start out slow until you learn the limitations of your tractor, and how big of a log you feel comfortable working with.
If you do hit a spot that's dicey you can always drop the load and hook on with a chain. That just will meam more filing when you start cutting them up.

There have been a lot of logs dragged out using a chain and drawbar.

CobyRupert · Sep 17, 2023

It will work.

Remember, once the “pulling point” connection is above the rear axle, the load pulling back wants to lift the front tires and rotate (flip) the tractor around the rear axle.. below the axle you may still get a standing wheelie before forces “equalize” and you can steer with tractor brakes, but you likely won’t flip.

Have weight, or a loaded bucket, on the front of tractor if needed.
It’s a catch22, you want to lift the log so it slides easier, doesn’t hang up on roots and rocks or get muddy and dull chains saws. For sizable logs (compared to tractor), I keep log raised a low as possible to be just enough.

But know: too low and catching the log on a rock or root can cause the front end of tractor VERY quickly. Quicker than many people can react. Many people have been injured when a load hooked high on the tractor comes to a quick stop and front tires do a quick rise.

If would have to be a steep slick hill you’re going down before the log outruns the tractor.., but you can get a “pendulum effect” when the log’s drag friction suddenly decreases and the log/chain suddenly swings from being pulled “up and back”, and goes “down and forward”.

2manyrocks · Sep 17, 2023

ericm979 said:
What would be ideal would be to lift the butt of the log with the 3pt but pull from the drawbar.

I suppose you could lift with the 3pt, but drop the log onto a sled to pull from the drawbar. Some guys used to use car hoods to skid things around. Not sure if the current car hoods would stand up very long to that use. Or look for a good sized piece of steel plate you could weld a lip on so it doesn't dig into the dirt. Or take a 55 gallon plastic drum and reshape it into a logging cone.

WranglerX · Sep 17, 2023

On could put a section of pipe or steel bar across lower hooks on 3PH to keep log away for rear of tractor IF that is a worry........

ROUSTABOUT · Sep 17, 2023

2manyrocks said:
If you drag a log down a hill, what are the odds that it will try to buck up against the back of your tractor with nothing to stop it? I only mention this because the tractor tree winches seem to be designed so that the butt of the log is secured against the winch for towing.

We haul ours on the cable. Drop them, drive forward, then winch back to the tractor. Logs don't slide by themselves.