3-Point Hitch 3-point hitch log skidder

[Rusty4242]

Hi, is anyone familiar with this 3-point hitch log skidder from Smallwoodlottools.com? I plan to use it with by BX23 for thinning my woodlot. I've been making do with chains and the drawbar. Nothing too big, stuff up to a foot in diameter. Thanks, Rusty
here is the link
Small Wood Lot Tools

 

[Just Bill]

Hello
For no more than there is to it they sure are proud of it.
I wouldn't be hard to rig one up with more versatility.
1.An Omni Hitch with the boom attachment and logging tongs from Northern
2. A Quick Hitch and Logging tongs.
3. Build your own set up similar to theirs.
These could be used for more than just skidding.

 

[beenthere]

Just Bill's #2 is what I use. And tossing the logging tongs on the quick hitch is better than a dedicated attachment on the 3 ph. I think

But have fun with it, regardless. Would like to see some pics with some good size logs on it.

 

[IdahoTractor]

Hi, is anyone familiar with this 3-point hitch log skidder from Smallwoodlottools.com? I plan to use it with by BX23 for thinning my woodlot. I've been making do with chains and the drawbar. Nothing too big, stuff up to a foot in diameter. Thanks, Rusty
here is the link
Small Wood Lot Tools

This is just my opinion, but the smallwoodlottools device seems to be quite an expensive attachment to purchase unless you're moving lots and lots of logs. Using a drawbar and chains is the way I've always done it. And I'd use the money "saved" for another type of attachment. However, if you're moving lots of logs, I could see where this attachment might be more convenient than a drawbar and chains.

 

[nh DRAGON]

Looks like a nice set up. I modeled mine after one I saw in northern, but now you are giving me more Ideas!

 

[MarkV]

I agree that an inexpensive boom pole and some tongs should do about the same for half the price. It does look well made, just too expensive for the number of logs I harvest.

MarkV

 

[amigauser]

Here is the one from Northern Tool that was previously hinted at.

Norwood Log Hog Log Skidder Tractor Attachment, Model# 41255 Log Hog | Log Skidding | Northern Tool + Equipment

Not much cheaper than the one you listed though and like others have said probably not worth the $$ unless you are skidding lots of logs.

 

[Toolguy]

It seems to work well for logs that you can easily get to. It looks to be well made and well thought out. But, what about logs that are laying by a stump so you can't back straight up to it? Where there is a log there is usually a stump close by. Still hard to beat a chain with a slip hook on one end and a grab hook on the other. Add a grab hook on the tractor drawbar so you take up the slack in the chain and you have a simple system that will move a lot of logs. Works even better if you have it attached to the 3PTH so you can lift the front of the log.

Here is a picture of my setup.

 

[nh DRAGON]

At last look I just watch the video, This time I actually saw the price ouch. I have about $12 (for pins) and 45min. In mine before the paint. The tongs are nice but for the most part I use the chains!

 

[easygo]

This is what I use. The upper #1 hooks do the lifting and the lower #2 hooks do the pulling. I use chains with a slip hook on one end that allows the chain to loop around and tighten onto the log. A grab hook on the other end.

The steps are:
Loop the chain around log and hook it to #1 upper hook.
Raise the log with the hitch and put the grab hook on a chain link right above the slip hook.
The slack part of chain then can be slipped into the #2 grab hook so the pulling force comes from the lower 3ph arms.

It is more simple then it sounds and works very well. I can haul 4-5 smaller (5-7") trees at a time and hardly ever had one slip out.

If you can weld or know someone who can it would be easy to fab up something.

 

[HarleyScooter]

Just for some options, I made two pieces that attach to the 3 point receiver hitch. I have not used it yet but the plan is very similar to what easygo is doing. I want to use the lower plate to pull with and also as a bumper incase I go down hill and the log starts to catch up with the tractor.

 

[easygo]

I like the plate especially that it is removable. I never had a problem with logs catching up with the tractor but if it is a questionable situation I lower the 3ph a little and it gives more drag. It is very useful tho when you drop off the logs. Sometimes I end up with one slightly stuck under the frame of the thing.
A plate or other piece down low would certainly prevent that.
I have not put something like that on mine yet as it doubles as a rear ballast holder and I want the ground clearance when it serves that function. Did I mention that I really like the fact that it is removable? Thanks for the idea.

 

[Baby Grand]

HarleyScooter-
Wow - you've got 75% of a logging winch fabricated there. I like the rear blade and the build quality looks very nice.
-Jim

 

[HarleyScooter]

Thanks easygo & Baby Grand, I was thinking about mounting a winch in there also and changing the hook on the top piece to a cable pulley. So far I have been able to get to all the wood I have cut and load it with the grapple I made for the loader. It is really nice not to have to manually pick up those 24" to 30" diameter pieces and put them on the trailer anymore.

 

[savageactor7]

I saw that and it was pretty nifty...esp with real big monster logs. I use this simple rig and it does fine...on bigger trees I'll load up the FEL with a bucket of clay.

 

[beenthere]

savageactor7
Do you always run without pins in the drawbar or do you crank the turnbuckles tight so they are not needed?

 

[sms0000]

I have one of the Norwood Log Hogs from one of the previous posts and it works great for what I need I can skid some pretty darn big logs with my B3200.

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[Rusty4242]

Hey, HarleyScooter, nice photos. Are you using the BH hydraulics for the top link cylinder and where did you tap in for the grapple hydraulics? Thanks, Rusty

 

[HarleyScooter]

Hey, HarleyScooter, nice photos. Are you using the BH hydraulics for the top link cylinder and where did you tap in for the grapple hydraulics? Thanks, Rusty

Yes I tapped into where the backhoe would hook up and installed two valves. I ran hoses to the rear valves for the grapple.

 

[Capt Dan]

Hey, HarleyScooter that looks like a great setup. What are the wider clevis attactment points on the bucket for. Thanks, Dan