3pt winches

[Robert_in_NY]

Anybody who has bought a 3pt winch for pulling logs or tree tops I need some advice. We just bought another 45 acres that has been recently logged and there is a lot of tops. I am looking to get a winch to pull the tops out to the field to be cut for firewood. I know there are a few winches out there and I would like to know what some of you have and how you like it so far, any problems, options to get, prices to expect and anything else. I have a TN-65 that will be hooked to the winch so if there are any models more suited for this machine please let me know before I talk to my dealers. Thanks

 

[Youare]

I purchased the smallest winch Farmi made back in about 1981. It was rated for an 18 - 35 hp tractor. I used it on my 8N for most of the time and have recently used it on my Kubota L3000.

The Ford has around 24-26 PTO hp and the Kubota is somewhere around 26-28 PTO hp. I have only had to replace the cable on the winch.

This winter I dis-assembled the working parts of the winch to check it out. The clutch plate is still in good shape, I did clean and grease the thrust bearings and the clutch engaugement device.

I paid $995.00 for the winch new, now they go for a little more than that in the same size range. There is a hydraulic powered winch available now, but I think the PTO shaft driven models have less to go wrong with them.

There are some do's and don'ts using a 3PH winch. Get the right size winch for the tractor.

Randy

 

[AndyR]

I'vw got a Norse 450 winch. Only problem has been not having as much time on it as I'd like. The things I would watch for are cable length and an adjustable back blade/stop. On the Norse I can set the bottom back plate to pivot up (especially going over stumps) without having to raise the winch way up in the air.

 

[John_Mc]

Farmi makes some great logging winches. Their JL 501 would be a good match for your TN65m, it's recommended for 40-60 HP tractors.

If you are just pulling out tops, however, the 501 may be overkill (11,000# pulling capacity, 1/2" steel cable). It will pull some HUGE logs. The Farmi JL 351 P is recommended for up to 40 HP (3/8" cable, 7720# pulling cap). I believe your tractor is larger, but your loads would appear to be smaller, if you are just pulling out tops. Worth a look, anyway.

Most people I've spken to recommend getting the dozer butt plate (some models come with either the butt plate or outrigger legs).

John_Mc

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I should be working on comission. When I was looking for a salt and sand spreader I came across www.easternfarmmachinery.com they also handle a winch line called Norse. At least their site gives an idea of pricing, they gave me a discount as well when I asked for a quote.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I would go with the heaviest one I could get for my tractor and the 501 model sounds better as I don't have to worry about overloading. I will check it out as my local JD dealer deals with Farmi. The winch will also come in handy if I get stuck out there or any other equipment we may be running since most of ours weighs over 4 ton. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Darren]

Robert, I went with the theory as long as it fits on the tractor and the 3 pt can lift it, get it. I'm running a Farmi 601 on a 30hp Kubota. The specs say it's for 60-150hp tractors. Obviously it won't pull the rated load of 13,230 lb on the little Kubota without stalling the engine.

Within the Kubota's capability it's fantastic. I pulled the trunks from a large sycamore out of the creek and the winch had them plowing dirt coming up the sides. Later I can stick the Farmi on a larger tractor, and it'll still work. I did have to have different link pins made up to simplify attaching the lift arms to the winch.

 

[Boondox]

Robert -- I have a Farmi 351P for my L3010. You'll want to get a larger winch for the size tractor you have. I checked out Farmi, Norse and Fransgaard before buying and found them all comparable. Easy to control. Huge clutches. Easy to replace the cable, etc. And darn it, winches are just good fun! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Pete