Bucket Mount Sawbuck

[kco]

Like BCP, I have a Smartholder and much of my wood is under 6". Unlike BCP the Smartholder seems the perfect height for me. We're all different!

The Smartholder makes bucking-up smaller logs easier on the back. And it is safer. Smaller logs can be difficult to control and there can be an inclination to hold them with a foot if cutting them over another log on the ground. I also use a log jack similar to the Woodchuck mentioned in the first post. Many of my trees are have 10 to 12" butts and are about 60' long. You can work from the bottom with the log jack to where the remaining tree is light enough and small enough to put in the Smartholder and then finish cutting it there.

I also have a toothbar on my bucket. Most times it is easy to balance an entire 50' to 60' log across the teeth, mark it, and cut from both ends. If I can't get in to balance the log or it is too big, I lift an end with a chain and whittle it down to where it can be cut with the log jack and finally the Smartholder. Since you are cutting mostly small timber I think you would be happy with a log jack and something similar to the Smartholder.

 

[300UGUY]

A guy on here from Maine has a simple 1 fang grapple for holding logs. He calls it a log clamp.

 

[ETpilot]

I made a wooden smart holder. It really works good. You would be amazed at how large and long a log it will hold. It is also good for cutting limbs for starter wood. I may weld another style that I saw that looks interesting. For mid-sized logs I use my FEL bucket with forks. I load the log raise to work level then buck from both ends towards middle. For large logs, I leave them on the ground and cut about 3/4 down then rotate with a can't hook I made and do the final cut. This works for me.

Adding a grapple to my bucket would be very nice. I just have no time right now to fabricate one.

 

[Colonel Monk]

ET I think that's what I'm going to do as well, is build a "smart holder" for our bucket. I've seen quite a few designs on the web, they are simple to load yourself and auto-sizing. Would like brush forks and a grapple too, but now that I'm working again one of the first things I'm investing in is a good MIG welder. Put that off for far too long, it's time.

Was thinking, if it has two tines like a fork that are say 6" apart and stick out maybe 18 inches, and then the smart holder above, might be able to drive right into the end of a log and pick it up. I suppose you want to make sure you don't ram the log home into the bucket, otherwise the "one way" clamp won't release the last piece of firewood.

I'm kinda busy with regular work right now but when I get a chance I'll model something up.

What did you use on the "jaw" of the holder for "teeth"? Place I work now has quite a bit of steel scrap, I'm guessing I'll be using 2 x 2 sq tube mostly.

CM

 

[Deere Dude]

I use 48" forks to lift as many logs, from 3" diameter to 24" diameter, as will fit and lift. I need to put a saw horse under my fel because it will drop to much before I get them all sawed. I then cut from the ends alternating until I get the center chunks. That I saw 3/4 through the log then roll it a little then cut it through and let if fall through the forks. I do this until I get a big pile on the ground.

Then I fork a big pallet and roll as many logs on the pallet as the tractor will lift, almost. Then I drive it over to the log splitter and raise it level with the splitter and about 3" away from the bed of the splitter. Then I roll them on the splitter and use the pallet for the big half of log I am not working on. It works super and I never have to lift any logs unless I want to stack them higher on the pallet. It works for me and is the easiest system I have seem so far.

 

[CurlyDave]

I'm not sure I totally understand. Is your grapple at the bottom of your bucket? Confused because most I've seen are on the top and you mentioned driving the grapple under the log.

We inherited the tractor from my deceased uncle, so my aunt actually owns it - but my old man is averse to the changes I want to make for my use. He's in florida all winter and I'm the one trying to stay warm! So I'm curious, how hard is it to add a grapple to the average tractor? I'm guess it requires an additional valve but is it as simple as tapping into the hydraulic return from existing manifold and adding a cylinder?

My grapple is independent of the loader. I take the loader off and put the grapple on the tractor.

 

[MNBobcat]

I'm thinking of building a log table as an attachment for my skidsteer. Basically it would have 2 forks that would slide under the logs and then when I tip it back the logs will roll back onto the table portion of the attachment. And then I would want a hydraulic lever off the corner of the attachment. Hitting the lever would push the logs from their ends towards the opposite end of the table. The idea being I could get 5 or 6 logs loaded up...jump out of the skid...cut the ends of the logs..hit the lever and have more of the log overhang off the end of the table and then cut them. And so on and so on. Sort of like a poor man's processor. I have no need to split the wood. Just need manageable lengths.

 

[lutt]

I use the thumb on my backhoe for this. LUTT

 

[pat32rf]

If the log isn't too heavy i can run the end of it into my bucket, then roll the bucket back and lift the log by the end that is in the bucket. A couple of teeth sticking down from the top of the bucket (which has an extra piece or 3' chanel) stops the log from rolling most of the time....