Compact Tractor Log skidder

[HammA5690]

That is quite the gozmo from smallwoodlot. Most of my effort is expended in getting the logs TO the tractor.

My land is flat for the most part so wherever the tree may fall I can buck the log and back right up to it. I could understand how this attachment would not work well for people with very rough terrain.

 

[EddieWalker]

My experience with tongs and trying to find ways to stay in the seat have all failed on me. It would be nice to see how this works when done, and if it really does save time over just wraping a chain around the tree and pulling it on the ground from the draw bar.

Keep us posted, if it works, then it would be VERY USEFUL!!!!

Eddie

 

[Gobblin Tom]

My experience with tongs and trying to find ways to stay in the seat have all failed on me. It would be nice to see how this works when done, and if it really does save time over just wraping a chain around the tree and pulling it on the ground from the draw bar.

Keep us posted, if it works, then it would be VERY USEFUL!!!!

Eddie

Did you watch the video on this piece of equipment? I don't think it would work well on my hills and valleys. Although the video is neat!

 

[Snaker]

The design on the tongs have changed quite a bit. They have began using straight square stock with sharpened round stock welded at an angle to the ends. This should allow the tongs to grab smaller logs while making them easy to build.

I believe the chains are to keep the pulling of the log on the tow bar rather than on the 3pt. When you grab the log and pull away the chains pull tight placing the strain on the tow bar and lower to the ground. It should also help with preventing doing any accidental wheelies.

I swear that the first time I looked at the picture on that website I saw a solid bar connecting the hook pivot to the drawbar and couldn't figure out what the chains were supposed to do. On second look I see that the bar is actually the left 3 point lift arm. daaah!

 

[powergod1]

seems like a cool idea i could see how it would appeal to some

 

[LRTX1]

I think the chains to the drawbar are for the release of the tongs. Once the log is moved and the 3pt lowered, the tractor drives off and those chains keep the "hooks" from engaging the log again. It pulls on the hook end not the pivot end so they don't tighten. You only see the occasional tight chain while moving/pulling the log.

 

[HammA5690]

I think the chains to the drawbar are for the release of the tongs. Once the log is moved and the 3pt lowered, the tractor drives off and those chains keep the "hooks" from engaging the log again. It pulls on the hook end not the pivot end so they don't tighten. You only see the occasional tight chain while moving/pulling the log.

Good point but I'm not conceding defeat. Its used for both HA

 

[beenthere]

LRTX1
I think you have made a good point there. But they didn't seem to feature that in the video (or I missed it). As I see it, the "tongs" being discussed are not very heavy duty, and may be alright for the small logs shown in the video. And it may be that they are only for a small CUT too (as the size shown). I think my 4300 Deere would tear them up pretty quick when a typical 20" diam, 12' oak log was hooked to it.

I had the log tongs already that I've used for 40+ years. With the iMatch and that top hook, I sold my previous "arch" that had a large top hook. (first pic) Then using the iMatch, and the third pic is one on the old 8N Ford. The slots would accept a log chain. Sometimes with a big log, had to have two riding the front hood of the 8N to keep it down. In low gear, there was plenty of time to counter it raising up too far (and wasn't fast as some want others to believe).

 

[LRTX1]

LRTX1
I think you have made a good point there. But they didn't seem to feature that in the video (or I missed it). As I see it, the "tongs" being discussed are not very heavy duty, and may be alright for the small logs shown in the video. And it may be that they are only for a small CUT too (as the size shown). I think my 4300 Deere would tear them up pretty quick when a typical 20" diam, 12' oak log was hooked to it.

I had the log tongs already that I've used for 40+ years. With the iMatch and that top hook, I sold my previous "arch" that had a large top hook. (first pic) Then using the iMatch, and the third pic is one on the old 8N Ford. The slots would accept a log chain. Sometimes with a big log, had to have two riding the front hood of the 8N to keep it down. In low gear, there was plenty of time to counter it raising up too far (and wasn't fast as some want others to believe).

Near the end of the video, they show how to release the log. It clearly shows how the draw bar chain pulls the hooks off the log. Throughout the video those chains are most often slacked while pulling the log.