DIY logging winch build

[Rustyiron]

:thumbsup:
Well done Dave!

 

[motoman3b]

Nice build dave, maybe I missed it somewhere but what keeps the clutch pad centered between the spool and sprocket?

 

[davedj1]

Nice build dave, maybe I missed it somewhere but what keeps the clutch pad centered between the spool and sprocket?

The center of the clutch was cut out and I bolted it to the sprocket.

 

[davedj1]

I got some paint on it today.

 

[Jstpssng]

That looks great. And although you may have gone over budget you still have considerably less into it than those of us who went out and bought one.

 

[Peter 315]

That looks great. And although you may have gone over budget you still have considerably less into it than those of us who went out and bought one.

Found this on CL Log Winch 3 Point hitch - farm & garden - by owner - sale

 

[Jstpssng]

Found this on CL Log Winch 3 Point hitch - farm & garden - by owner - sale

I would pass on that even if I could use it; besides the fact that it's too top heavy, the winch would be way too slow. There was a Fransgard on CL for the longest time for not much less than a new one; the guy had built a frame as wide as the winch and a couple of feet taller; then welded steel plate on. I don't think that you could even watch your load, it was so tall; and I can just imagine what would happen if you catch the frame on a solid limb.

 

[davedj1]

If you are interested, in this video you can see how they tighten up the clutch. I believe it to be an Igland winch. this is the idea I was going for. As near as I can tell it works quite well. I suppose if I had better machining techniques and better tooling I could have accomplished this. I had not seen this video until today, I only ever saw the Farmi and knew I couldn't use their type mechanism because I have no way to mill/cast the parts.
Maybe my ramp idea was too steep even though I thought it wasn't?
Mini Skidder - YouTube

 

[davedj1]

WELL DARN! I broke the winch today!
I loaded the tractor up and hauled it over to my buddies property to skid some trees for next years firewood. The first tree I hooked to was a 24' piece about 12" across at the butt, yanked it to the winch like a champ! I ran that one to the pile and came back for another larger Maple, I knew I couldn't haul the entire thing so I cut about 20' off the bottom which is about 20-21" across. I hooked it up, gave the lever a push and I heard a clunk, looked and didn't see anything too obvious so I gave it another push and heard a terrible clank,!
The Lovejoy connectors I made with the ramps the other day must be made from Chinese steel, the thing broke right in half
So I hauled it all home and parked the tractor in the garage. I'll pull the winch apart tomorrow and see if I can come up with a plan "C" or maybe back to plan "A"

Let's discuss the clutch for a bit. Can anyone confirm If I take the clutch off and cut every other pad off would it work any better? IE: grip more?
Or while I have it in the garage should I look for some brake pads from an ATV or something?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[pmsmechanic]

Ceramic pads grip a lot better. They also wear at the metal but I doubt that would be an issue.