First use with a new Farmi 501 Winch

[AndyMA]

I also have a Farmi 501 and find it very useful Here is the link to the actual importer website with full info on the winches. It also contains much useful information on harvesting and skidding methods. Farmi Winch
The one thing I can say is ALWAYS pull straight off the back. Lifting the front end of you tractor is the least of you worries. The tractor will flip so fast that you will never see it comming and be able to react. I also would be lost with out the self releasing snatch block and several of the chocker chains that are shown on the site. The snatch block allows you to pull the log at any angle from where it is toward an anchor point (tree) and when it touches the block it releases and pulls straight into the winch. Very useful. Makes impossible pull routes simple. The block is expensive but worth every penny. I also pull very large rocks and stumps (not attached to the ground) with mine. Anchor it up high in a 6 inch or so tree and pull it over stump and all. the list goes on and on. PS I had a Farmi 351 before and traded it for a 501. Nothing wrong with the 351 but I liked the bigger capacity and the chain saw holders on the 501.

Andy

 

[milkman]

Wow, didn't know you got that kind of weather just 27 mi. north of Oceanside. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[tawilson]

Love my 501 too. It's on the tractor more than any other implement. Chainsaw holder is handy but I added a couple more high and low as one let the saw flop around more than I liked. Right now I'm rigging up a bracket to hold a hitch ball so I can move trailers around the yard without taking the winch off. It'll pin thru the bottom two holes for the snatch block. I thought about a receiver, but after a thread over on the forestry forum I decided to steal this idea.

 

[Engine66]

A couple questions for you guys...what is the HD top link bracket? My chainsaw holder conflicts with the protective screen...the sawbar won't slide all the way down the bracket because the screen rubs the saw handle...how do you have your sawholder set-up? Has anyone had to adjust their clutch to vary the pulling force? What RPM? Does RPM affect pulling force or speed...or both? Anyone use the chainsaw device that attachs to the bar and slides along a 2x4 mounted to the log for straight cuts?

 

[tawilson]

That was more than a couple. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Anyways, I'll take my shot at some. I haven't noticed a problem with my saw and the protective screen. I'm not near my tractor now but I don't think the screen sticks out past the side of the winch. To use the winch, I usually put the rpm's around 1500 and the harder I pull on the rope the more pullling force I have. Yes the rpms will affect the speed and pulling force. Usually 1500 will give me all I need. After using my winch for a while I got in the habit of using the loader to pull my trees to one location to hook up to the winch. Usually I can get to them with the tractor and it saves a lot of legwork. A remote for the winch would save a lot too.
I do have the chainsaw attachment, I think it's called a Lumbermaker, and it does work. There's other attachments out there, Alaskan Mill for one, that uses a chainsaw to make lumber. I've found that using the Alaskan mill to take the top slab off and the Lumbermaker to do the sides works pretty good.

 

[DLMaine01]

Go to the Kubota owning/operating forum and do a search on logging winch. Take a look at the post that says Major structual failure on L4610.(sorry I don't know how to link to it)
A winch can put a lot of force on the top link and Kubota makes a bracket to beef it up. It is intended for use with a BH which can put the same type of force on the top link. There was also a similar picture around of this happening on a JD tractor. I think this type of failure is pretty rare and may come from abuse, I just do not want it happening to me.

Dave

 

[JimMorrissey]

Looks good Engine. I'll add one to the list /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[1bush2hog]

Is there an ideal PTO speed to operate the winch at? Do you increase or decrease PTO speed with difficulty or ease of pull?

I purchased a 501 at the end of last year but every time I've had time to use it , the weather has not cooperated, so I am really itching to get mine going as I have many large trees down compliments of Ivan.

Thanks

 

[tawilson]

For me it varies depending on the situation. When I get to my drop off point, I just let it idle while I'm using the winch to get the chains unhooked. After paying a little more attention to my rpms today, I usually have the tractor around 1700 for pulling logs. If I'm trying to pull a tree over, I'll crank her. A friend got his truck turned sideways on the ice thats all over around here after Mondays rains and Tuesdays sub-zero temps. I parked at the top of the hill and pulled him up at around 1300 rpm. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[1bush2hog]

Thanks for the info Tom. I also saw your previous post after I posted my question.

Guess I will learn alot more, and probably have additional questions, once I have a chance to use mine.