help connecting chain to pull logs

[JIM4]

I have a 3830 GST and would like to know how most connect chain or cable to tractor and pull out dead trees laying down. Should I connect to draw bar? Should I weld eyes onto the loader and connect there Someone mentioned using a hitch ball on the draw bar. Maybe a winch? Any help please.

JIM
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[brewdog]

Use the drawbar that's what they are designed for. Get yourself a clevis and pin from the local Tractor Supply or hardware store and a 25 foot section of 3/8" logging chain. Let the tractor do the work. You can always choke up on the chain to shorten it with the hooks, make sure you give yourself plenty of space especially if the logs are hung up in other downed trees. Let the large hook on the chain act as a choker and tighten against the log. Use the small hook on the chain to determine your length to the drawbar.

Small trees can be pulled gently with a bucket or lifted to get a better position, but I would avoid completely trying to drag trees over 4" in diameter with a hook on a bucket. If you aren't hooked right or catch on something you can spring the loader frame and /or bend the heck out of your bucket. It's just not a good practice no matter how you look at it.

 

[RonR]

On a CUT, you can also TIP the tractor over hooking to the bucket.

ron

 

[Deerlope]

Or you can buy some 1/4 or 5/16 gr 70 chain and the get a clevis type grab hook and pin it to the hyd draw bar. This way it make shorten the chain much easier. I got the same tractor as you and all I use is 1/4" gr 70 chain for skidding logs. Much easier to handle than 3/8".

 

[moeh1]

I saved some old pictures about "log arches" I don't have an electronic version, only a printout. If you have enough trees to pull, making or buying one of these might make sense. They show some pretty good size trees, compared with what I would be comfortable with pulling with a tractor, due to getting the front of the log off the ground. Worth a look for you.

 

[btolle]

I drag lots of logs, some that are so big the tractor will barely move them. I put a hitch ball on the drawbar, lots easier to loop the chain over it than to try to screw/unscrew a clevis to hook up the chain.

If you can make the chain short enough it will pick up the front of the log just a little when you start dragging.

Just remember to take your time in case the log hangs on something. If it hangs it probably won't hurt anything but you will be thrown forward in the seat. Even with the seat belt on I have hit my knees on the dash in a sudden stop like that.

And, PLEASE, PLEASE, wear a hard hat if you are going to work in the woods. It will certainly save you a skinned head at some point and might save your life someday. I can't count the number of times I have been hit in the head by falling branches.

Bill Tolle

 

[George2615]

Jim,
See MOVING LOGS post in attachments for more input.
I didn't do a search but I know I've replied to this question many times as others have too. I'm sure someones idea will suit your needs.
George

 

[simonmeridew]

Jim:
You can drag a lot of logs and pick the front end of each log up to keep them out of the dirt if you use a drawbar across the 3pth. put a clevis with a grab hook in the middle hole and use a 5/16 inch chain with a slip hook on one end. Hitch the slip hook around the log, hook the chain to the drawbar hook, lift the 3pth and drawbar and away you go. Just don't hook anything to the top link, that's the 3rd point or top of the triangle of the 3pth. If you do hook to that your widow will be making your next post in the forum.

Another option to expand on something you mentioned in your post is to use a winch; if you're doing a lot of skidding it'll pay to get a Farmi type logging winch which will make the whole thing a lot easier and safer. I'll try to attach a pic I took today of my L4400 with a 351 Farmi winch pulling out firewood.
simonmeridew

 

[rk246]

I have had real good luck with the clevis on my draw bar, I use a 5/16ths, 20' grade 70 chain with a grab hook on the end I loop through the clevis, then I use a slip hook on the end I put around the tree so it pulls tight when I pull on it. Works well.

I would do a search on the entire site, there have been many posts on this with some guys having some great ideas. Also search for the winch, there are a couple posts on that as well, Boondox just got his new winch and seems to like it...it is a big one though.

 

[JIM4]

Thanks for all the great information. I will search more on the site.
I have some dead fall in and out of the woods. I need to drag three or so off of my fence. One cedar is in my stream. That one will be the most difficult. It is 15' off of the bank to the base of the cedar in three feet of water. I will need to loop the trunk and pull it out of the water. I do understand about getting too close to the bank edge. So I will look into all of the suggestions that all of you have posted. I would like any drawings that yall might have. Thanks again.

JIM