How do you skid logs with your tractor..pics?

[D7E]

I still do it the hard way with a 85hp tractor and loader with 2 chains off the loader and pull 2 60ft poplars at a time 1/4 mile to the road side , 200 cords every winter this way ?

 

[curly]

I still do it the hard way with a 85hp tractor and loader with 2 chains off the loader and pull 2 60ft poplars at a time 1/4 mile to the road side , 200 cords every winter this way ?

If you do 200 cords a year then who's to argue Why no grapple hooks (or similar)? Do they bounce loose to much or something?

 

[D7E]

If you do 200 cords a year then who's to argue Why no grapple hooks (or similar)? Do they bounce loose to much or something?

I use both (and wires with chokers ) but i find on perfectly straight poplar poles a regular chain snugs up tighter and does not slip off and working 10 hour days in full protective gear in-30 conditions , Driving and cutting myself you're in and out of the cab,cutting,wrestling with clips and clamps and wearing big gloves it gets very tiresome so a regular chain is quick and if you know which direction to hook is much faster .

 

[D7E]

If you do 200 cords a year then who's to argue Why no grapple hooks (or similar)? Do they bounce loose to much or something?

I use both (and wires with chokers ) but i find on perfectly straight poplar poles a regular chain snugs up tighter and does not slip off and working 10 hour days in full protective gear in-30 conditions , Driving and cutting myself you're in and out of the cab,cutting,wrestling with clips and clamps and wearing big gloves it gets very tiresome so a regular chain is quick and if you know which direction to hook is much faster .

 

[johnk]

I pulled a few aspens down but I have really steep inclines.

 

[Rara Avis]

Here is a project for you...a nice little logging arch...

Logging arch

 

[Spiveyman]

Here is a project for you...a nice little logging arch...

Logging arch

Now that is pretty cool. I've been watching this thread mostly as I will have lots of logs to move soon. I'll probably have to use the chain/boom pole method, but that arch thing is cool.

By the way, MikeD74T, I wasn't meaning to indict you specifically. I loved those tractor grapples. I didn't mean we try to spend other people's money maliciously, but being men and talking about tractors and implements, it's hard not to get all excited about this stuff - and at least for me, that almost always winds up costing me money. I'm not complaining though. When I first logged into TBN I didn't even know what a box blade was, but a few threads later and I couldn't survive without one. This thread will probably be that way for me too.

 

[johnk]

The most important thing is to make sure your tractor has enough heft so the logs don't move the tractor around if you have downhill slopes etc. ATV's are quick and low impact but if coming down a hill with a 800# tree you have to remember the size of those brake pads!!! I use my ATV and a skidding plate I built for the level stuff. The tractor is much better as to get the log quite high off the ground eliminating a lot of dirt on the bark in the skidding process. The chain on the chainsaw definitely stays sharper longer with less dirt... I also welded a hook on my post hole digger and hang some tongs off of it and I usually don't have to get out of the seat to hook onto and release the log. I figure the posthole boom has more strength than the TSC boompole..

 

[D7E]

Here is a project for you...a nice little logging arch...

Logging arch

I have thought about this and have an old 200hp stieger tractor from 1975 and a wrecked bachhoe , I am trying to visuallize the dipper arm off the backhoe with a winch fabricated to the back of the tractor ,I also have a blade off a CAT D4 ....Home made skidder ...I've sized it up and i figure about $4000 should do it (I would have to buy a winch) ,I have the steel and i am a welder so i may do it for the **** of it ?

 

[Rara Avis]

I have thought about this and have an old 200hp stieger tractor from 1975 and a wrecked bachhoe , I am trying to visuallize the dipper arm off the backhoe with a winch fabricated to the back of the tractor ,I also have a blade off a CAT D4 ....Home made skidder ...I've sized it up and i figure about $4000 should do it (I would have to buy a winch) ,I have the steel and i am a welder so i may do it for the **** of it ?

LOGGING ARCH draft horse log skidder cart forecart - (eBay item 180160935564 end time Sep-28-07 18:45:00 PDT)