Hydraulic log skidder

[ch47dpilot]

Has anyone built a log skidder similar to the one in this pic. I've seen a lot of threads for manual skidders but didn't find any that were hydraulic. They want $3255 but I think I could build it cheaper. The sellcom site even has a breakdown in a PDF manual so design would be simple.

 

[davygp38]

I am not sure about the cost of the hydraulics for the gear drive on the picker, but I would bet the farm, you could do it for half of what they get.

 

[Taylortractornut]

Im building a grapple like that now. Im fixing it to use the single cylinder like that one. I ve got my patterns cut out so the burn table can cut them out. Im going with the make it to fit my materials. If everything comes out right I think it can be made for around 200. Its tough now as scrappers are getting all the old combines and pickers and oter good hydraulic stashes.

 

[ch47dpilot]

If you have any pics or drawings please post. No sense in reinventing the wheel

 

[grsthegreat]

silly people, i keep telling you all that that is not the way to skid logs...this is how you do it.


but seriously, that is a cool looking devise, and looks fairly easy to make a similar devise, but the price seems ridiculously high. too bad the head didn't rotate to help hook up logs.

Quick Attact has a similar skid steer attachment with manual 90 degree rotation. for 3995.00. these things sure are spendy
Multi Purpose Grapple : Quick Attach Attachments, Inc.

 

[VinNB]

Here is another example of a similar grapple. It uses three chains to hold the grapple itself to the boom.
Here is a youtube link: YouTube - Kena Log Grapple

Here is the link to the forsale add where I found it: Kena 3 point Log Grapple-New, direct from factory - Kawartha Lakes Farming Equipment For Sale - Kijiji Kawartha Lakes Canada.

May give you some more ideas for yours.

 

[Taylortractornut]

I have the osb patterns I made I can take a picture of it for you. I see that your from Ozark AL I go through there on my way to Florida. Im taking one copy down to a friend in St Augustine this June. THe most trouble I had in figuring mine till I saw one in person was the offset in the tines. I thought the equidistant length of the bores would be fine but they need about an inch more than the tine bore so you can put a bar across the tines for added strength. I probjust lost every one there its hard for me to explain lol. I was working a storm clean up and saw a Ryan grapple one the front of a skid steer feeding a chipper and had to have one.

 

[beenthere]

Has anyone built a log skidder similar to the one in this pic. I've seen a lot of threads for manual skidders but didn't find any that were hydraulic. They want $3255 but I think I could build it cheaper. The sellcom site even has a breakdown in a PDF manual so design would be simple.

Up to what size log diameter would you build it? What size tractor to pull that size?

I have been getting by pretty well with a more manual system that requires I get off to hook onto a log, but can't see the need to add more weight to the 3 ph that would reduce the size log I could pull up and out of the woods.

 

[grsthegreat]

Up to what size log diameter would you build it? What size tractor to pull that size?

I have been getting by pretty well with a more manual system that requires I get off to hook onto a log, but can't see the need to add more weight to the 3 ph that would reduce the size log I could pull up and out of the woods.

i actually usually chain them up to the loader, so i can lift slightly and not cause drag.

 

[boggen]

Up to what size log diameter would you build it? What size tractor to pull that size?

I have been getting by pretty well with a more manual system that requires I get off to hook onto a log, but can't see the need to add more weight to the 3 ph that would reduce the size log I could pull up and out of the woods.

now that is thing to have!

personally just back right up. toss chain around tree a couple times. and right over 3pt hitch. (closer to rear of tractor) as i can. within reason. so i can get more weight right near the rear tires. so my front wheels don't come off the ground. 3pt hitch lifting things up just a little bit so the one end of tree is not digging into the ground as it is being pulled.

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i would assume the grapple on that, spins approx 270 degrees. ((i say 270 vs 360, due to limiting factor of how far hydrualic hoses will go. that open close the grapple)) i would also assume. a couple pull wires or other small hydrualic cylinder so you could spin the grapple or let the grapple spin freely. other words grappel spins like a rear blade can spin around.

or is the grappel. on a couple heavy duty hinges. so it can bend left and right about 90 degrees and can bend back and forth about 90 degrees. other words allows the grappel to swivel vs spin?

do you really need much more than the single hydrualic cylinder for grapple? or do you need more freedom of how high you can lift the log up, than what the 3pt hitch can raise. and putting a cylinder on the boom that sticks out for the grapple?

 

[ch47dpilot]

I have a 34HP Kubota L3400. The trees are 6-12" dia. but they are in piles. I'm thinking that a grapple like this would make it easier to pick up 3-4 at a time.

 

[beenthere]

Now you have raised more questions

How do the "trees" get into the piles? Are you going after some logs left after a harvester has dropped them? What are the lengths of 6-12" "trees" are you thinking you are going to pull?
And going where with the trees/logs?

I think a larger tractor is in your future.

 

[jimmysisson]

Since I started moving logs on a trailer loaded with a front grapple on the loader I've been real happy. Clean bark, very little jumping on and off, very little hand work after sawing, roadways stay good with no tree furrows.
The rear grapple is appealing but my woodlot is a good half mile uphill from the barn and a little portion of town paved road in between.
By the way GRS, that's some handsome harness you've got and a handsome pair too.
Jim

 

[The Haymaker]

Wow, that is a LOT of leverage on the 3pt components.