Hydraulic winch and other general PT usability questions

[agjones]

I think that you have the attachment design accurately described.

I would characterize the PT approach to design as "KISS", which makes the attachments lightweight, inexpensive, repairs easy, and generally quick. Pump replacement on the engine would be a definite exception, but not worse than skid steer repairs.

Yes, brush cutters are always a flying debris for any machine. I brush cut with a logging helmet with a wire mesh face shield. I have never been hit with anything more than a ricochet twig, but I don't want to push my luck. The set up of the PT brush mowers is such that under normal operation the flying debris tends to go forward or under the tractor if the mower is on the ground. I don't brush cut near people or buildings. I think that there was someone here that did polycarbonate front shield and someone who did a woven wire mesh one, but that is just from memory. I.e. not common.

All the best,

Peter

I put a marguard (bullet proof polycarbonate) on my 1850 when I mated a 5.5ft flail mulcher to it. Keeps me from getting whacked.

 

[SpringHollow]

I already have a couple of rope winches, but would really like a power winch.

I've seen a post or two here cautioning that a capstan winch can be dangerous. Also, I'd prefer to be using metal cable instead of rope. There are some lewis style chainsaw winches that appear to use metal cable, but are there any portable winches that I could anchor to a tree that use metal cable and a regular gas engine instead of a chainsaw as the power source?

I would much rather have a capstan winch with rope than a steel cable winch. It seems like a much safer and more versatile setup than a traditional winch with steel cable. It is very important to use the correct low stretch rope. Check out portablewinch.com. I have done a fair amount of logging with them and they have some neat equipment if you are redirecting to a landing - automatic releases so you can do turns from a single pull.

Ken

 

[2manyrocks]

One problem with the area I need to work is that there are some thorn trees in the area I'd have to use as the access point. A portable winch wouldn't get any flat tires and could be anchored to other trees on the hillside more easily than working with a tractor if the portable winch can handle the load.

A tractor mounted winch would have 3x the rated capacity of the portable winch, be faster, and retain its resale value. There is limited room to turn and there is a hill on the upside of the area I need to clear. I'd have to use pulleys and redirects to pull the debris up the hillside to get it out of the way.

 

[MossRoad]

One problem with the area I need to work is that there are some thorn trees in the area I'd have to use as the access point. A portable winch wouldn't get any flat tires and could be anchored to other trees on the hillside more easily than working with a tractor if the portable winch can handle the load.

A tractor mounted winch would have 3x the rated capacity of the portable winch, be faster, and retain its resale value. There is limited room to turn and there is a hill on the upside of the area I need to clear. I'd have to use pulleys and redirects to pull the debris up the hillside to get it out of the way.

If you already have the tractor, you could certainly purchase a new or used forestry winch for the 3pt hitch, do the job, then sell it at nearly what you paid for it.

That would seem to be the prudent thing to do VS buying a whole nuther machine for one job. Especially if you're planning on keeping the Kubota.

 

[2manyrocks]

I am leaning that way.

One option is to clear the ground cover at the access so there aren't any thorns to puncture my L2501 tires, and then use a forestry winch. My concern with the portable capstan winch is not having enough pulling capacity as well as speed of operation. If I order the forestry winch soon, I'd hope to have it on hand by this winter when I'd do this job.

 

[ponytug]

I am leaning that way.

One option is to clear the ground cover at the access so there aren't any thorns to puncture my L2501 tires, and then use a forestry winch. My concern with the portable capstan winch is not having enough pulling capacity as well as speed of operation. If I order the forestry winch soon, I'd hope to have it on hand by this winter when I'd do this job.

Having dealt with thorns, I would encourage you to preemptively slime your tires before you start.

The great thing about capstan winches is that you can get long rope(s), and use snatch blocks. Have a look at some of the rope rollers and snatch blocks that Yankum ropes sell. Not cheap, but quick ways to change the angle of pull, and if needed multiply your pulling power. There are some nice forestry capstan winches that are specifically designed to be anchored to tree trunks, and are, I think, really useful for pulling over trees, and use in trees.

Offset Winch Snatch Ring XL

Order Quantity 1 = 1 Ring CURRENTLY IN STOCK For use with synthetic HMPE winch line ONLY Weighing in at 2.2lbs you can now reduce your total weight in your recovery gear kit SIGNIFICANTLY. Two of these rings (and three soft shackles{2 double loops and 1 single loop}) can do the job of 4...

yankum.com

I think that UHMWPE have really transformed winching; I just wouldn't let them be abraded by ground contact. They are so much safer than wire rope or chains.

All the best,

Peter

 

[2manyrocks]

My L2501 tires are filled with beet juice. My guess is the beet juice will prevent slime from sealing punctures.

 

[ponytug]

My L2501 tires are filled with beet juice. My guess is the beet juice will prevent slime from sealing punctures.

Yes, you are right, slime is not going to work with beet juice. Never mind...

I look forward to pictures when you get the project going.

All the best,

Peter

 

[woodlandfarms]

My tire loss is not from punctures but more from rim / side wall intrusion fin limbs and shirt small stumps.

 

[ponytug]

I hate those shirty little stumps. Just plain uppity and evil. Who needs stumps with attitude?

Thanks for the morning smile...