Hydraulic Winch, anyone running one

[Jstpssng]

The mile marker winches are two speed, so if you get ~20fpm in low, you'll get around 100fpm in high. That's more than fast enough for a home owner/non professional. Your 180fpm I would say is in danger territory for the non professional. Things can go sideways really quick at the speed if you're not used to it and careful.

That's a typical logging winch speed at 540 rpm. Remember that we are pulling logs, not recovering vehicles. It's also the spec speed at half spool, with 115 feet of 3/8 inch cable out; it is faster as the tree is pulled in.
Admittedly though it's a rare occasion that I ever operate at the recommended PTO rpms.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

You get use to the speed VERY fast, and with a pto winch, you can regulate clutch engagement very easily with the rope that engages the winch....you can let it slip a bit, if needed.

SR

 

[Jack Murdock]

jack Murdock,
Not too familiar with the different model tractors, but noticed yours is about 30hp. You say you had a winch before that gave you trouble? was it a homemade job or pto logging winch? Just interested as I think I will eventually get one, thought about it for years and was just wondering the trouble you might of had with one. And that your tractor was similar in size as mine. How do you normally skid your wood out? Thanks.

PTO logging style and the issue was mine, the hitch I pulled weighed more than the tractor and the terrain was steep. I sold it on CL and bought the Norwood so A I dont have to get as close B I cannot haul as much C Hence its safer. Works pretty well. I have open center valves and around 7-8 GPM so it pulls fast enough for me and is very easy to take on off vs. the 3 PT PTO style but it is slower but that is OK because I am as well. As yes I skid my wood out to the landing and buck up there.

 

[Jstpssng]

You get use to the speed VERY fast, and with a pto winch, you can regulate clutch engagement very easily with the rope that engages the winch....you can let it slip a bit, if needed.

SR

You also can control the speed by with the engine RPMs. If I feel the log may snub up I run just above an idle. Once the tree's clear of obstacles I boost it up to about 2000 rpm's.

PTO logging style and the issue was mine, the hitch I pulled weighed more than the tractor and the terrain was steep. I sold it on CL and bought the Norwood so A I dont have to get as close B I cannot haul as much C Hence its safer. Works pretty well. I have open center valves and around 7-8 GPM so it pulls fast enough for me and is very easy to take on off vs. the 3 PT PTO style but it is slower but that is OK because I am as well. As yes I skid my wood out to the landing and buck up there.

Safety is a function of the operator. I have 230 feet of cable and sometimes use it all; I don't see how it gets any better than that.
You have found what works for you, yet also keep in mind the OP's needs.