Installing hydraulic winch on Ford 3000

[TomSkookum]

So I've got this Ford 3000 tractor that is doing some good work for me, but was thinking about putting a winch on the front to help with all the log moving and pulling I've been doing lately while clearing out some blackberries.

I was thinking about going to a hydraulic style winch, as it seems like better solution than putting a big electric winch on a system which I don't think is designed for that type of use. Plus I just think the hydraulic winch is better.

Something like a northern tool "Mile Marker H-Series Hydraulic Winch 9000-Lb. Capacity, 12 Volt DC, Model# H9000" (can't post link yet apparently )

It's not obvious to me how to pipe this thing in though. Being new to tractorin', do folks normally get adapter kits for adding onto the hydraulic system, or do you have to dig in an fabricate your own solution?

Thanks!

Tom

 

[Redneck in training]

I an not an expert on those things but can tell you that electric 9000 lb winch would take about 500A and could take full load only less than a minute before it overheats. Hydraulic is way to go. There quite few hydraulic experts on this forum they should chime in soon.

 

[Everhard]

I've got a MM10,500 winch that would already be in operation but I have to fix the solenoids on the **** thing... I built a frame for it to go on the 3pth. As for the hydraulic end of things it's a simple as getting hydraulic cables made up with quick connects to hook into your tractor's extra remotes. (typically on the rear of the tractor.) Now if you don't have extra remotes then you have to consider how you're going to add that to your tractor - which will be a very valuable addition for many other attachments down the road.
In addition to the hydraulics with a Milemarker winch you'll also need a 12volt supply which runs the solenoids that activate the winch when you want to run the cable in or out. (The cable can freewheel out as well fyi.) The power required isn't a heavy draw given it's just the solenoids so no worries vs an electrical winch which as mentioned already is way beyond what the tractor's electrical system is designed to handle.

Last comment - while MM hydro winches are great they are also very slow when in low range. Fine if you're not doing a lot of winching but if you plan on doing a lot on a continual basis you'd better consider getting a proper log skidding attachment with a pto winch. (In my case I had the winch already and I don't do a lot of winching so what I've got is good enough for my needs.)

E.

 

[Everhard]

I've got a MM10,500 winch that would already be in operation but I have to fix the solenoids on the **** thing... I built a frame for it to go on the 3pth. As for the hydraulic end of things it's a simple as getting hydraulic cables made up with quick connects to hook into your tractor's extra remotes. (typically on the rear of the tractor.) Now if you don't have extra remotes then you have to consider how you're going to add that to your tractor - which will be a very valuable addition for many other attachments down the road.
In addition to the hydraulics with a Milemarker winch you'll also need a 12volt supply which runs the solenoids that activate the winch when you want to run the cable in or out. (The cable can freewheel out as well fyi.) The power required isn't a heavy draw given it's just the solenoids so no worries vs an electrical winch which as mentioned already is way beyond what the tractor's electrical system is designed to handle.

Last comment - while MM hydro winches are great they are also very slow when in low range. Fine if you're not doing a lot of winching but if you plan on doing a lot on a continual basis you'd better consider getting a proper log skidding attachment with a pto winch. (In my case I had the winch already and I don't do a lot of winching so what I've got is good enough for my needs.)

E.

 

[TomSkookum]

_Everhard
Thanks for the reply. The main point for me is that it sounds like I'll probably have to add some remotes. I don't seem to recall seeing any back there, but as you said, having ready access to a hydraulic system is pretty darn useful and so would be worth installing. It also sounds like a fun excuse to do work on some hydraulics.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Running a winch off the remotes does work, but the winchs line speed is so slow, I'd rather watch grass grow!! lol

SR

 

[dfkrug]

Interesting idea to use a ready-built hyd winch. I went to the MileMarker website to see what
you get for your $1500-2000.

The specs seem to indicate that they depend on a power steering pump for hyd power, and they
assume you can get 3.5GPM and 1500psi. My own use of a PS pump for an hyd application
indicates perhaps a more common 1000-1100psi. I wonder how these winches handle the
2500psi or so that you get with a tractor.

I like how they use a planetary gearbox for high and low ranges, as well as the necessary free wheeling.

I looked at 3 of the 9000# rated units.

 

[Redneck in training]

Make sure that the solenoid is compatible with open center hydraulic system that is used on most (if not all) small tractors. If you have a shop and can do mechanical work then you can make a winch from a zero turn pump/motor combo and run it from PTO. There is bunch of those for sale on ebay.