Interesting Article...Farm Tractor Logging...

hobbyfarm · Sep 22, 2005

Farm Tractor Logging for Woodlot Owners is an interesting read. Just basic information, but very relavent what with all the posts about damage to the underside of your tractor's electrical, filters, hydraulic lines etc. I though I'd post this.

Under modifications, the first thing it mentions is protecting the underside of the tractor with a skid plate. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Sometimes we tend to take the "basics" for granted. Including the basic idea mentioned in every ag & rural book I've got - "refer to your local county extension agent" /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif (a lot of us tend to take a "what me worry?" attitude). In this case the article on the internet.

Enjoy reading... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

RedRocker · Sep 22, 2005

Thanks for the link, I'm printing it now.

SkyPup · Sep 22, 2005

Thanks for the link, my next project is welding on a 3/8" chrome moly skid plate to protect the undercarriage.

hobbyfarm · Sep 22, 2005

mmmmmmmmm....chrome moly......mmmmmmmm /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Uhmm,
Do you think 3/8 is thick enough?
Nothin like huntin rabbits with a grenade launcher... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RedRocker · Sep 22, 2005

I'd go 1/2 inch armor plate. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rozett · Sep 22, 2005

( the first thing it mentions is protecting the underside of the tractor with a skid plate. )

That's very good advice. When you see the FEL dropping, even though you are pulling back on the stick, it's time to get back onto the woods road as quickly as you can. Don't ask me how I know. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Keith_B · Sep 22, 2005

( ( the first thing it mentions is protecting the underside of the tractor with a skid plate. )

That's very good advice. When you see the FEL dropping, even though you are pulling back on the stick, it's time to get back onto the woods road as quickly as you can. Don't ask me how I know. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Why didn't you tell me this stuff a few days ago? Monday evening I ran a stick through a hydraulic suction line while clearing out some brush, bramble and other assorted stuff. I didn't think that much fluid could run out so fast.

rdbrumfield · Sep 23, 2005

I checked out the link and was amazed to see my company name, J&R Enterprises noted there. I built winches for the small tractor, 20-40 hp that do a good job.
I agree with the skidpans and roll cages. I built one for mine and no matter what I am doing with it it is sure a tractor saver to have your belly safe.
I also made a logging arch that converted to a dump trailer. Was very handy for toting wood, and for pulling several logs at a time.
If anyone wants more info, send me a pm.

n4807g · Sep 23, 2005

Good article....I've been selling prime Red Oak and White Ash off a 42 acre woodlot on the side of a mountain in NH since 1992. I use a Belarus 572 and just purchased a Farm Pro 8240. The most important consideration for deciding on the type of tractor is weight and center of gravity. I have flat maintained logging roads that span a good part of the woodlot. Essential for safety. The only other saftey device that's required is a large helping of common sense. If in doubt DON'T DO IT! I us a Farmi to winch the logs out of the cut area. I don't normally drive the tractor far from the logging road. Instead I use pulleys hung off trees and a 150 foot wire rope (plus) the 165 feet in the Farmi to drag the logs to the tractor. For the work I do the Belarus 572 and Farm Pro 8240 are as small as I'd go.

SkyPup · Sep 23, 2005

( I'd go 1/2 inch armor plate. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Nice job, I just happen to have some 3/8" 4130 here and it welds real nice, so will be setting up something simiilar to your install soon when it cools off a little this fall.