kcbarnes
Gold Member
I saw these advertised in Farm show magazine Mammoth wood products . They look like a good idea if used with common sense.
log arches
- Thread starter kcbarnes
- Start date
- Views: 1245
beenthere
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2001
- Messages
- 18,510
- Location
- Southern Wisconsin, USA
- Tractor
- JD_4x2_Gator, JD_4300, JD_425, JD_455 AWS, added JD_455, JD_110, JD_X485(sold)
The idea works great, and I have used it for over 40 years, starting out with an 8N Ford. Now, I have switched to the I-match quick hitch, of which there are several 3pt quick hitches that are similar, and use the top hook for hanging the logging tongs. There is an additional "top arm" shown on this site that would hang the weight of the log out a bit further, which may or may not be an advantage, depending on how much counter weight is needed to balance the load.
/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif That lady, shown in the picture, smiling, while standing and while apparently pulling the big ugly stump could be (if it is for real) in for a real surprise if the stump rolls and catches - causing the tractor to rear up suddenly. It can happen and quick de-clutching is necessary. Otherwise, the tractor may be suddenly standing on its back wheels with the engine sticking straight up (or keeled over backwards on top of this lady). Not good! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Couldn't get any prices as this site is still under construction. But the price of a 3pt quick hitch isn't much, and has many more uses than just pulling logs.
/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif That lady, shown in the picture, smiling, while standing and while apparently pulling the big ugly stump could be (if it is for real) in for a real surprise if the stump rolls and catches - causing the tractor to rear up suddenly. It can happen and quick de-clutching is necessary. Otherwise, the tractor may be suddenly standing on its back wheels with the engine sticking straight up (or keeled over backwards on top of this lady). Not good! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Couldn't get any prices as this site is still under construction. But the price of a 3pt quick hitch isn't much, and has many more uses than just pulling logs.
rozett
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2002
- Messages
- 730
- Location
- Maine
- Tractor
- Cub Cadet 7360SS & Craftsman GT3000 23 HP w/50
I don't know if I would want to trust that arch in hilly terrain. I'd be afraid the log would slide back into the tractor. I've seen them with wheels below the arch and they attach to the tractor at the drawbar instead of the 3pt. This keeps the log back away from the tractor another couple of feet.
beenthere
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2001
- Messages
- 18,510
- Location
- Southern Wisconsin, USA
- Tractor
- JD_4x2_Gator, JD_4300, JD_425, JD_455 AWS, added JD_455, JD_110, JD_X485(sold)
rozett
For me, the closer the log is to the tractor, the more control of the log I (and the tractor) have. The further away, the more control the log has of the tractor. With my setup, the log cannot come forward past the drawbar. The weight of the log holds the rear tractor tires very tight to the ground. You won't get that weight on the rear wheels of the pulling tractor with a wheeled arch. I would not be an advocate of much of a top link boom idea. I will hook my logs close to the hook on the top link. With smaller, light-weight logs, then hooking further back with a boom might be okay.
Now all this is dependent upon the size of the tractor. I use a Deere 4300, which isn't very big. But it will pull in a 15', 22" diameter (sm end) white oak log. No problem. Larger farm tractors have more HP and more weight. Of course, they have more size and are not as easy to get in and around in the woods. Same as pulling around a wheeled logging arch. I can't fathom trying to manipulate one of those around in a woods with a thick stand of timber with slopes. Not my idea of fun.
Just my view point.
For me, the closer the log is to the tractor, the more control of the log I (and the tractor) have. The further away, the more control the log has of the tractor. With my setup, the log cannot come forward past the drawbar. The weight of the log holds the rear tractor tires very tight to the ground. You won't get that weight on the rear wheels of the pulling tractor with a wheeled arch. I would not be an advocate of much of a top link boom idea. I will hook my logs close to the hook on the top link. With smaller, light-weight logs, then hooking further back with a boom might be okay.
Now all this is dependent upon the size of the tractor. I use a Deere 4300, which isn't very big. But it will pull in a 15', 22" diameter (sm end) white oak log. No problem. Larger farm tractors have more HP and more weight. Of course, they have more size and are not as easy to get in and around in the woods. Same as pulling around a wheeled logging arch. I can't fathom trying to manipulate one of those around in a woods with a thick stand of timber with slopes. Not my idea of fun.
Just my view point.