Log skidders

Craig49240 · Jan 15, 2012

I'm wondering if anyone has built a log skidder for thier 3pt... I recently purchased a "carry all" to canabalize in my barn and turn into a log skidder... If you've done the same or similar, can you please post a few pics.. Thanks everyone!

"Z"

g0rd0 · Jan 15, 2012

I was going to build one. But, after I priced all of my materials from steel to welding rods, hitch pins, ect. I found that the price topped $825.00 cdn. Wallenstien sells a skidder plate (fxp20) Welcome - Wallenstein for $725.00 cdn + $100.00 freight

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That one is for a tractor cat.1 hitch up to 40hp, they also have a larger model fxp30 for up to 80hp
So at that cost it only goes to show that I did not build one.
Sometimes it just doesnt pay to do it yourself, but of course you may have a better priced supply of materials, if you do take a look at the web page and you can draw up your own plans from their photos

s219 · Jan 15, 2012

Well, the photo below shows what I plan on using on my Kubota:

It's a 3-point hitch receiver with a welded on chain hook and extra-heavy construction. I will run a choker chain around the log and over the chain hook to lift the log butt off the ground. There will be another shorter chain that hooks to the choker (on the bottom) and goes to the tractor drawbar to handle the pulling load. That way, the majority of the pulling load is down low on the tractor frame, which is safer and more efficient. Really, all the 3-point is doing at that point is lifting the log butt off the ground. Tension in the lower drawbar chain does the pulling.

I looked at a lot of hitch receivers, and this was the best for overall towing and skidding. It's made in USA by a small company in Michigan:

DRJ 3-point Hitch/Skidder

tn_480_a555b3a18295475d9a97b13d2c885900.JPG.jpg

They will paint it whatever color you want. Comes with or without chain hook, and costs $115-135.

Craig49240 · Jan 16, 2012

Sound good!!! Thanks guys, I'm heading to the barn to get chop saw, torches, and mig fired up.... Wish me luck! I think there is enough steel in the carry all I bought to easily make either of the shudders pictured!! I'm fired up, thanks!!!!

Craig49240 · Jan 16, 2012

Skidders not shudders...

Sergellama · Jan 16, 2012

I use a modified balast box as a skidder. It holds the chains and fuel also.

Craig49240 · Jan 16, 2012

Finished my skidder.... Just kinda shot from the hip. I put another piece of steel across the width to attach hooks to, then welded three pieces of angle iron vertical to prevent the log from swinging forward once it's lifted keeping it from hitting anything. The two "arms" that are at 90 degrees actually help steer the log once it's lifted. I need to prime and paint it, but I used it today and it worked as planned. Money invested 119.00

Be safe!!
"Z"

Jim Dodgins · Jan 17, 2012

Hi I bought a receiver hitch like shown in picture. Then I added the 2" receiver minus the ball, slipped a skidding tong ring over the hitch, stuck a large, long 8n bolt up through the hole that the ball would have gone into. An adjustable reciver works good for longer tongs. I broke my first tong making a to sharp a turn, but bought a better tong and am careful on sharp turns. I don't even have to exit tractor, just lower 3pt. hitch and tong onto log, tong automaticly spreads. When you raise 3pt. log raises up ready for transport, wala. Hope this is clear I have no pictures. I have used mine for years. Cheap, efficient, and fast. Jim

s219 · Jan 17, 2012

Craig49240 said:
Finished my skidder.... Just kinda shot from the hip. I put another piece of steel across the width to attach hooks to, then welded three pieces of angle iron vertical to prevent the log from swinging forward once it's lifted keeping it from hitting anything. The two "arms" that are at 90 degrees actually help steer the log once it's lifted. I need to prime and paint it, but I used it today and it worked as planned. Money invested 119.00

Be safe!!
"Z"

That looks real good -- nice work!