Log skidding cone

[Peter Stoffregen]

Hi Guys, Thanks for the feedback;
I am encouraged to hear that the only objection (so far) to using a 20 lb propane tank as a cone, is the size. My tractor is a Kubota BX 2370, I think there is a limit to my skidding capabilities, anyway.
I have not tried skidding before and would appreciate some further advice or opinions. I am on top of a hill, which I have been clearing for 15 years, carrying logs uphill by hand in summer, toboggan, in winter. It's my exercise routine, but at 54 years old, I'm slowly loosing the battle to open up the view on my property. The hill is too steep to drive on with the tractor. I do not want to invest in a winch. I thought I could just pull the 'coned' logs up the hill with a long steel cable, tractor on level ground at the top. There is a lot of brush and small stumps from clearing over the years.
In my case, the cylinder would fit over almost everything I would skid, but I would appreciate any further tips. Once at the top of the hill, I could leave the logs piled for a season, so dirt washes off and I can avoid dulling my chains,
Thanks, again from Peter, a 'wanna be' lumber-jack' in Hillsdale, Ontario, Canada

 

[Hermio]

With a BX2370, you may be able to pull up to 2000lb logs up your hill with some kind of cone. I would also suggest investing in a snatch block and a tree strap, so you can change the angle of pull. That may help you get around some obstacles.

 

[SpringHollow]

I would recommend a good non-stretch rope instead of the cable especially if you are doing pulls of 50' or more. The Portable Winch is very nice for that application but if you can not afford one, a few pulleys and a good rope and you are all set to pull them out with your tractor or an atv if they are not too large.

Ken

 

[Coyote machine]

Hi Guys, Thanks for the feedback;
I am encouraged to hear that the only objection (so far) to using a 20 lb propane tank as a cone, is the size. My tractor is a Kubota BX 2370, I think there is a limit to my skidding capabilities, anyway.
I have not tried skidding before and would appreciate some further advice or opinions. I am on top of a hill, which I have been clearing for 15 years, carrying logs uphill by hand in summer, toboggan, in winter. It's my exercise routine, but at 54 years old, I'm slowly loosing the battle to open up the view on my property. The hill is too steep to drive on with the tractor. I do not want to invest in a winch. I thought I could just pull the 'coned' logs up the hill with a long steel cable, tractor on level ground at the top. There is a lot of brush and small stumps from clearing over the years.
In my case, the cylinder would fit over almost everything I would skid, but I would appreciate any further tips. Once at the top of the hill, I could leave the logs piled for a season, so dirt washes off and I can avoid dulling my chains,
Thanks, again from Peter, a 'wanna be' lumber-jack' in Hillsdale, Ontario, Canada

A pic or two of your hill would help give us an idea of what would work best for your particular situation.

A clamshell type snatch block is probably one of the most useful tools to move logs in any direction, including up a hill. Coupled with a tree strap and a logging winch cable they're virtually unbeatable. Not saying you have to have or get a logging winch, or any type winch, BUT having one definately ups your game.

For those stressing wire rope, nylon rope, or any other similar under tension type puller line, placing a jacket, or blanket or something similar over the line while under tension will allow the tension to be released when/if the line breaks. This can prevent serious injury.

Also, cutting off all branches close to the tree's trunk will allow the log to skid without tearing up the ground.

 

[pinetree10]

Tried out my new skidding cone today. Ordered it online about a week ago and received a nice discount with an online coupon. It was well worth what I paid for it already. It slid right around trees and stumps and made the job easy. As we've all said on here one time or another, I run out of traction long before I run out of power. I tried pulling a log without the cone once just to see the difference and it was obvious right away. A skidding plate would be nice but I'm out of storage room so I went for a chain and a cone.

 

[Chilly807]

Wow.. It's been a while! I still use the cone on occasion, it's held up really well.
The rope and snatch block have been replaced by a 7000 lb Norse logging winch.
I've got to say, if you're moving any amount of wood spend the money and buy the winch. The difference it makes is incredible.
I'll probably lose money when I sell it years from now, I'm not one of those magical people that sell things "for more than I paid for it", but I'm happy with that if need be considering how much easier it makes my life.