Log Skidding

   / Log Skidding #11  
I got the latest Bailey's catalog today, they show a three point hitch mounted hydraulic grapple for $1,495. It is rated for tractors 40 HP or better. They also sell a video.

www.baileys-online.com
 
   / Log Skidding
  • Thread Starter
#12  
Thanks for the posts - look forward to seeing your pics Youare.
That is a real good point that if you use an arch to skid you don't get the advantage of weight to help traction. But there would be less friction with the log being partially suspended..probably not enough to make up the difference.
I can't wait to get a digital camera - for stuff like this....
 
   / Log Skidding #13  
For materials I used, 2 inch square X 1/8 wall steel tubing, several gussets made from 1/4 inch thick steel plate, and a couple of pieces of 3/8 inch thick steel flat stock I cut some slots in to grab the chain links.

The spindles I unbolted from the front of a rear wheel drive car, it was a mid-1980 American Motors model. I just changed the front wheel bearing assembly in my 1992 Old's, I believe you could use these units as well.

I think it cost me lesss than $75.00 for all the metal I needed back then, and $12-$15 for the trailer ball coupling. I had use of a welder so there was no expense for me there. An abrasive cut-off saw or metal cutting band saw is helpful.

I have the ability to produce CAD drawings I'll try to make details of what I have made and figure a way to make them available.

Randy
 
   / Log Skidding #14  
I see by your bio that you saw lumber, just curious what kind of mill you have.
 
   / Log Skidding #15  
I have a Mobile Dimension Saw that my folks purchased close to 22 years ago. The mill was 3 years old when we bought it from the sale rep. He wanted a new model to demo with.

My father died about one year after we got the mill, I have been the only one in the family that was intrested in running the mill and the only one with the space at home to use it. It is portable, built on a 28' long double axle trailer.

Randy
 
   / Log Skidding #16  
Ahh.... portable as in a mobile home is mobile...

;-)

Chris

"" It is portable, built on a 28' long double axle trailer.

""Randy
 
   / Log Skidding #17  
Its a really good idea to actually pick the log up. Especially if you hope to mill it with a band mill. Even if it will be cut into firewood, the dirt and sand ground into the bark will complicate your life. It would be real nice to drop the tree, cut the log to desired length, paint the ends, back over it with the U trailer, winch it up, etc, and drive it to the mill without dragging it. My Dad and I use a Lucas mill. It is a swing-blade mill design, which works quite differently from a standard blade mill. See Baileys for more info. We don't skid logs because it is MUCH easier to move the Lucas to the log. One day we moved the Lucas to a large cottonwood that the DNR had pulled out of the river 8 miles from our house. We set up, and cut a couple hundred 12 foot 2x4s out of it, cooked some hotdogs over a fire, talked to a few passers-by, had a great afternoon, and hauled it all home. Quite a slick deal. $10K. Ultra portable, sharpener on-board, cuts plain or quarter-sawn without ever lifting, turning or handling the log at any time. Almost no limit to the size log you can cut, approx 6 feet across would be max diameter, and length is unlimited, although 20 feet with standard rails, rails extendable to any length you want. Mention my name to Baileys if you call them, it helps. Thanks.
 
   / Log Skidding #18  
I saw that hydraulic grapple in the Bailey's catalog too. Here's the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://onlinestore.forestindustry.com/cgi-bin/baileys/1574?mv_session_id=IKGeZAIK&product_sku=SPG>link</A> to that grapple. Looks like I have a list of items forming that I "need" to make. I guess this will have to go on the list after a boom pole and loader forks.
 
   / Log Skidding #19  
Intresting enough the frame of the saw mill trailer is made from an old "mobile" home frame and axles. It is portable as in porters are able to move something from place to place. 28 feet long as in 14 people standing heel to toe.

The name "Mobile Dimension Saw" comes from the fact that the mill can be moved from place to place and it can saw lumber that has a desire size or dimension.

There is a website www.mobilemfg.com where you can see them for yourself.

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Randy
 

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   / Log Skidding #20  
My neighbor has designed a 3pt unit for picking up and hauling logs. The unit is actually a multi-purpose unit. The arms used for scooping up and holding the logs can be removed quick & easy. Bale forks and couple other applications. In real life operation the unit works slick. You just backup your tractor, the "scoop blades" slide under the logs, lift the unit up, log rolls foward (towards the tractor). Repeat process until you max out your 3pt lift capacity or run out of room. Joe (the neighbor) has a GreenBay, WI company manufacturing the unit. I'm not sure if he is selling direct or through the manufacture. If your intrested in more info I will give him your .
 

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