Log winching safety questions

[plowhog]

Just a quick update:

I got the first batch of oak limbs winched out just fine. Largest so far, at the butt end of a limb where I cut it, is 20" diameter. Soon I will tackle even more, but they get bigger and trickier after this. More difficult terrain and more difficult pulling without risking a runaway log. Here's some firewood I produced yesterday:

 

[John_Mc]

I'm thinking of getting a logging winch. This thread has been very useful. One question I have that has not been discussed is how far one should stand from the winch when pulling the cord. The reason I ask is that I think a lot of my pulls would come from a road that cuts across a steep hillside. Both banks are steep which would make it hard to get more than a foot or two away from the winch. Also a related question- for winches that have a compound pulley system for the clutch cord (like a Uniforest 35m) do you have to operate it from the tractor's left side?

The main thing is that you do not want to be in-line with the cable. If something snaps or lets go, that puts you in the danger zone for possible recoil of the cable or other hardware flying back. I do a lot of winching standing near the rear wheel of the tractor - not ideal, but I do it for the lighter, easier stuff. Even just getting another 5 feet away from the path of the cable probably increases the safety margin significantly. (More important, in my opinion: don't use cheap or questionable gear, especially on complex pulls where you have various snatchblocks or anchors in use.)

 

[Jstpssng]

I'm thinking of getting a logging winch. This thread has been very useful. One question I have that has not been discussed is how far one should stand from the winch when pulling the cord. The reason I ask is that I think a lot of my pulls would come from a road that cuts across a steep hillside. Both banks are steep which would make it hard to get more than a foot or two away from the winch. Also a related question- for winches that have a compound pulley system for the clutch cord (like a Uniforest 35m) do you have to operate it from the tractor's left side?

Along with the comments above, I would avoid standing between the tractor and that steep slope as you have no escape route if things go wrong. Nobody plans to have an accident but when it happens, it happens fast. I.E., if a log snubbed up and the tractor suddenly started to tip you have noplace to go.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Along with the comments above, I would avoid standing between the tractor and that steep slope as you have no escape route if things go wrong. Nobody plans to have an accident but when it happens, it happens fast. I.E., if a log snubbed up and the tractor suddenly started to tip you have noplace to go.

This is an excellent point. Never put your self in a confined space near the tractor.

Working on a steep side hill is tough. I would definitely wear micro spikes on my boots even with no snow - leaves are mighty slippery, and kick in a flat place to stand on on the side hill away from the tractor if it is that tight. Probably on the lower side so I could move away quicker.

gg