Logging tongs

[Philip_L]

I have some land to clear and trees to cut and haul out, I would like to make or purchase some logging tongs to hook to the 3 pt on my tractor to aid in dragging the trees out. Anyone have any ideas on where I can buy some, or some websites I can view to get ideas for building my own

thanks

 

[RHughes]

If you're looking for a hydraulic grapple, check out Bailey's (www.baileysonline.com) or Northern Tool (www.northerntool.com).
Both those places have lifting and skidding tongs too.

 

[beenthere]

Are you into forging? That would be a good way to build your own.
McMaster-Carr is another source, where I have seen them listed, as well as Forestry Suppliers and Ben Meadows (besides the two others listed).

Size is the big decision. Of course, that makes having an idea what size log you will want to pull. Mine open to 24" and can be used to lift a log bigger, but not pull it. I lift the bigger logs with the tongs enough to get a chain around it for lifting and towing. I hook the tongs into the top hook of my iMatch quick hitch, and it works great. (see attached)
A search on 'logging tongs' will bring up several threads that may make for interesting reading for you.

 

[SpeckuldTrout]

I've just about decided to order some from Forestry Suppliers up in Jackson. Go to this web page and search for "skidding tongs"

Northern tools has what looks like some of the same ones (but at a higher price) plus some of their own brand. Go to this web page and again search for "skidding tongs"

I like buying from Forestry Suppliers. They're not necessarily the least expensive source for some things but they are a fine company to deal with. Most stuff ships quickly and, down here where we live, standard UPS gets it to you in a couple of days.

 

[dwl]

I ordered a set of lifing tongs from this company.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/cspoutdoors/lifskidton.html

I am using them for lifting rocks. They are working well.

dwl

 

[Philip_L]

Thanks for the links guys. I believe I will be purchasing some via the web shortly.

 

[Jstpssng]

Here's another company which hasa pretty good line. I'm not sure how prices compare, but they offer 15% off for online purchases.

 

[penokee]

Phillip - Tongs are fine - I went a little different. Picture attached.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Jstpssng]

Penokee
That'sa good looking setup. Did you weld that up yourself?

 

[diggerman]

I made one like that but with a roller on top . I hook the chain to the tree then over the roller were I hook the chain into a chain that is hooked to the drawbar bracket. It works great

 

[RonMar]

I have used tongs to pull logs before and I have used chains. I prefer chains. Since you have to get off the tractor to hand attach either one, there is no time savings. Tongs sometimes come off while chains rairly do. Tongs get finicky as the log gets smaller and they only do one log at a time. I can do several small and medium logs at one time with a chain. I prefer to lift the front of the log which makes the drag easier but I ALWAYS have the chain that is providing the drag force attached to the draw bar of the tractor, well below the CG of the tractor so if the log hangs up, the tires will dig in then spin instead of trying to lift the front end off the ground.

 

[EddieWalker]

I have a pair of tongs that I bought fo r$40 from my local discount tool store. I use them from my FEL attached to a chain. I drive up to a log, lower the tongs onto the log, then lift. It takes some practice to get them to hook a log, but it works without haveing to get off the tractor and wrap the tree with a chain. When I drag the log to it's destination, I have to get off to unhook it, but that's half the work then hooking and unhooking. I'm also afraid of snakes, and my fear is there is one under every log I hook onto. Just wraping the chain around a log that's been sitting in a pile terrifies me.

Eddie

 

[tawilson]

Eddie,
I set my tongs up with a chain in a V from the loader so the ring on the tongs are against the lip of the bucket. Usually I can pop the tongs off without getting off the tractor. The V and ring combo also let's me rotate the tongs 90 degrees by rolling the bucket back so I can pick up a tree from any direction. Usually I'll drop some trees and drag them with the tongs to one location to be dragged out of the woods with my winch.

 

[Jstpssng]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Usually I'll drop some trees and drag them with the tongs to one location to be dragged out of the woods with my winch. )</font>
Dumb question perhaps, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a winch?