Logging winch size

rasorbackq · Nov 14, 2012

New to the tractor seen ...... Looking for a logging winch. Can I put a say small winch Norse 190 on a 50 HP tractor . Why are the winches rated by HP of tractor . A small winch can pull a 3-4000 lbs correct.

schmism · Nov 14, 2012

Its my understanding they indicate what amount of tractor HP is required to get the maximum stated performance of the winches. I would assume that if a 20hp tractor could pull 3-4Klbs then even a 80hp winch on that same 20hp tractor would still pull the 3-4k lbs.

just keep in mind that a LARGE winch may weight so much that the smaller class 0 or class 1 CUT is unable to pick it up on the 3pt.

so there is more to consider than just HP rateing.

on the flip side putting small implements behind large tractors is the one sure proven way to tare up equipment. snaping cables, burning up clutches because the tractor isnt bogging down and letting you know your at the limits of the small implement can also be unsafe.

tungularafishcamp · Nov 14, 2012

Not sure if it was the right thinking or not but I went the way of getting more winch than my pto could pull and was glad I did, worked the heck out of it last winter pulling some pretty big stuff and while I had to double up and once triple up snatch blocks things went well and I didnt hurt myself or any equiptment.

rasorbackq · Nov 14, 2012

Yes I understand that some of the big winches can weight a lot for the 3 point to lift.
I see the winches are very expensive but if I can get a smaller one on a 50 hp tractor then I can still get home 3-4 k lbs worth of logs.

tungularafishcamp · Nov 14, 2012

I have gotten a lot of logs with just ropes, cables, and chains with my tractor, in fact have gotten a lot of logs without a tractor. You might wanna just try it first using the just tractor for a while and you can save your attachment #'s for other fun stuff like grapples

Oh and welcome to tbn

dbaer78 · Nov 14, 2012

I really feel that is to small of a winch for that size of tractor. While I'm not familiar with the 190 norse I know that the 290 is only rated for 40hp and has a capacity of a little over 6000lbs. To get the most out of a 50hp tractor you'd be better off with maybe an 8-10000 lb capacity winch. I have a wallenstein fx90 rated at 9000lbs and it works great behind my 50hp tractor. I know skidding winches are pricey but it's very important to size them to your tractor.

tungularafishcamp · Nov 14, 2012

Where are you at, there is a member selling a bigger used farmi right now, he is in w. va.

rasorbackq · Nov 15, 2012

dbaer78 said:
I know skidding winches are pricey but it's very important to size them to your tractor.

Looking for a answer to my question Why?
Is it the fact That I can haul out 10000 lbs of of wood rather then 4000 saving on diesel.

rasorbackq · Nov 15, 2012

tungularafishcamp said:
I have gotten a lot of logs with just ropes, cables, and chains with my tractor, in fact have gotten a lot of logs without a tractor. You might wanna just try it first using the just tractor for a while and you can save your attachment #'s for other fun stuff like grapples

Oh and welcome to tbn

Thanks. I have gotten lots of logs with the ATV and log cradle . Now with the saw mill I want to get bigger timber out for less slab and and more lumber.
Canada . Guess will have to figure out how to fill out that info.

Baby Grand · Nov 15, 2012

I'd guess that if the smaller winch is designed for a smaller tractor, then you may tear it apart using it on a bigger machine if you overload it. I'm not talking about frying the winch, I'm talking about lifting and skidding 9000# with an implement frame which was designed for 3000# max, as you can winch multiple small loads to a landing and then hitch them all up to the winch in one big load to skid out. So if you go with an "undersized" winch, don't overload it and I don't see any real problem.

dbaer78 · Nov 15, 2012

Baby Grand said:
I'd guess that if the smaller winch is designed for a smaller tractor, then you may tear it apart using it on a bigger machine if you overload it. I'm not talking about frying the winch, I'm talking about lifting and skidding 9000# with an implement frame which was designed for 3000# max, as you can winch multiple small loads to a landing and then hitch them all up to the winch in one big load to skid out. So if you go with an "undersized" winch, don't overload it and I don't see any real problem.

My thoughts exactly! On the other end to big of a winch can be extremely hard on the 3pt hitch of a tractor. A small winch would be ok if you were ok with not using your tractor to its fullest potential. If you don't plan on using the winch excessively i can't see that being a big issue. Good luck! Whatever you choose you will be amazed what they can do.

WVBartMan · Nov 15, 2012

Where is the post about the guy in WV who has the used Farmi winch for sale? After seeing mine my buddy is looking for one so if someone could please forward his information that would be great.

Now, concerning the winch for a 50 hp tractor. I have a Farmi JL501 which has around 11,000 lbs of pull, I wish it had more. I live in the mountains and we are always pulling logs up the mountain and I can't imagine trying to accomplish this with a smaller winch, even my Farmi has trouble with big wood. The misunderstanding on these winches and the effect they have on the tractor is when the winch is being operated it is sitting on the ground and only pulls the tractor a short distance until the dozer blade fitted on the bottom of the winch bites into the ground. When pulling sideways using the top pulley on the winch you can pull the tractor off the ground and create all kinds of havoc, so you learn quick to use the bottom pulley.

The issue of buying a small winch for a 50 hp tractor may not be an issue on flat ground but where I'm from most pulls are so steep your tractor nor an ATV can go up the side of the mountain. Another issue has to do with the log digging into the soil and the small winch unable to overcome the resistance. My advice having been at this log winching for a while, save your money and but at least a 10k lbs or greater winch, looking back you'll be glad you did.

Gordon Gould · Nov 15, 2012

I agree with Baby Grand. There is no real problem putting a small winch on a 50 hp tractor if that is what you want to do. You just have to realise that the winch is the limiting factor. If the winch is designed to go on a 25 hp tractor you can probably lift and skid about 1000 lbs of logs without tearing it up because the 25 hp tractor will lose traction or start to tip before the winch bends or tears if the load gets hung up or jammed on a tight corner. The 50 hp tractor will not. It will just keep on going if the hitch is stuck or jammed which will stove in the winch. As long as you understand this you should be OK. But you will not be able to feel any trouble thru your tractor it won't even know it has a winch back there.

Whisper35 · Nov 15, 2012

I have a JD3720 and I use a FX65 winch on it with no problem. I like it alot. However my tractor is only 43 hp and that is near the top for the hp rating for the FX65. I would be leary about putting it on a 50+hp tractor. You will tear something up if you are not constantly aware of it, mostly because I don't think that you would even feel it on the back of a larger machine. Another point is human nature.....meaning if you have the power you will be tempted to try for bigger loads/bigger logs that a smaller winch won't handle well.

Just a thought but if it were me, I'd go bigger. It is generally better to have a little more than you need, than to push something harder thatn it should be. Look at the FX90 or someting in that weight class. I think that you will be happier in the long run.

rasorbackq · Nov 15, 2012

Great points and we all know that I will have the winch overloaded.
Part of my problem is my tractor is not loaded and I fear getting stuck in the woods without a winch.
Even a small winch could free me when I get stuck and its bound to happen. Right now the woods road is a swamp Let alone the woods where I have to go.
The reason I asked the questions is a smaller norse for $900 is for sale in my area . Not sure of the model but looks older.

Chilly807 · Nov 15, 2012

Be sure you can still get parts for it. Some of the older winches aren't supported anymore. Norse is the same as Igland, just a different division. I'd pass on the 190 and look for a 290 or even a 390. It'll do more work for you and be easier to sell in the future.

Sean

rasorbackq · Nov 16, 2012

Chilly807 said:
Be sure you can still get parts for it. Some of the older winches aren't supported anymore. Norse is the same as Igland, just a different division. I'd pass on the 190 and look for a 290 or even a 390. It'll do more work for you and be easier to sell in the future.

Sean

Chilly807 Where in NS are you located. Winch has been sold Very good point on the parts issue.