Logging with a BX25

[Briyon]

I recently bought a BX25 and wanted peoples experience/opinions on using it with the Farmi JL290 logging winch. My dealer had one winch left (Farmi doesn't make this small winch anymore apparently). I have 20 acres of mostly woods and an outdoor furnace. I want to use the winch to make the 10 cords of wood I need each year easier to gather. I was wondering if anyone has any experience using this size tractor to log? Before I lay down the $3K for this logging winch I would like to know that I can actually pull logs with it.

Thanks,

Brian

PS I just joined the forum...great information here!

 

[czechsonofagun]

I use my B1750 for logging and no winch - or wench for that matter

What I use is the dirt scoop without the scoop, just the frame. I hook the log to the frame with chain and raise it up to make it slide easier. This way I am able to move decent size logs, of course not 3' feet in diameter. Just use low and 4x4 and you will be amazed what that little beast can do.

 

[newbury]

Be careful of your ground clearance, you've got less than 9".

I looked at the BX's closely before I bought my ride, and I'm planning on using it for small scale logging. I felt the extra 4" of clearance was a good tradeoff.

(Also the HST fan, which may be fixed on the 25)

 

[milkman]

I use my BX2200 to drag wood, and unless it's where you can't reach it, like on a hillside too steep to drive on, I can't see a need for the Farmi. It would be nice to have one, but my money may be tighter than yours. Even before deciding on the winch or cable or rope, you'd be wise to build or buy a skidplate to protect the hydro cooling fan, it will get destroyed if you don't, and it ain't fun to change. The BX is a little bull and gets around in tight spots in the woods where I can't get a bigger tractor. I use a chain and have a chain hook on the TPH so I can lift the end of the log, gives me more traction and helps keep the log out of the dirt. If the tree is too big to drag, I just cut off a chunk and make another trip. A tractor and a good chainsaw and wood splitter makes me enjoy woodcutting now.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

My BX25 has a factory plate covering the fan but a wayward stick can still get it. Other than a total cover that would impede air flow I don't know what can be done to proptect it but you do want it protected.

 

[milkman]

Here's on I made from some pieces of metal I had laying around, this goes on when the MMM is off and don't have an air flow problem.

 

[Briyon]

I also see that Bro-tek makes skid plates for both the front and the back. Anyone have experience with those? Any idea what the sell for? I have an email into him but have not heard back.

Thanks,

Brian

 

[ultrarunner]

I also see that Bro-tek makes skid plates for both the front and the back. Anyone have experience with those? Any idea what the sell for? I have an email into him but have not heard back.

Thanks,

Brian

I have one on the mid section of my BX... I wouldn't go in the woods without it...

 

[bstrom]

10 cords is quite a lot of wood so you may want the winch, especially if you can't get into where you have cut the log because of ground clearance issues with the BX. I cut 3 to 4 cords and haul it out with my B2620. Sometimes I haul 4 foot or 16 inch pieces with my forks or bucket if i can't get to the tree and maybe drag one log behind me with my three point hitch. Here's my simple setup. no winch.

You may only be able to pull smaller logs with the winch because of the light weight of your tractor. I would ask the dealer about that if you don't get a response on here. A guy at my dealer told me the winches don't work that well with the smaller tractors, something to check out.

In the pictures that's a pretty steep hill I am coming up and that small wet log weighs quite a bit so the small tractors are pretty tough. It can pull a lot more weight than that even with the loader full.

 

[Briyon]

bstrom - yes my concern is that a lot of my property is pretty hilly. I was hoping to stay on the trails I have and dragging the cable to the logs rather than trying to get to them with the tractor. I am pretty sure I will invest in the skid plates as well.

Brian