MA Kubota logger/trail rider

[Dadof3]

Thanks for the information guys. That's a great idea to leave the limbs on while winching.

 

[footloose64]

Dadof3, I also rigged up a snatch block up in a tree part way between the tractor/winch and the logg down the slope. That worked wonderfully to apply some lift to the nose of the tree butt to keep it from digging into the hill until it crested the top........AND contributed to keeping the bark clean as well.

 

[countryboycansurvive]

When I have to cut dirty wood I try to turn the log so that the chain exits the cut on the dirt side.. That way you're not pulling the dirt through the cut. Makes a big difference in how long your edges last.

 

[Dadof3]

These are all great ideas...."keep em comin". How about putting something under the front of the log to hold it up a bit? Probably more work than it's worth.

 

[footloose64]

They sell a cone for the front of a log, that you run the winch cable through before you start dragging, but it's over $100. I'm keeping my eye out with some contractors to get a hold of a 2.5' length of 15"-18" PVC sewer pipe that I can slit halfway down a few places and make my own cone by heating it and bending it to a point.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I know there is a ton of variables and I adhere to the adage that you should do what works for you but in my general experience a good sized hardwood tree drags a whole lot harder with the branches still on it. Not only that, but it also tends to be unstable and sometimes trys to roll well skidding. Not to mention all the stuff it catches on. If it catches on a dead tree just behind you it can pull it down on top of you in a hurry so you need to be careful and have wide clear skid roads.
If I am going to skid a tree with some branches still on I will cut the branches 2/3 thru so they will fold back.

 

[Adiredneck]

I know there is a ton of variables and I adhere to the adage that you should do what works for you but in my general experience a good sized hardwood tree drags a whole lot harder with the branches still on it. Not only that, but it also tends to be unstable and sometimes trys to roll well skidding. Not to mention all the stuff it catches on. If it catches on a dead tree just behind you it can pull it down on top of you in a hurry so you need to be careful and have wide clear skid roads.
If I am going to skid a tree with some branches still on I will cut the branches 2/3 thru so they will fold back.

We do all of our work in late December/early January and it eliminates all of the dirt. My dad and I skidded 4 Saturdays last winter, taking our time and we have about 20 full cords of logs in piles all over my property. We will start cutting & splitting in a couple of weeks. My winch has saved so much work for us. No more tripping through the woods carrying big pieces of wood.

 

[jim_wilson]

As a somewhat related topic - what kind of winches do the logging winches use? The one's I have seen typically use a PTO driven winch. Do the logging winch manufacturers make their own winch head - or do they buy a commonly available one?

I'm wondering because occasionally I get visions of building my own logging winch setup.

 

[Dadof3]

That would be a fun project.