Moving logs

tawilson · Jan 15, 2006

I set chain holding the tongs up so the ring of the tongs hit the lip of the bucket when I roll it back. When I want detach the tongs, I tap the ring with the lip and they usually pop right off. Wouldn't work with a 3pt. You also can control which way the tongs are angled by rolling the bucket back. When the ring hits the lip they turn 90 degrees to you.

tillerkiller · Jan 15, 2006

( I set chain holding the tongs up so the ring of the tongs hit the lip of the bucket when I roll it back. )

What a good idea! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif My problem is that I don't want to skid backwards..... What about running a rope back to one of the arms of the tong and yanking them off of the log when I get it into position? Do you think that would work?

What brand are your tongs?

I have seen these and I wonder if they are any good:

Lookie here! $26.99!

I was gonna permanently attach them to a chain though.

ps... I am after evergreen trees from 3 inch diameter up to 18 inches or so.

tawilson · Jan 15, 2006

You could come up with something like that. Maybe weld a ring on each side even to attach a rope to. I also welded a stop on mine so they couldn't close all the way. It made it easier to slip over the log. I got mine from Northern also. I can't remember which one, but they weren't much $$$, so that may be them. I've abused them and the only thing that has broke a pin in one of the clevis. That size would be good for around 6"- 14" logs, I'm guessing. One problem I could see using the 3pt, it may be hard to get the tongs centered over the log. But what the hey, not much investment, give it a try. Put a couple hooks on your loader and you could try that too. With the loader, I can also stack the logs, working from the end of the pile.

justforme · Jan 15, 2006

( I'm beginning to think that it might not be a bad idea for someone to manufacture an ECONOMICAL but functional grapple for non-professional users, priced somewhere between $1000-1500.

I've been following this thread very closely, and I just don't think there is anything other than a front grapple (with the possible exception of a 4-1 bucket) that will effectively do the task at hand - moving logs and brush and putting it into a burn pile.

Does anyone already make an "economy" grapple that's not junk? It doesn't have to be built like a tank, or weigh 800 lbs. plus, like the Bradco, Anbo and Pirhana grapples, to get a LOT of work done. Just thinkin' out loud here ... )

here's your $1500 grapple
i bought one of these last year.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PIRANHA-ROOT-GRAPPLE-72-skid-steer-bobcat_W0QQitemZ7580006426QQcategoryZ74988QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

other than bending a couple of the lower tines, it's been flawless

tillerkiller · Jan 15, 2006

( ( I'm beginning to think that it might not be a bad idea for someone to manufacture an ECONOMICAL but functional grapple for non-professional users, priced somewhere between $1000-1500. )

I am seriously thinking about one of these:

betcha never seen this before A rear grapple!

but I will probably just cheap out and rig up some type of tong setup. I do a lot of trimming though, and this would solve a lot of problems for me all at once.

CT_Tree_Guy · Jan 15, 2006

betcha never seen this before A rear grapple!


Betcha I have. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

5030 "skidder" pics - the "tree-bota" in action

It's great having a front and rear grapple - more productive, plus you can grab counterweight as needed. Again, the only reason I could justify the expense is that tree work is all I do with my tractor - the rear grapple has never come off in 570 hours/20 months, and the front grapple, 3 times.

BTW, that Wallenstein looks pretty darn good for the price ($1,475). I've seen a lot of junk in that price range, but these guys really seem to make good stuff, and have a good reputation IMO.

Jstpssng · Jan 15, 2006

( betcha never seen this before A rear grapple!
)

I've checked them out before, but for twice the price. I've even considered buying the grapple and rotator and adapting them to my backhoe; but those two parts will run me 1200$...
about what that whole unit would cost.
That's a nice looking winch they make as well. I really like the drum brake on it.
What I'd really like though is that self loading trailer... of course I'd need a 200 acre woodlot to justify it. Plus a bigger tractor, which would force me to buy 300 acres more...

Hmm, that might just work. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jstpssng · Jan 15, 2006

( betcha never seen this before A rear grapple!
)

I've checked them out before, but for twice the price. I've even considered buying the grapple and rotator and adapting them to my backhoe; but those two parts will run me 1200$...
about what that whole unit would cost.
That's a nice looking winch they make as well. I really like the drum brake on it.
What I'd really like though is that self loading trailer... of course I'd need a 200 acre woodlot to justify it. Plus a bigger tractor, which would force me to buy 300 acres more...

Hmm, that might just work. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Seriously though, I've been wanting a log grapple for some time but couldn't justify the $2800 cost; with a little planning I could swing this one by spring breakup in April.