Nova Jack ATV Log Cone

JDGREEN4ME · Mar 12, 2005

Anyone have any experience with the NovaJack ATV log skidding cone? Found them while doing a search for a logging arch. The set-up complete for ATV/UTV is $450 dollars.
NovaJack Log Cone My first try at posting a link so I hope it works /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif.

beenthere · Mar 12, 2005

Such a cone was researched by the US Forest Service in West Virginia years ago, and the idea is great. It helps protect the front of the log from catching on roots, and trees allowing the log to be pulled out of the woods.

However, the photo shown at the site is a bit 'unreal' as if hooked as shown, surely the ATV will be lifted and pulled toward the snatch block pulley, before moving that log out of the woods, IMO.

Rip · Mar 12, 2005

I have not used nor know of anyone who has used the Cone, but it looks like it would work well in situations where you do not want to damage other trees. Total weight and/or ground friction is obviously a factor. You can get the cone alone for less $$.

I did make my own skidder plate similar to the QuadSkidder by Montana Jacks and it has worked very well for me mostly winching large logs over rough terrain. The terrain I work in is much too rough for any wheeled logging arch, but the cone looks like it would work as well as the plate in many cases and perhaps better in some.

I made my plate set up for less than $100 and it is nearly indestructable while I would have had to buy the cone and it will wear out at some point in my rocky environment. Looks like a neat product though.

bczoom · Mar 12, 2005

I've come back to this post and the link you provided a couple times since I use a lot of logs/wood for heat.

Are you considering this for firewood processing?

After dragging some logs for the neighbor today I see a benefit, sort of... The terrain was such that no machine could get on the hill (we had a hard time just walking it with a snow base). For today's business of what we did, it would have been beneficial.

Personally (and I'm doing firewood), I would invest the $$ into a trailer. When logs are dragged, they collect mud, rocks... that I'll have to cut through with my chainsaw later. I prefer to chunk the log where it falls/lays, load onto a trailer and keep everything out of the dirt.

Brian

JDGREEN4ME · Mar 14, 2005

bczoom,
We are clearing land to build on. Most of the stuff we are cutting down is 6" to 10" diameter. Looking for something to skid it out to where we are running it through a chipper.

bczoom · Mar 14, 2005

( Most of the stuff we are cutting down is 6" to 10" diameter. Looking for something to skid it out to where we are running it through a chipper. )

JDGreen,

You're going to run 6-10" through a chipper /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif or just the tops?

What did you decide on a trailer for the HPX (ATV/UTV Trailer thread)?

After you complete the building site, will you have a need for the log cone? Were you getting only the cone or the full $450 setup?

I guess I'm just playing devil's advocate and looking at options/tools that will last you for the long haul (no pun intended).

Brian

JDGREEN4ME · Mar 14, 2005

( I guess I am playing devil's advocate...)
I agree with you at this point I think it makes more sense to put that money into a trailer. I will use that long after the lot is cleared! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Thanks