PTO winch

sherpa · Oct 18, 2004

I was thinking about getting me a winch for the rear of my B20 TLB tractor to operate off my PTO. (of course I would remove the backhoe). This winch would be used to drag logs off my hillside from fallen trees. I have not seen any PTO winches nor do I know where to buy them. I already own a 8000 pound electric winch which is attached to a 2 inch square receiver for use on my pickup truck. I could use it by making me a receiver for the rear of my tractor. I have been draging the trees/logs off by using a cable and chains. What do you guys think. Give me some input:

1-Get a PTO winch?
2-Use the 8000 pound electric winch off my truck?
3-continue using the tractor in low gear with a cable and chains?

Sherpa

Boondox · Oct 18, 2004

Well, I guess one thing that would help in the decision is just how much fallen timber we're talking about. If it's just an occasional thing, use what you have. If it's going to be a regular chore, a PTO winch can save you a lot of time as well as wear and tear...plus ensure your personal safety. I use a Farmi winch for harvesting firewood, but Fransgaard and a couple of others are just as good.

Check with Steve Carver down there in your neck of the woods.

Pete

EdK · Oct 18, 2004

The Farmi's and others that Boondox mentions are first-rate but not easy to justify for personal use. Many build attachments using hefty used and/or surplus industrial winches configured for the 3-point. You can go either PTO or hydraulic.

Not as good as a Farmi but still much better than no winch.

sherpa · Oct 18, 2004

Its just an occasional thing 3 or 4 times a year half a dozen trees each time but since I am the neighbor with the tractor there is always other uses and times in this remote area of western NC. Are you saying use the chain and cable or adapt the 12 volt winch up?

1bush2hog · Oct 18, 2004

I have property in WNC mountains too and just purchased a Farmi 501. I ended up ordering off the net - today. If you need details send me a PM - I chose the Farmi over Fransguard and Tajfun due to price and feedback I received. Several people on here have purchased and have good input on the Farmi's. I hope to be one as soon as mine is delivered.

Tractor and skidding chain on steep slopes was not comfortable situation for me. I figured there would be many other uses for this winch as well. I also have about 100 trees to snag off the slopes.

Also an electric winch will work but you may need to by some additional lengths of cable to use due to amount spool will hold. Also, not sure how an electrical winch would hold up over period of time.

EdK · Oct 18, 2004

I think you'd kill a typical 12V electric Warn or equivalent pretty easily this way. I'd recommend sticking with the cables and chains until you find a heavier duty winch or get yourself into a Farmi or equivalent.

To repeat: Farmi-type is best. I just cannot afford one new and couldn't find a good deal on a used one so I'm in the process of adapting a 30,000 lb worm gear winch to a 3-pt setup. It will be slow but safe and reliable.

The best part is the $177.50 price /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

sherpa · Oct 18, 2004

Man! I like the sounds of $177.50. And think of all the fun you are going to have making it!

Deerlope · Oct 18, 2004

PTO winches are very popular and do work well. I however built my own skidding winch using a 5-1/4 ton hyd winch and it is ways ahead of a pto setup. If I come to a mud hole in the trail I can let the cable pay out without ever leaving the seat. Once across just pull it back in.Try that with a PTO set-up. When using a hyd winch you should have a hyd oil cooler which my tractor has.

1bush2hog · Oct 18, 2004

I was under the impression one could operate the Farmi from the seat as well. Maybe I misunderstood. I would hope I could let the cable play out from the seat too, but maybe not. I know one can use the Farmi to pull while in the seat, but not sure I want to try that one yet.

Your hydraulic set up sounds very cool. I would love to see some pics when you have a chance.