Question Concerning Loader Methods

[Glowplug]

I'm not sure the OP wants this to evolve into a grapple thread. We all know there's plenty of those! As soon as "He Who Reigns Supreme Over Grapples" (aka IslandTractor) finds this thread that may change!

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc191/ChucklesKY/GrappleMedium.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc191/ChucklesKY/Botazilla4Small.jpg
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc191/ChucklesKY/IntimidatorMedium.jpg

A grapple is not really required for moving some logs. But they are so fun! There's nothing like being able to grab something securely without leaving the tractor seat, move it somewhere, and then release it! I HAD to go even deeper into debt when I bought my tractor to go ahead and get a grapple.

I think the bucket fork idea is actually a good one.

 

[EastTnFarmboy]

I didn't mean to go off track. I was just responding to the "best method" portion of the OP.

 

[RonMar]

If you have a skidsteer quick attach bucket, I think you would really be pleased with a fork bucket as a start and an add-on grapple to really optimize it. The advantage of a fork bucket over addon forks is that you can get the weight back closer to the bucket pins. This allows you to better use your loaders available lift capacity. A log across an open bucket puts the weight out a ways from the lift pins and reduces your overall lift capacity as well as increases the moment arm that the weight is being applied back thru the tractor structure.

Another nice thing about a fork bucket is since you are moving around downed trees, I am assuming you are also dealing with the limbs that were once on these trees. Fork bucket is a wonderfull tool for this. You back rake them into a pile then scoop them up(you can see me dumping limbs and debris onto a pile with my fork bucket in my Avitar). Here is where a graple is really handy as it will clamp down on the pile and hold it while you drive to wherever you are dumping them. I ran my fork bucket for over a year without grapple arms, now I wonder how I ever picked up anything, or kept it on the bucket, without them. A grapple makes moving a log a real easy affair, drive in, scoop, clamp and drive out. With a little paractice, you will be able to do this so fast, the tractor will hardly stop, and then only to shift into reverse

If you look into a fork bucket, look closely at the weights. Some are built really heavy and too heavy a bucket will take away a lot from your available lift. I built my own and this was one of my biggest concerns when designing its structure.

Good Luck, and as mentioned, Practice, Practice, Practice...

 

[Glowplug]

I didn't mean to go off track. I was just responding to the "best method" portion of the OP.

I know. I was just looking for an excuse to throw in a few grapple photos!

 

[MUDONTHETIRES]

I really appreciate all of your replies. All are helpful as I am very new to using a FEL. I do see a grapple in the near future for several reasons. I'm trying to clear some of my land for more pasture area. I'll be starting up a "very" small cattle farm soon so clearing some of my land is a must. After reading several posts on different forums, a grapple seems to be the tool of choice for downed trees and tons of limbs. I haven't priced them yet, but I'm sure they're not cheap.

Thanks again for the help,
Mud

 

[Rara Avis]

Hello,
I posted a couple of threads about getting a new tractor with a FEL. Having never owned or operated a FEL before, this weekend has been challenging to say the least. The manual doesn't have detailed instructions on using the FEL so I thought I would turn to the experts, You! I know common sense comes in to play here but I want to know the best way to pick up downed trees and logs longer than the bucket itself. I feel like a kid kicking around rocks. So far I can roll a log around pretty good, I just can't pick the dang thing up. I am definitely calling Markham Welding Monday and inquiring about a tooth bar. But as of now, my 6' bucket is all stock. Sorry about being long winded but hopefully I can get some advice from you seasoned folks!

Thanks in advance,
Perry

Well your other option is buy a Backhoe...and carry them out with it...

You can read about the technique in their training manual...
https://www.equiptrain.com/backhoes.htm

 

[john_bud]

Hello,


I know common sense comes in to play here but I want to know the best way to pick up downed trees and logs longer than the bucket itself. I feel like a kid kicking around rocks. So far I can roll a log around pretty good, I just can't pick the dang thing up


Perry

Perry, I is probably fastest to wrap a chain around the trees and drag them with the 3pt or the draw bar. Choice of attachment point is dependant on the size / weight of the tree. Heavier ones have to go to the draw bar as there is less chance of the tractor flipping over. Takes a pretty big one to do that, or snagging a stump when moving quickly. (That's a hint -> go slow)


Yeah yeah yeah, an fel mounted grapple is faster, but if you don't have one... dragging to a pile is faster than trying to attach to a smooth lip bucket.

After dragging a half dozen so they are close and parallel, you can push them up together and halfast stack them with brute force.

 

[N80]

That's what I do. Get them generally parallel and then you have to find the 'balance' point of the tree or pile of trees which is usually close to the stump ends.. If you put the bucket at that point and get the edge hooked underneath you can push the pile along pretty nicely. Invariably some stuff will slide off and you have to make another pass. No big deal. Its just more seat time.

With an expensive grapple you make one pass, get it all done in a matter of minutes and spend the rest of the day in the recliner watching Modern Marvels on the History Channel. Where's the fun in that?

 

[MUDONTHETIRES]

N80 and john_bud, those are very good points! Until I decide on a grapple or not, I'll pull first, then push. Thanks for the info!

Mud

 

[Danno1]

.

N80, the fun would be in learning which way to turn the cresent wrench!!!

.

 

[N80]

It took me a minute to get that one, but having seen every episode of Modern Marvels at least twice, including the one on 'glue' , I remembered the wrench graphic at the beginning of each one.

And of course I'm kidding about the grapple. I keep finishing projects and thinking, man, a grapple would have been the ticket for that job but hey, I'll never need to do it again.....