Questions on log slidding, check this out.

[johnk]

Here's what I use on my tractor. It is the frame from my post hole digger with a hook welded on. Don't even have to leave the seat to snatch a tree. Works for me.

 

[xlr82v2]

Rather then use a slip hook or a grab hook on your chains this is the hook to use for skidding wood. They make them for 1/4 and 5/16" chain.

Blueberryman,

Hey, that looks like just the ticket! Where did you get that "loggerhook" from? I've never seen them around here.

Actually, I think I could modify mine to do the same thing...

 

[mjfox6]

Blueberryman,

Hey, that looks like just the ticket! Where did you get that "loggerhook" from? I've never seen them around here.

Actually, I think I could modify mine to do the same thing...

Bailey's sells them for 3/8" chain.
Bailey's - 3/8" Choker Hook for 3/8" Chain Choker System

 

[PA hayseed]

Toadhill,

There are several advantages to the arch, 1. you do not drag the log and therefore do not collect the embedded dirt (tough on saws),
Mike

the loggers up this way use gigantic debarkers before milling. Dirt isn't an issue for them, as the loggers usually use skidders to pull the trees to the trucks. For the average home owner using a chainsaw it would be.

I think your point about how high you lift the log is valid enough. Lots of new guys make that mistake. Loggers laugh a little unless the skidder is damaged.

 

[sunspot]

I've come up with this and it works for me.

That looks like the best home design I have seen yet. Good work.
Is that a standard drawbar that you used to build on?

 

[ToadHill]

Sunspot : no, it's a piece of box channel with a rod inserted and welded to the box in several places, I just used what was laying around.

 

[Iowachild]

Hey ToadHill,
Is that T bar that you used for the upright? I am working on gathering material to build something similar myself. Here is what I first spotted that got me thinking. Norwood Log Hog

I like your design real well too!

 

[ToadHill]

Iowa: It is T channel, I made this thing long before Norwood came out with the "hog". By the way one of the Norwood Mfg plants is only a few miles away, I wonder if they saw my hauler, too bad I didn't patent it. ha.

 

[MossRoad]

McPeterson: I just don't have room for a log arch in the woods. When I pull I use low range 2nd or 3rd gear until I get to the trails. The center of gravity of the log isn't any higher than the drawbar.

There has been much discussion about this subject over the years here on TBN. You are supposed to pull things with the swinging drawbar that is located under your rear axle. That drawbar that you have between your lift arms is not the swinging drawbar. As mentioned, if you are towing a log with your setup and it catches on a stump, there is a chance that the tractor will wheelie up in a hurry, whereas, if you are pulling with the swinging drawbar and you get a log hung up in a stump, the rear wheels will most likely spin instead of causing a wheelie.

Here's a link that has been posted several times in the Safety Forums with pictures and videos of tractors rolling over. Excellent must see stuff for anyone concerned about rollovers.
Tractor Overturn, H.J. Sommer III

End safety rant... Now back to your regular scheduled thread.

 

[ToadHill]

Moss I understand the safety aspects of the log hauler. I researched the issue before I built it. I looked at the Farmi setup and while the winch is a nice idea, the setup still lifts the end of the log and could cause the same overturn problem.

I think the trick to using any equipment is to engage the brain before using the tool. If the safety police controlled everything we'd never use chainsaws, post hole diggers or most any equipment we find on the farm.