Removing sub frame to skid logs

liberty2701 · Oct 12, 2015

I have a Kioti dk50 that has a backhoe and subframe. The subframe is bolted at two points on the tracter. It is two pieces. One centered and one in the rear. I would like to remove the subframe when skidding logs with my logging winch so I can pick up alot more ground clearance. Some of the terrain is quite rough. Is there any harm in removing the frame maybe once a year and reinstalling it. i am concerned over the longterm about stressing the threaded portion of the tractor by taking the bolts in an out repeatedly.

NHbotanut · Oct 13, 2015

I have the woods subframe for my back hoe. I have yet to have an issue with ground clearance regarding the sub frame. All of my trails are pretty rough with lots of rocks.

I've had the skidding winch touch a few rocks with a load on it but other than that, no issues.

liberty2701 · Oct 13, 2015

NHbotanut said:
I have the woods subframe for my back hoe. I have yet to have an issue with ground clearance regarding the sub frame. All of my trails are pretty rough with lots of rocks.

I've had the skidding winch touch a few rocks with a load on it but other than that, no issues.

You are right . I a m probably being overly cautious. Just trying it eliminate any chance of catching a rock.

Grandad4 · Oct 13, 2015

liberty2701 said:
You are right . I a m probably being overly cautious. Just trying it eliminate any chance of catching a rock.

The subframe on mine is "sistered" to the FEL frame member so it doesn't reduce ground clearance to any extent. I always figured those gave some protection to the underside and would be the mounting point if we ever wanted to add a skid plate. Unless your subframe really droops way below the underside of the tractor, having it there might keep something from snagging one of the filters, hoses, linkages, etc., which can booger things up in the worst way (that's a technical term, by the way

. If you are doing a lot of log skidding and it's rough terrain, consider the skid plate option to protect the underside.

liberty2701 · Oct 13, 2015

Grandad4 said:
The subframe on mine is "sistered" to the FEL frame member so it doesn't reduce ground clearance to any extent. I always figured those gave some protection to the underside and would be the mounting point if we ever wanted to add a skid plate. Unless your subframe really droops way below the underside of the tractor, having it there might keep something from snagging one of the filters, hoses, linkages, etc., which can booger things up in the worst way (that's a technical term, by the way . If you are doing a lot of log skidding and it's rough terrain, consider the skid plate option to protect the underside.

Good advice. Thanks