Right way to clear a wooded lot?

[kubotal3130]

i do have a 9' backhoe. Should I be using that to skid logs? I was thinking it wouldn't be good for the backhoe. Found a picture of this log puller. I think I am going to make something similiar this weekend. I think this is much simpler than some of the other ones I've seen. I would add more hooks.

 

[dangerdoc]

i do have a 9' backhoe. Should I be using that to skid logs? I was thinking it wouldn't be good for the backhoe. Found a picture of this log puller. I think I am going to make something similiar this weekend. I think this is much simpler than some of the other ones I've seen. I would add more hooks.

The nice thing about the backhoe is that you don't have to get the tractor as close to the log. You can reach out away from the trail to attach the log and can move the log around to get it lined up correctly.

Just make sure that you have the back hoe pulled up tight to the tractor when skidding.

 

[have_blue]

If you are hiring a large excavator, have him knock down the trees. While he is knocking them down, saw off the root balls and tops, and skid the logs to a neat pile with your Kubota. Tell your wife using the Kubota to skid them saved many hours and $$, because it's true.

Tree trunks that size need no special equipment. Just hitch up with a 10-20' chain and a 6' choke chain, and drag them with the drawbar. When you pull a log, the end becomes light, so it won't gouge into the ground much, if any.

Good luck!

 

[Ken45101]

All different size trees. Avg 10-12" at base. I have the R1 tires. How do I hook the chain. I have read some articles that say to be careful pulling from 3pt bar. Most of the trees are in a wet area. Hoping to winch them out with 4 wheeler to dry ground and then pull with tractor. You think a 4 wheeler could winch a 20' tree 10" at the base?

Sounds like a pretty hefty load for a winch on a 4 wheeler:

1) I suspect you will winch the 4 wheeler to the tree, not the tree to the 4 wheeler.

2) From what I understand, a lot of the winches are more for getting the 4 wheeler unstuck than for doing heavy duty dragging. If the plastic gears give up, it probably won't be covered by warranty.

Ken

 

[SPYDERLK]

i do have a 9' backhoe. Should I be using that to skid logs? I was thinking it wouldn't be good for the backhoe. Found a picture of this log puller. I think I am going to make something similiar this weekend. I think this is much simpler than some of the other ones I've seen. I would add more hooks.

For about $80 at Harbor Freight you can get a quick hitch that is very close to that. A little reinforcement and yould be good to go. You should not pull from the BH boom using tractor power. This can bend the rams on the boom control cyls.
larry

 

[wedge40]

Heck after reading this thread, I think he can justify another tractor. What do you think guys? I love to spend other peoples money, thats why I work for the government.

Wedge

 

[skidsteer.ca]

If you can get a excavator in with a thumb attachment, he can up root the trees and move them into a row where you can saw off the root ball. Then he can pile them or you can skid them off with you tractor. Leaving the root ball for him to pile or bury in the spoil pile from the pond.


Ken

 

[Highbeam]

Here's my "skidder" that I used this last weekend to drag several trees to a deck for firewood. I was dragging red alder logs that were at least 12" at the stump end. The deal is that you set the tow bar low and attach the chain, then lift up so that the butt end is off of the ground, then try and drag it. If it won't drag then go back and cut the log shorter. Repeat until you can drag it away. Some trees are light and skinny and can be 40' long and some are fat and heavy and can only be 15'. No biggy. I could drag three stems at a time with my 30HP.

The little tow bar deal is super cheap. Like less than 20$. The hook is a grab hook and can hold more than one 5/16" chain.

 

[J_J]

Let the dozer and excavator do all the work, and play like you are doing something real hard to justify the tractor. When you are finished, tell her it could have been done faster with something that you need. Be nice, and you will have your way.

 

[dangerdoc]

Let the dozer and excavator do all the work, and play like you are doing something real hard to justify the tractor. When you are finished, tell her it could have been done faster with something that you need. Be nice, and you will have your way.

What he said. Wait a few weeks and you can be busy mowing while they clear your trees.

Right tool for the right job. For bringning in trees for firewood, your tractor is a good tool. For clearing land, a dozer is the right tool.