Skidding firewood logs?

[Egon]

I only have a small dractor so dragging is about the only option.

I chain the log to the three point and lift if I can. Also keep the bucket full of rocks for extra traction and to avoid back flips.

Egon

 

[rozett]

Also, be very careful pulling logs on uneven terrain. My property has some steep hilly spots. Be very careful that the log(s) you are dragging don't take the tractor (and you) for a ride. As large and heavy as skidders are, they can still be up-ended by a load of logs dragged across a slope. The smaller your tractor, the more dangerous it can be.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I also use tongs hooked up to my iMatch. I have a smaller tractor but for what I am doing on it works great! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Boondox]

Well, back in the days when all I had was an ATV, I rolled the leading end onto the hood of an old VW bug and used it as a skid plate. Dangerous as can be, and going downhill at times I had to outrace the log as it took off! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Now that I'm older and wiser (and slower) I use a logging winch on my Kubota with safety gear and attitude in spades!

Pete

 

[Panache]

If you are going to skid alot look at http://www.futureforestry.com/ for their arches. I am considering one. I used a boom pole with logging tongs when I was clearing my pond. The front of the tractor got light several times. The JD5200 is a UT but I was skidding 18-20" dia 15' long. It is now cut into planks to be used as flooring in the house when it is build.

 

[kensfarm]

My two cents.. yes the 3pt hitch can keep the log from dragging a ditch in the ground.. but look at "Egon's picture". His tractor is relatively small compared to the log he is dragging.. look how far the center of gravity is raised by using the 3pt. Now look at the "draw bar" attached to the bottom of his tractor's differential.. this "draw bar" is designed for the safest operation for the tractor's maximum pulling capabilities. From this low point.. your tires would lose traction.. before your front end would come off the ground. I would rather have to sharpen my chainsaw blade because of a dirty log.. then to be on the bottom side of a flipped tractor. Just my 2 cents.. please be safe!

 

[EastTexFrank]

I use a 2" tow ball mounted on the tractor's drawbar. I also have a drawbar mounted on the link arms. I use a short chain wrapped around the 2" ball to do the dragging. If I need to raise the butt end of the log or the branch, I raise the 3-pt drawbar. It's not as sophisticated as some of the others but I reckon that if the log does hang up and the tractor starts to tip, there is a very good chance that the chain will slip off the ball before the tractor totally flips over. You can probably tell that I'm not a big time logger but this system works well for occasional use.

 

[Youare]

I use a logging arch that I built over 20 years ago for pulling or moving logs out of the woods, down the raod, and across the lawn. When you suspend the whole log off the ground up don't have to worry too much about snagging it on something.

They usually addd a little more weight to the rear tires increasing traction. I have also used mine to pull up to 6 - 8" to 10" diameter trees to the landing for fire wood in one hitch.

Some of the pictures of using tongs look like they place a lot of weight above the axle of the tractor. The logging arches keep the weight loaded on the draw bar which is better.

I built my arch for about $60.00 back then today it might cost twice that.

Randy

 

[MMM]

I've got a Canadian buddy who uses a 4 wheeler and a rear end. It's got a cradle welded on it and he winchest log on there somehow( I think theres an arch with snatch block), then skids log to chainsaw mill. I haven't seen him do it, so that's all I can offer.

 

[penokee]

Many good ideas, I'm going to have to give this log skidding with my L3130 some serious review. Also appreciate the safety reminders.
I've skidded in the past with my AC H3 crawler tractor, mostly in the winter. Plan to do some pine plantation thinning in the summer when it's dry and want to keep the wood clean. Figure the Kubota will be faster and easier to move to the job site.
Also have to do some reading on the imatch, not sure what that's all about. Thanks again for the many ideas.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif