Skidding Logs with tractor.

[BufordBoone]

Is there any affordable attachment that would make it easy to approach logs, grab them and then drag them to another location?

We had our place logged for pine and there are now a bunch of cedar trees (the loggers cut to get to the pines) that I'd like to harvest and save for future projects.

I'd bet that most are less than 18" in diameter.

I've also thought of building something to attach to the front end loader but wonder if pulling with the loader is OK or something to avoid (kind of like many say you shouldn't use rear attachments to push heavy loads.

I'm figuring I want to drag trees to a common area where I can de-limb them and put the limbs in a burn pile.

Any ideas?

 

[s219]

I use a simple skid plate for the 3-pt hitch, that lets me chain up a log (or 2) with a choker chain, lift the butt of the ground, then skid it. This one also doubles as a trailer hitch. Here's a pic on my old B2920, still using it many years later on my L3200.



Many variations on this concept, and could be rigged up fairly cheaply. Lifting the front butt of the log up off the ground is key to skidding with ease.

 

[Carl_NH]

Check this out on Amazon etc. Tool Tuff Log Tongs Amazon.com : Heavy Duty SOLID STEEL 28" 4 Claw Timber Log Lifting Logging Tongs Grabber Tong : Garden & Outdoor

One pic shows a rope attached to the tongs so you dont need to get off the tractor - which is probably the most time consuming part of the process.

 

[MF243RedTop]

I do something similar but with the boom pole, use log tongs to lift the log. Then use a chain to choke it and pull off the bottom of 3ph to move it. Avoids the aggravation of trying to get the choker chain tight enough the first few tries. Got a 2" ball welded to bottom of boom pole for this reason, also to move a trailer into woods load it and pull out.

 

[sea2summit]

I do something similar but with the boom pole, use log tongs to lift the log.

That will be my plan if I ever had land flat enough to drive the tractor all the way to the tree:hissyfit:

 

[workinonit]

If you can't get your tractor to the tree you may have to come up with a winch setup to snake them out.

 

[ericm979]

Or you can use chains or cables to pull the logs out. It's not as convenient as a winch but costs less.

 

[TnAndy]

Or you can use chains or cables to pull the logs out. It's not as convenient as a winch but costs less.

Yep.....not as handy, but a lot cheaper. IF this is something you plan to do on a regular basis (I own 70ac of woodlot, and do have to skid out firewood/saw logs on a regular basis), consider buying a tractor winch. They are extremely handy for just what you're doing.

 

[WranglerX]

Do a GOOGLE IMAGE search for "log arch"...

Dale

 

[34Willys]

Our property is not flat, so I was leery of skidding tongs on the 3 point.
I've been using a grapple on front end, and this Small Wood Lot Tools - Timber Maintenance, Pre-commercial Thinning, Firewood, Fuel Reduction skidding tong set up. The skidding tongs are safe because you adjust the lower chain length to drag the log with your draw bar, so the 3 point only lifts the log up off the ground.
I've skidded over 100 logs from 16' to 60' long. Just back up, lower the 3 point and drive off. Rarely have to get off of the tractor to hook or unhook.
Patrick

 

[MF RED in MT]

What I use is the Timber Tuff TMW-54 Log Grapple - 22" (A.K.A. poor mans grapple), but lately I just rotate these jaws 90 degrees, back up to the log, pick it up off of the ground then cut the log into 18" long rounds

A simple HF chain with the link style hooks on both ends will work fine as long as you can attach the chain to a higher anchor point on the 3 point hitch.

A simple 3 point quick hitch from HF with a chain link style hook welded in the center at the top will work.

Or you could get a similar setup already to skid your logs.

Here's a few links for you to check out and also my log skidding/raising system pic:

KC

Amazon.com : RJ Designs XHD 3 Point Log Skidder - Designed and Made in USA - Super Strength and Durability - Standard Model Without Log Chain : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com: Timber Tuff TMW-54 Log Grapple, 22": Garden & Outdoor

 

[CobyRupert]

Maybe not affordable, but....

Log Grapples | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment

 

[John_Mc]

Maybe not affordable, but....

Log Grapples | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment

Before I spent the money for one of those, I'd recommend a 3 Pt hitch logging winch. Less money than most of those models, and a lot more flexible.

 

[Rustyiron]

Is there any affordable attachment that would make it easy to approach logs, grab them and then drag them to another location?



I'd bet that most are less than 18" in diameter.

I've also thought of building something

Any ideas?

I've trimmed your question to the bones. It seems like;
1 you'd like to grab the log meaning you have good access and would like to remain on the tractor.
2 18" logs and you can do some fabrication.
There are places that sell grapples and rotators only, that is just the components. You wouldn't necessarily need a rotator and a small hanging grapple similar to the previously posted Wallenstein set up are about $2000. The "structure" would be your part.
Hud son and Iowa farm equipment are 2 places that I've seen these parts for sale.
It's hard to beat a $2500 3pt winch, and around here there easy to sell if you choose to after your done with it if you don't mind taking a little "ding" on the investment.

 

[BufordBoone]

Maybe not affordable, but....

Log Grapples | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment

I'll purchase one of those just as soon as I get the payment from the Nigerian Prince I got an email from. Nice! Can't wait! :laughing:

 

[BufordBoone]

I've trimmed your question to the bones. It seems like;
1 you'd like to grab the log meaning you have good access and would like to remain on the tractor.
2 18" logs and you can do some fabrication.
There are places that sell grapples and rotators only, that is just the components. You wouldn't necessarily need a rotator and a small hanging grapple similar to the previously posted Wallenstein set up are about $2000. The "structure" would be your part.
Hud son and Iowa farm equipment are 2 places that I've seen these parts for sale.
It's hard to beat a $2500 3pt winch, and around here there easy to sell if you choose to after your done with it if you don't mind taking a little "ding" on the investment.

I'll take a look there, Rustyiron. Thanks.

From what I've read so far, I think I'm most likely to get a set of those lifting tongs and use them with a boom pole I've got.

Thanks, to everyone, for the ideas!

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

I have skidded a lot of logs from the bush using a 3pt receiver hitch similar to the picture in post #2, and a hook at the top link attachment point to hold the lifting chain..
You ALWAYS, ALWAYS skid with another chain to the tractor draw bar..

Our old woodsman neighbor estimated some of the logs were about the weight of the tractor.. Again... ALWAYS pull with the draw bar.. Only lift with the 3 point..

 

[Gordon Gould]

Here is another way you can do it. A short boom pole off the draw bar. Good lift and keeps the weight low. It's not a very good picture that I copied from somewhere thinking it was a good idea.



gg

 

[CobyRupert]

I have skidded a lot of logs from the bush using a 3pt receiver hitch similar to the picture in post #2, and a hook at the top link attachment point to hold the lifting chain..
You ALWAYS, ALWAYS skid with another chain to the tractor draw bar..

Our old woodsman neighbor estimated some of the logs were about the weight of the tractor.. Again... ALWAYS pull with the draw bar.. Only lift with the 3 point..

Why not pull with the 3 point hitch?
Pulling from drawbar keeps both ends of log in the dirt. All of log in dirt actually, chain saw gets more dull, log more likely to snag a root or stump, log pulls harder, rear of tractor has less weight/traction to pull log.
I agree that you shouldn’t pull with 3 point (or 2 point) hitch with connection point raised higher than axle or tractor can do a backflip. I can see that when pulling with a boom pole, it’s almost impossible to pull from below axle, and flip danger increases.
...but aren’t tractor’s made for pulling with the 3 point hitch (plows for example)?

 

[FTG-05]

I used to use the ball hitch on my LMC box blade, chain and a Logrite 28" tongs.

Like this set up shown here:

Then I got my grapple:

So much easier, so much more versatile. I never use the BB or tongs anymore.

If anyone wants the 28" Logrite tongs, let me know, there yours free for the asking. Just come pick them up; no shipping.