This tractor thing is addicting, need some guidance on implements

[yoshi1]

Has anyone here used the landpride grapple on a bx25? Any good? txs

I have one and have been pleased with it. I don't have anything to compare to but it has helped me pick up brush piles, large cut up rounds, and logs 20 inch diameter 12 ft long and transport them to an area I was storing them. Transport large rolls of horse fencing in the grapple then suspend it to unroll.

Here are a couple videos in action. Hope I loaded right.
https://youtu.be/Jxx192IHDOU
https://youtu.be/j-Ix-KzBghw
https://youtu.be/2P19hTahH-0

 

[MossRoad]

I'm glad I didn't read this thread years ago. I have been logging with my BX as it fits on the ATV trails. The bigger the diameter, the shorter I cut the log and it works for me.

Now that I'm informed that my BX is incapable of pulling these logs for the past 4 years I better put them back and use my L4060. Oh wait that won't fit on the trails.

I can haul 20" logs in my arms if I cut them small enough.... :laughing:

 

[Creamer]

For the logs I suggest a couple of options - forks for your 3 pt which will lift and haul lot more than the loader because the weight is on the back end or drag them with your drawbar. If you can put something under the front edge of the log to act a like a sled it will pull very easy. It is the front edge that likes to dig at times that is you are not lifting it off the ground or wounding it a little it can dig pretty well and make life no fun.

I cut a plastic gas tank with a sawzall into quarters (split it lengthwise and then cut it in half). I put a rounded end forward and often I do not even strap them on I just put a chain around the log and the weight of the log stay in the shape of the gas tank. The rounded plastic is a very good sled surface and gas tanks can be had for free if you look.

 

[Jeff F.]

Thanks Mossroad, I take it you are offering to help me drag the logs back

 

[David Devuono]

I skid most logs to my sawmill with the front bucket and a sling chain. Of course I back up and because I am off road I can use the bucket curl to get out of tough spots. If the log is small enough (Less than 1000lbs) and less then 10 feet I pick it up so as to not get it dirty. (two bucket hooks) For trail maintenance I drag a chain type harrow behind the box blade to even things out when I have to lift for a rock.

 

[koja]

Do you have a thumb on the backhoe ? If not , get kubotas thumb , about 3 bills I think . With a thumb you will have no need for a boom pole . Speaking from experience here .

 

[newbury]

I have one and have been pleased with it. I don't have anything to compare to but it has helped me pick up brush piles, large cut up rounds, and logs 20 inch diameter 12 ft long and transport them to an area I was storing them. Transport large rolls of horse fencing in the grapple then suspend it to unroll.

Here are a couple videos in action. Hope I loaded right.<snip>

A 20" 12' Eastern white pine (recently cut with an assumed moisture content (MC) of 75%) weighs about 973 pounds. A similar sized white oak weighs about 1700 pounds. Woodweb calculator I noticed the log you moved in the video had no bark and looked like it had been drying a long time.

If the OP is going to transport 1700 lb logs with a BX, even with a log arch, he should expect difficulties if the terrain isn't flat.

 

[yoshi1]

If the OP is going to transport 1700 lb logs with a BX, even with a log arch, he should expect difficulties if the terrain isn't flat.

I agree, that was a pine that had been in the open to the elements for a year to year and a half. Then under a tarp for about 7 months. That maxed out the BX. I couldn't lift it much higher.
There was a question about the land pride Grapple. It has been very handy but does have limitations.

I did move the log initially to that landing where I had the tarp on it. I was only able to lift it about 6 inches off the ground. I did have to carry it about 75 ft up a hill and I did that very slow, in 4wd, and the outriggers nearly down on the backhoe. Also was ready to drop it down if need be. Would much rather skid.

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks Mossroad, I take it you are offering to help me drag the logs back

If I was there, I would help. I enjoy that kind of work. We heat our home with wood. The OP wants to minimize trips. He'll have to cut the logs to shorter lengths to do it with a smaller tractor. People keep telling him he can pull large logs with his tractor. Large is a relative term. The larger the diameter, the shorter the length he'll be able to pull. The tractor can only pull so much weight safely.

 

[millsan1]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I do have a thumb, and given that trying to skid with a boom pole falls into the bad idea category, boom pole is out.

Thinking of grabbing a 3PT quick attach and using chains to skid. We shall see.

It has been raining for 2 weeks out here, so I haven't accomplished a whole lot.