Tow Bar

[Bubbit]

I run a Kubota M7040 on my place. Looking for ideas for tow bar attachments to pull stumps and logs with. Something to hook a chain too. Can I just attach a d-ring or are there other attachments to consider? Is there a good on line store to shop for these things

 

[Gordon Gould]

There are lots of ways. A shackle or tractor hook on the draw bar. I also use a cross draw bar and a tractor hook so I can lift for easier dragging. It is about the simplest thing. There are also lots of stuff you can buy or make as I am sure you will see.
Follow the main rules: Be careful. Go slow. Pay attention. Don't let your front end come off the ground.

 

[s219]

To pull logs, I use a skidder plate on the three point hitch that lets me lift the butt of the log off the ground with a choker chain. It was about $150 on eBay. For pulling stuff that is more "immovable" like a stump, I'd only want to pull from the tractor drawbar, which will be a lot safer.

 

[JD 4520]

To pull logs, I use a skidder plate on the three point hitch that lets me lift the butt of the log off the ground with a choker chain. It was about $150 on eBay. For pulling stuff that is more "immovable" like a stump, I'd only want to pull from the tractor drawbar, which will be a lot safer.

I second this method. Good way to go. Safety is also a concern in method.

 

[jake98]

I think chaining a tractor to a stump is a good way to make sure it doesn't run off on you.

 

[94BULLITT]

I would just pull a log of the tractor drawbar a 3PH draw bar like Gordon pictured. You have to watch with pulling of the 3PH the higher it is the easier the front will come of the ground. For pulling a stump I would pull of the tractor draw bar but you probably won't be able to pull a very big one unless the tree has shallow roots.

If you want to get fancy for pulling logs you can get a grapple or a , skidding plate.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

There are lots of ways. A shackle or tractor hook on the draw bar. I also use a cross draw bar and a tractor hook so I can lift for easier dragging. It is about the simplest thing. There are also lots of stuff you can buy or make as I am sure you will see.
Follow the main rules: Be careful. Go slow. Pay attention. Don't let your front end come off the ground.

I have to ask where you found the choker hooks ?:thumbsup:

 

[JD 4520]

I have to ask where you found the choker hooks ?:thumbsup:

As for me, I got mine at a local hardware store. I think the feed store also has them.

 

[s219]

Baileys sells choker hooks, as well as Northern Tool (online, not sure about stores). Usually $10-15. You can also use a large open chain hook, which will cost a lot less and be more commonly found.

 

[Bubbit]

Thanks Tractor Supply Store here I come!

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have to ask where you found the choker hooks ?:thumbsup:

Like they said. Bailey's or Labonville on line. Also any logging supply or chainsaw dealer (not box store) should have them. They are easy to find here. The chokers are a little better than hooks because they dont unhook during the drag as easily but slip hooks still work.

 

[schmism]

I dont have a proper logging winch. I like to use my box blade as it allows 2 things.

1) it provides an anti roll-over-foot in the rear. (if im pulling above center, then the front end comes up the box blade goes down and with the BB only a 6" or so off the ground it makes for a nice saftey.
2) it gives me a point to chain logs to, generally you winch them into the rear "plow" and then lift picking up the front end of the log. I can get close to this effect by backing the tractor up to the face of the log, chaining it to the BB (or over the BB to the draw bar) so that when i lift the BB it shortens the chain as well as lifting the log.

for pulling stumps ive mostly dug up or small 3"-6" guys i connect directly to the draw bar on my tractor via a 7/8" shackle

 

[94BULLITT]

A middle buster works pretty good for stumps. You can dig around he stump with it and get under it with the middle buster and lift the 3ph and drive forward to pull them out.

 

[MIKE7639]

I welded a 2" receiver under this old drawbar. The receiver enables me to use all sorts of stuff including a clevis, hitch balls, hooks, a pintle hitch, etc. or I just use the grab hook or clevis attached directly to the drawbar as shown in the photo. I drag trailers and skid logs with this setup.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

I welded a 2" receiver under this old drawbar. The receiver enables me to use all sorts of stuff including a clevis, hitch balls, hooks, a pintle hitch, etc. or I just use the grab hook or clevis attached directly to the drawbar as shown in the photo. I drag trailers and skid logs with this setup.
View attachment 296958

Well now I have to have one just like this ! so todays project starts as soon as Tractor supply opens :cool2:

 

[sam5570]

man i sure glad you posted this Mike i am always having to change balls some of my stuff 1 7/8 some 2 inch and 2 5/8 iv got 3 or 4 recievers i have acumalated over the years only problem i know my weld will not be that pretty good job

 

[MIKE7639]

My photo skills are lacking but you can just see a bit of the drawbar lock in the very top of the photo. That was a necessary addition in order to prevent the hitch ball from rotating out from under the trailer hitch on uneven ground.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

My photo skills are lacking but you can just see a bit of the drawbar lock in the very top of the photo. That was a necessary addition in order to prevent the hitch ball from rotating out from under the trailer hitch on uneven ground.

glad you mentioned that .

 

[sam5570]

man i can't remember nothing i was in the shop working on my Mike hitch as i named it had to come and look again to be sure of what i doing gotta see if my welding rods are any good now gotta go

 

[MIKE7639]

I bought one of these cheap Tri-Ball trailer hitch things with the hook at Northern Tool. I have not used the hook for anything substantial and don't think I'd trust it for any heavy use. The grab hook attached to the drawbar is much more useful.

I think the one below with a clevis would be more useful.

I also have one of these that gets some use with a set of log tongs.