tractor logging winch

retiredmgn · Sep 24, 2012

I'm looking at Farmi, Fransgard and such.
I have read a few reports these can be a pain because it doesn't take much to get the log hung up on something. They require a bit of tending to.
Anyone able to comment on this?

MarkV · Sep 24, 2012

Nelson you can minimize the problem of logs hanging by using a skidding cone. It also helps keep the dirt from building up on the end of the logs bark. DR® Power Equipment - Skid Cone

MarkV

retiredmgn · Sep 25, 2012

Thanks for the info. Didn't know such a thing existed.
Do you have experience with one of these winches?

Storm56 · Sep 25, 2012

I have had a Farmi for about 7 years. I find it one of my favorite implements. Certainly the log can get hung up now and then but I would hardly call it a problem that happens frequently. I do carry a snatchblock pulley at all times and it is not uncommon to use it to pull logs around certain things, mostly other trees that I do not want to damage. I would say it depends on the terrain more than anything else.

namesray · Sep 25, 2012

retiredmgn said:
I'm looking at Farmi, Fransgard and such.
I have read a few reports these can be a pain because it doesn't take much to get the log hung up on something. They require a bit of tending to.
Anyone able to comment on this?

it will depend on the terrain and the underbrush/trees in your lot you operate on if it gets "hung" up a lot. also techinque. the more trees, humps, roots and such, yes the more of a chance, but usually these pto winches will pull through quite a bit before they hang up. i run a 7000lb pulling cap fransgard and do plenty of firewood with it (commercially) and have the occasional hang up from time to time, but that winch by far saves more time then it wastes. mine has paid for itself again and again. and like was said is my favorite implement to use too! i operate in some rough terrain in north cen pa. pretty mountainous. i get along fine with my winch. if you are new to pto winches, stay safe. they can be extremely dangerous if not paid attention to while operating. as far as which is best, i own fransgard, looked at farmi, norse, walenstien. they all would probably work for you. go with the better deal and the one you like the best. chances are, you will break the tractor before you break the winch. good luck and be safe.

dbaer78 · Sep 25, 2012

I have a Wallenstein FX 90 and it has been absolutely great. It pulls #9000 and ive drug out ALOT of wood with it. I too use a snatch block to avert hang ups. several companies make self releasing snatch blocks that really save some time and effort. Im pretty sure all of the companies that produce these winches make quality tools. I went with the wallenstein because it was available locally from a reputable dealer which i really like.

retiredmgn · Sep 29, 2012

Thanks for the info guys.
I took the plunge and bought a Fransgard v3507. It has been sitting on a tractor lot for several years so I got a good price. While calling around another tractor dealer said he can't buy them for that.

Quite amazed how rugged this thing is built.
I'm in the process of cutting down the pto shaft to fit. Shakey. Don't want to run into the, "I've cut it twice and it's still too short". Any hints from those who have been down this road???

Steave · Sep 29, 2012

Just measure and cut. I had to cut the shaft on my fertilizer spreader and was told it needed to have at least an inch of play before it bottomed out. A little more probably wouldn't matter but not much more. Also what ever you cut from the inside slider you'll also cut that much from the outside slide. That way they'll still slide together without one side bottoming out. I also had to cut my safety shield to allow the shaft to move. Don't forget to do your measuring while in every position the winch might be, working position, carrying position, etc...

dbaer78 · Sep 29, 2012

Congrats on your new winch! Fransgard was on my list too. Very well built winches. I think you will be impressed what you can do with it.

namesray · Sep 30, 2012

retiredmgn said:
Thanks for the info guys.
I took the plunge and bought a Fransgard v3507.

great choice. that is the exact model i have. i am very happy with mine (it is my favorite piece of equipment i have). i hope you get good use and enjoy yours. i have done more then a hundred cord of fire wood with mine since last fall and no adjustments or repairs to the winch yet. still running great. they are built bullet proof. enjoy and stay safe.

just a quick note, be sure the pull/activate rope is in the pulleys correctly before each operation. i got in a hurry one time hooking the winch up and got the rope out of one of the pulleys and diddn't know it until i already had a log on its way to the winch. when i released the rope to stop the pull, it kept comming and slammed into the winch and the slip clutch activated. i had to go push the tractor clutch in with my hand to stop it. the rope off the pulley got stuck when i pulled to activate the pull and the spring loaded return didn't have enough pull back to release the jammed rope. no flaw with the winch really, like i said, i was in a hurry hooking it up to the 3pt and got the rope first over the top link, then when getting it back under the top link i didn;t notice it was off to the side of the pulley. my fault for being in a hurry. as for the log slamming into the back of the winch, no damage except for a light paint scuff. built tough. becarefull out there. they are a great tool, but can be dangerous. good luck and enjoy. if you ever have any questions, pm me and i will be happy to try to assist you.