Tractor Logging

[Treefarm]

I have Timberland in Oregon that I have been logging with a small dozer for the past ten years.
Lately, I have my eye on a DK65 with a Farmi winch, probably the 501.
I would love to hear feedback from anyone that has experience yarding logs with a tractor. I like the dozer but it is too slow on the turn. Often, I collect logs from all over the property and put them on one landing. This means I am somtimes driving 1/2 a mile to get the log. My dozer walks like an old lady. If I had $125k laying around I would buy a new faster dozer but 35k for a new tractor and winch sounds a lot better. Plus the utility of a tractor can't be beat.
What do you think?

 

[magicheater]

I used a Farmi 501 for a few years. Only has winching capabilities, get ready to lug the cable and chain to the logs. Usually has 3-4 sliders so you can winch more than 1 log at a time. You will want a good stout 3PT lift on the tractor. Nice durable unit. I sold mine in favor of a 3PT grapple/winch combo.

 

[JoelD]

How about a used skidder?

 

[ToadHill]

I've been using this setup for about 5 years now. Depending on the size of the log I can haul up to 3 of then at a time. It's not a wench so I have to back up to the log to get it lifted to drag, but it works just fine.

I use low range second or third gear to get the log out to a logging road then switch to high range second gear to take them to the landing.

Been using it to clean out beech.

 

[williekioti]

How about a used skidder?

+2

Depending on how many acres you are treating, how often you treat, half mile draws?? I'd be scouting for a used skidder. They are designed and made to haul wood for production. I don't have one, but have used tractor mounted Farmis. They do fine for small lot/part-time cutter, but they are no substitute for a real piece of timber harvesting equipment.

You can pick up a used small to mid-sized skidder around here for $10-20k, use it for a few years and turn it around for the same thing. Just saying. Not to sound negative on the Farmi winches, I have coveted one for years, but I do not have real production in mind. Just putzin' around in my wood lot for a few logs and a bit of firewood. Unless you need the tractor for other purposes and want one versitile piece of equipment for different tasks. A skidder pretty much just skids and pushes, not much more to do than that. So if that's part of your thinking (one piece that multi-tasks), than maybe a tractor is the way to go. It will certainly out skid a dozer, though you will really have to watch the terrain because you'll give up much stability with a tractor. In fact, the tractor is far less stable than a skidder.

 

[joe496chevy]

I had a DK65, that I used for a number of years, and very happy with its work. I am still using the Farmi JL501 that I had on the dk65, now on a DK40se. I found the smaller tractor is better for my small roadways, and a bit more manuverable. I was so happy with the farmi winches after about 2 years of use, I have started selling them too.

 

[Will_C]

Do you have other uses for the tractor? If you don't, the used skidder idea would be a good thought. If you have other uses, the tractor/winch will do fine. There were a pair of loggers locally that worked full time for 20 years, using a small dozer for hilly ground and a tractor/winch for the bulk of their skidding. They did not get rich, but stayed in business and supported their families with that set-up.

Will

 

[williekioti]

Do you have other uses for the tractor? If you don't, the used skidder idea would be a good thought. If you have other uses, the tractor/winch will do fine. There were a pair of loggers locally that worked full time for 20 years, using a small dozer for hilly ground and a tractor/winch for the bulk of their skidding. They did not get rich, but stayed in business and supported their families with that set-up.

Will

You're much more concise than I......................... ;-)

 

[Treefarm]

I harvest 5-10 loads a year, mostly on the weekends during June. When I clear cut I rent a D5 dozer and get 3 loads a day. Buying a used skidder makes me nervous because I know how hard commercial loggin is on equipment. Something with a warranty puts my mind at ease.
Like many on this forum I am a land owner and take pride in doing the job myself. Plus, I'm only 33 so swinging a saw all day is still fun.
Will I need a 50 Horse plus tractor to handle the yarding? Also, does the Farmi freespool?

 

[ToadHill]

The pictures I posted earlier of my skidding equipment shows it hooked to a DK35 hp tractor. It has plenty of power for my hilly farm. It's also not as large which makes it easier to get around in the woods.