Tree removal/skidding logs with 790 . . .

[FordTruckGuy]

Got the new 790, and am looking to clear up the high volume of timber debris (fallen trees, small stump removal, etc.) I have on the property. Can anyone recommend the best way I can skid some heavy logs around the property?

I assume a winch or perhaps situating a draw/cross bar off the 3-pt hitch, but also in terms of size of chain, tying/hooking to the log, etc. I am unclear and would appreciate guidance.

Many thanks,

FTG

 

[FordTruckGuy]

After reviewing a number of posts on this subject on this site, there seems to be great debate about the safest, most effective way to move logs. Surely this is not an endeavor to enter lightly, but on flat ground, assuming you've cut them down or limit their size, is there a safe consensus?

 

[NCDeere]

I have always used a chain to pull them out once they are down. On some of the smaller ones, my brother-in-law uses the forks that welded up.

Just my $0.02


Bryan

 

[beenthere]

I hook the logging tongs to the top hook of the i-Match and also use a chain (5/16" or 3/8" will work good) wrapped around the log end and then over the 'hook'. Lifting the end of the log a couple inches off the ground will give you much better traction than just pulling straight away with the tractor drawbar. Just need to be careful that the front end doesn't come up (that is the time to stop, or lower the 3pt, and decide that the log is too large for pulling with that tractor. Either add weight to the FEL or cut the log in shorter lengths. Or get a bigger tractor.

I can pull out (woods road up hill all the way) a 14' white oak log 22" diam on the small end with my JD 4300 (no extra weight in the FEL bucket). That's about the max, IMO.

There are pictures in some of the threads on 'logging tongs' if you want to see more info.

What size (diam and length) logs are you thinking of trying to pull out?

 

[KennedyDiesel]

As mentioned, skidding tongs make life easy. If you can lift the leading edge of the log it will skid much easier.

 

[Rayder]

I used to skid logs with a chain before I got an Anbo grapple rake. Now, I just pick them up and hall em out. I cut the log down depending on the width of the space I have to carry it through, say 12 to 15 foot. So far I haven't been limited by the capability of my tractor (4320) ... I certainly don't think I will be limited by the grapple, it is a beast. I think I have the 72 inch grapple if my memory serves me.

I'm finding new uses for the grapple every day. Last weekend I was mowing and ran across one of my kids baseball helmets, so being the lazy person I am, I picked it up with the grapple and kept on mowing (the only trick was not crushing it). /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Varmintmist]

Pull from your drawbar, thats why they put it there. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif If you cant pull the log from the drawbar, get your saw out and cut the log down until you can. The lower you pull from, the safer you are. The 790 does not have a bunch of weight to start with and you could get in real trouble fast pulling high.

Use a 5/16 or 3/8 chain about 10-12 foot long. run the chain around the log. Take the loose end and loop it around the chain that is heading for the draw bar, hooking it back on itself, effectively making a lasso. This will let the chain draw up tight and as long as you keep tension on it it works pretty good. Chain off to the drawbar leaving about 5 foot or more slack. That way if the log rolls it should stay out of your tires. Get a twist clevis, they make life eaiser. http://www.redhillgeneralstore.com/A16610.htm You can run a chain through a twist clevis without a lot of hassle, by the time you get a regular clevis big enough, the pin is bigger then the hole in your drawbar. GO SLOW...

I move a lot of wood with my tractor. I keep 3 chains, 2 5/16 12 foot and 16 foot, a smaller 6 foot 1/4 on my tractor all the time. I put grab hooks on all ends. I also have 2, 5/16 cables with loops on the ends, they are old guy wires. They work ok, pretty stiff but if you are trying to bundle a bunch they work good.

 

[hobbyfarm]

This is a pretty cool skidder, but it ain't cheap!

<font color="green">IRON & OAK COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS, INC </font>
Maybe it could be shop-made for a bit less.

 

[FordTruckGuy]

Update: Did a lot of tree removal / log skidding this weekend with the 790 and it went without trouble. I used a 20' 5/16 chain bought at TSC and attached it to the draw bar. Lifting the hitch a little after attaching the chain seemed to give me a little more weight on the back end.

In fact, I seemed to underestimate the power of the tractor, as it had no trouble with some of the logs I was skidding, which to me were by no means small.

The only tire-slippage that occurred was when I attempted to pull a heavy-duty stump out of the ground. It just wouldn't do it, tires spinning, and I had to get out the pick and shovel to loosen the root structure. Not sure if wheel weights would add much help, as I already had the tires filled upon purchase.

Yes, I love my Deere.

 

[firtol88]

I'm leaning towards one of these or building my own like this and here

some other options

here
here
here
here
and here (scroll down)

If anyone runs into any not already posted please link um especially hand builts.