Using lifting tongs on bucket

[Jstpssng]

When I didn't have a winch I had some short lengths of chain with hooks on the end attached to a standard draw bar for the 3pth. I used choker chains around the logs, which I then was able to attach to the hooks and raise the ends of the ground.

What worked even better was when I mounted a middle buster- aka, potato plow- backwards. I then was able to push the logs around with the plow blade.

 

[bdhsfz6]

You could make up something like this:

The wheels would make for less surface damage if the log is balanced & off the ground.

There are also commercial log trailers like this with 4 wheels. Pricey though.

 

[WinterDeere]

Tongs on a drawbar on the 3-point works fairly well, much more capacity than the bucket, and much less likely to tip the machine.

I've dragged hundreds of cords of logs out of the woods with a Ford 3000, usually working about 1/2 mile in from our staging area, and we've found 3-point to be infinitely better than bucket. However, I'll also say we've found chain chokers to be infinitely more reliable than tongs, when going any sort of distance over any sort of rough terrain.

 

[WinterDeere]

Oh, I should have added: If you're actually lifting the logs rather than dragging, then tongs are great. I use them for lifting logs over the side of my trailer, when unloading it:



That said, chain chokers are still more secure, and let you grab more than one at a time:



Both have their place.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^^
If I tried to pick up that top log with my tractor, it would lift the rears instead. Also, please don't tell me that you burned that hundred dollar bill log.

 

[WinterDeere]

^^^^^
If I tried to pick up that top log with my tractor, it would lift the rears instead. Also, please don't tell me that you burned that hundred dollar bill log.

I burn dozens of logs nicer than that, every year! The reality is that I'm surrounded by big oaks and walnuts, and while it's not uncommon to have someone accuse me of burning "veneer quality" logs, the mills around here don't want them, or won't pay us what they're worth to me as firewood.

I also don't like stacking wood that's less than perfectly pin straight. I leave all crotches and knots in the woods, as much as I can. I usually lop the top off the tree, leave that to go back to nature, and just take the straight trunk home.

 

[Gregster613]

I burn dozens of logs nicer than that, every year! The reality is that I'm surrounded by big oaks and walnuts, and while it's not uncommon to have someone accuse me of burning "veneer quality" logs, the mills around here don't want them, or won't pay us what they're worth to me as firewood.

I also don't like stacking wood that's less than perfectly pin straight. I leave all crotches and knots in the woods, as much as I can. I usually lop the top off the tree, leave that to go back to nature, and just take the straight trunk home.

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WinterDeere, That's all just fine as long as you have enough land and growth stock to ensure it keeps returning the base you're drawing from! And it sure seems as if you draw many, many cords each and every year. Good deal as long as the main supply stock keeps producing your required base units!
But, I'd reckon it takes at least 20 years (or many more) for a tree that size to grow back - you must have a "Hugh" supply that you can draw from and feeds you. Good for you man! I sure appreciate all the pictures you show of harvesting firewood! Stay safe!

 

[WinterDeere]

Oh, yes... plenty of trees around here. Between a good friend's property, my church, and a few neighbors, I'm drawing on close to 100 acres of dense hardwoods forrest.

I haven't dropped a healthy tree in many years, at least that I can remember. Everything you see here was blown down in hurricanes Irene and Sandy, or our 2019 tornado, or dying from Emerald Ash Borer or other diseases.

 

[Gregster613]

Oh, yes... plenty of trees around here. Between a good friend's property, my church, and a few neighbors, I'm drawing on close to 100 acres of dense hardwoods forrest.

I haven't dropped a healthy tree in many years, at least that I can remember. Everything you see here was blown down in hurricanes Irene and Sandy, or our 2019 tornado, or dying from Emerald Ash Borer or other diseases.

Okay, if you mentioned 100 acres before I must have missed it. You've got plenty of area to draw from! I do recall that you gathered a lot from the hurricanes and diseased trees so I realize you're "not" shortening the lifespan of the growing stock. That's good and will keep you in firewood for a long time then!

 

[tjones59]

Thanks to all for your comments and wisdom!