What to attach to drawbar?

[John_Mc]

There have been two discussions of merit if not gone to point of nausea... What drawbar to use and tow/snatch straps/chains..

Won't go into any because if interested each can search them out and read them... My point no matter what you are towing with (drawbar) and what hook up (straps or chains) if log or load chatches on a rock or end digs in and stops moving while tractor is still moving, SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN....Think the idea of a of well designed skid plate or arched lifting skidder would be prudent... Anything to allow whatever is being drug without hindrance...

Northern Tool #51963 minimally ...Might also consider the # 41255... Search string of "log skidding" will show up other things... Keep In mind I am only suggesting not endorsing...

Dale

I've not been impressed with any of the Strongway or TimberTuff log handling equipment I've seen. However, if you are going to be dragging a fair number of logs behind a tractor or ATV/UTV, I do agree that a logging arch can make a lot of sense. You can move a much larger log more easily and with less power, you don't tear up your trails as much, and the logs stay cleaner.

Do keep in mind that if you are hauling something heavy on wheels and in hilly terrain, it's not so much a matter of what you can pull as it is a question of what you can stop.

You can make a logging arch pretty inexpensively, if you are good a scrounging and know how to weld. I'd suggest using something other than the Strongway Arch as a model, as it lacks proper bracing/reinforcement at the joints. The Cadillac of logging arches are made by Logrite, they aren't cheap, but they will last several lifetimes. (They also make the world's best peaveys and cant hooks, if you happen to be in the market for one.)

 

[WranglerX]

I've not been impressed with any of the Strongway or TimberTuff log handling equipment I've seen. However, if you are going to be dragging a fair number of logs behind a tractor or ATV/UTV, I do agree that a logging arch can make a lot of sense. You can move a much larger log more easily and with less power, you don't tear up your trails as much, and the logs stay cleaner.

Do keep in mind that if you are hauling something heavy on wheels and in hilly terrain, it's not so much a matter of what you can pull as it is a question of what you can stop.

You can make a logging arch pretty inexpensively, if you are good a scrounging and know how to weld. I'd suggest using something other than the Strongway Arch as a model, as it lacks proper bracing/reinforcement at the joints. The Cadillac of logging arches are made by Logrite, they aren't cheap, but they will last several lifetimes. (They also make the world's best peaveys and cant hooks, if you happen to be in the market for one.)

The items (pictures) I posted were for example only... Not an endorsement of product....

Maybe I should have just posted this link..

log skidding arch - Google Search

Dale

 

[John_Mc]

Dale - That was not meant to be a comment on your link in particular. You made it clear that it was just an example. I was just commenting to encourage folks to look around a bit beyond that example to find an arch that is a bit more stoutly built.

There are a lot of options in the spectrum between the Strongway arch and a LogRite arch (and I'll be the first to admit that not everyone needs to go to the expense of a LogRite arch to get their own job done).

 

[s219]

I think log arches are fine for ATVs and garden tractors, but for a CUT the most productive is to get a skidder plate or log skidding attachment for the 3-pt hitch. Chain the end of the log with a choker, hook the chain to the 3-pt, and lift the front butt end off the ground. Skid away. It's great for fast turnaround and productivity -- I think one time I skidded over three dozen logs out in an afternoon. You can often skid multiple logs out at once (the most I do is 2-3).

For added safety, you can run a second chain to the drawbar and make it shorter, so that the drawbar is applying the pulling load. If anything gets hung up, there's much less chance of the tractor popping a wheelie. But generally, using the skidder attachment gets the butt end off the ground so that you're much less likely to hang up on anything.

 

[John_Mc]

If you really want to up your productivity, get a logging winch. After working with one for the past 9 or 10 years, I wonder how I ever got along in the woods without one.

However, the OP's post was about how to attach a chain to his drawbar, something that was answered in posts 2,3, and 4. If we keep going as we have been, we'll soon have him looking for a skidder, forwarder, and/or feller buncher.

 

[TheMan419]

Can we have a thread as long as the one about the rounded of drain plug?

 

[Richard]

However, the OP's post was about how to attach a chain to his drawbar, something that was answered in posts 2,3, and 4. If we keep going as we have been, we'll soon have him looking for a skidder, forwarder, and/or feller buncher.

Ohhhhhh no you won't!! (not that I might not like something like that..... but I'd end up another statistic to spousal murder....with me being the loser)

Oh, and it turns out that at one time, I had one of those things. I bought it for a specific (non-designed for) use and it didn't work so I thought I just tossed it into my tool box.

Can't find it yet...so may buy another.

 

[John_Mc]

Ohhhhhh no you won't!! (not that I might not like something like that..... but I'd end up another statistic to spousal murder....with me being the loser)

Oh, and it turns out that at one time, I had one of those things. I bought it for a specific (non-designed for) use and it didn't work so I thought I just tossed it into my tool box.

Can't find it yet...so may buy another.

Big tool box.