where do you hook up skidding tongs ?

[tawilson]

I use a winch for dragging the logs out, but for moving around the yard or if terrain permits, I love using the tongs off the front end loader. I set the chain like a v with the ring of the tongs hitting the lip of the bucket. This way I can rotate the tongs by curling the bucket so I can usually pick up the end of the log and drag it where I want and drop it without getting off the tractor. Most firewood logs I can roll the bucket back and set them on a pile too. I've had a few rear tire raising incidents with bigger stuff, or whole trees, but nothing that dropping the load didn't take care of. I make it a habit to have my hand on the loader valve anytime I have a load in my bucket. Last week I played with using the tongs on my backhoe bucket to pick logs up off the stack and swing them to where I could buck them up. Worked pretty good considering it was the first try. I'll have to try it again.

 

[BigDogues]

I don't use tongs at all. I have a nice length of grade 120 square link chain with a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other. I wrap it around the logs and hook it onto a hitch that I made for my 3pt hitch. This allows me to lift the end of the log to clear the terrain but keep it pretty much below the rear axel. That chunk of chain is one of my favorite accessories. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif It's small, light weight, and super strong. I use it for all kinds of chores around the property.

 

[cwarrix]

Found this link in another thread, very good information.

web page

Be very careful /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tawilson]

Me too, BD. When dragging out logs, chains only. I've got about 5 chains like yours, each about 4-5' long. I just made some more up cause I like them better than the cables I was using. Easier to deal with and gives a lot more adjustment when hooking the log to the winch.

 

[spikeland]

Beenthere,i like those pics,and thanks everyone for your methods of dragging logs and your knowledge.

 

[George2615]

I didn't mention that when skidding logs I had a full load in the bucket for weight and used the chain & tongs to lift the log only enough to clear the ground. I used low range and dragged away. Then unhooked and stacked them together with the bucket. Logs I dragged were 12-18" diameter and 20-30' long. My 3Pt. will lift 2200#.
PS Where are you in NY. Send me a PM

George

 

[tpost]

That is exactly how I logged until I got my Fransgard winch.
The I-match and tongs method worked pretty darn good for logs that you could back the tractor up to.