Snowstorm--(appropriate name this winter !!)--That is quite a fabrication, but it is large enough to be a better skidder than a buncher. I anticipate 90% of my movement to the log to be backing off a road, so the 3ph format is preferred. In light of the comments about line tension, disengaging the winch, and safety, the warnings to go hydraulic have probably hit home. Further research has revealed that my 800 pump operates @ 2000 psi and 4-4.8 gpm. The 1700 pump is 2100 psi and 5.3 gpm. Would I be correct to assume that input psi and gpm is fungible--ie 4.5 gpm @2000 psi is the same whether it comes from a 5 HP engine or a 100 HP engine?
On a related matter, 30 or more years ago, you could purchase a clutch for a power plant. I seem to recall them being used on sawmills using a LeRoi power plant. I haven't found one for sale in recent years. The unit I have in mind is a two-piece clutch (disk + pressure plate), more or less 4" in diameter, and activated by a hand lever, one end of which is bolted to a base. Pull the lever toward the engine, and clutch engages, pull toward the powered implement, and it disengages. Am I having fuzzy memories, or do I recall correctly ?? Such a unit would allow use of the PTO, but also feature actual clutch function.
