Wood Lot Machines

[Haoleguy]

DAP - It sounds to me that your friend needs a used articulated skidder like
is found in the following link and separately a tractor. The smaller size version as shown in the pic would probably be the ticket for him. From what I know the used skidders are often difficult to find in good shape and reasonable price but a knowledgeable logging friend in Maine & patience might be the ticket to locating one. At Equipment Trader Online you can see the price range and size. The earlier suggestion of the PowerTrac almost gets you there in the higher HP units but it seems to be missing the skidding and 3PH capability.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...161525997-can-you-see-vineyard-log-mover1.jpg

 

[MossRoad]

The earlier suggestion of the PowerTrac almost gets you there in the higher HP units but it seems to be missing the skidding and 3PH capability.

What would you need a 3 point hitch for?? You drive into the woods, grab the log with the grapple and back out. That's it. Log is out. Move on to the next log. If you need a winch, Power Trac makes those, too. Look into them more closely. They would work very well for a small scale operation. Better than a conventional tractor for sure.

 

[john_bud]

What would you need a 3 point hitch for?? You drive into the woods, grab the log with the grapple and back out. That's it. Log is out. Move on to the next log. If you need a winch, Power Trac makes those, too. Look into them more closely. They would work very well for a small scale operation. Better than a conventional tractor for sure.

Moss, I have NEVER used a Power Trac -- they sound like great machines. But...

Well, on my tractor the loader can lift 1000# or so. The 3pt can lift 2200# or so. When I have full load on the loader, the rear tires are unloaded to a degree and traction is less. This is true even with a counter weight and equipment on the 3pt. Backing up a 25% snow covered slope with a full loader is more difficult even with 4wd. Not just traction, but looking over your shoulder. Neck and back get sore after about the 100th round trip...

Going forward dragging 3-4 logs totaling 6000+ pounds with the 3pt picking up the fronts a bit is easy. Traction is better with weight on the 3pt. Going up snow covered hills is easy and the neck and back don't get sore. Productivity is also higher as you can drag more and at higher speeds than when using the loader. (At least I back up much slower than I go forward!)


Again, no slam against the Power Trac as I have no history with them, just my experience using a tractor's loader to move logs vs the 3pt to move logs.

jb

 

[daTeacha]

A lot depends on what size the logs are. Pine isn't too heavy compared to Oak or Hickory of the same size.

I moved quite a bit of hardwood, although none of it really big, dragging one log at a time uphill or down with a gear Kubota B7100. This was left over stuff after having horses pull the big logs out -- 60 or 70 footers some of it.

How long, how big in diameter will the logs be? Is this a lumbering operation or just cleaning/thinning for personal use?

Would it be reasonable to get a portable mill and just rough cut the wood in the woods?

I upgraded from the little 'bota to a Case DX series. I had woods use very much in mind when deciding on the tractor. The Case has less stuff hanging down in vulnerable places than many of the other colors, especially the JDs, which seemed to have a lot of exposure of hydraulic hoses on the bottom. But, as has been said, you can do a lot with a little time and a little steel plate to protect things. I'd look away from a hydro for serious pulling after my experience with the Case and Kubota. The gear drive just seems more willing to pull harder to me, although there are many here who might argue the point.

 

[Jstpssng]

HobbyFarm posted this link
Farm Tractor Logging for Woodlot Owners
about a year ago, which gives excellent answers to your questions.
I would also concur with Thomas' suggestion of a larger, 2WD. Wood is heavy, even 1/2 cord can approach the weight of a compact. having said that I've brought out over 120 cords with my little 27HP 'Bota in the last 2 1/2 years. It took me a while to learn it's limitations, but I can cut about 2 cords a day.

 

[MossRoad]

Moss, I have NEVER used a Power Trac -- they sound like great machines. But...

Well, on my tractor the loader can lift 1000# or so. The 3pt can lift 2200# or so. When I have full load on the loader, the rear tires are unloaded to a degree and traction is less. This is true even with a counter weight and equipment on the 3pt. Backing up a 25% snow covered slope with a full loader is more difficult even with 4wd. Not just traction, but looking over your shoulder. Neck and back get sore after about the 100th round trip...

Going forward dragging 3-4 logs totaling 6000+ pounds with the 3pt picking up the fronts a bit is easy. Traction is better with weight on the 3pt. Going up snow covered hills is easy and the neck and back don't get sore. Productivity is also higher as you can drag more and at higher speeds than when using the loader. (At least I back up much slower than I go forward!)


Again, no slam against the Power Trac as I have no history with them, just my experience using a tractor's loader to move logs vs the 3pt to move logs.

jb

Remember, Power Tracs are designed pretty much like a logging skidder to start with. You owe it to yourself to try one out if you get a chance. Ask anyone that owns a Power Trac and a standard tractor which one they use most and why. They will tell you the Power Trac design simply out performs their standard tractor design for most tasks. I had a large International Harvestor industrial tractor/loader... HST, 50 PTO HP on the 3PT hitch, full cab, loaded tires, integral FEL with 3/4 yard bucket. It weighed about 8000 pounds with the box blade attached. It was a very strong tractor. I get more work done with my 25HP PT425. It is quick, nimble and safer on hills. I can go into more places with it than my monster IH ever could and leave the forest floor with less damage. And as I mentioned before, the quick attach feature makes it much more productive in that I can change implements in 15 seconds without getting off the tractor(30 seconds for hydraulically powered implements).

If you haven't seen one in action, click on my little animated Power Trac in my signature. That is a link to my website. Click on the videos link and watch a few of them in action(there are about 25 videos). If my little Pt can do that stuff, just imaging what their larger models can do! Enjoy the videos.

 

[Haoleguy]

DAP - If tractor is the focus for this woodlot I would go <500hrs used 40-60hp range, 4WD, ag tires, decent clearance, & 3PH. If the forest is tight like mine, see pics, you have to skid unless you want to perform a lot of sawing in the woods. I have used my front grappler to drag backwards(see pics)...I would much rather have a 3PH skidding grapple. Trailer idea is fine but requires more space to maneuver and it can get bogged down in soft areas with log weight.

 

[BTDT]

Is this something that he will be doing for the next 10 yrs or is this just something for a couple months? Rent a skid steer.

 

[AndyMA]

If I were buying a machine and had other uses I would get something in the 35 to 55 hp range and put a Farmy Skidding winch on it. Farmi Skidding Winch

I personally have a 501


Andy

 

[Haoleguy]

Andy - Good suggestion. Since you have the 501 skidding winch did you consider the 3PH grappler like is seen in the link you gave? Pros & cons either way?