New to the site so l don't have any photos up yet but l log with a Massey Ferguson 375 with a loader on it and a Wallenstein Fx 90 winch 7 choker setup and do alright. Just curious what other people use and how there setup works. Also interested in if anyone has used or owns a winch with the remote control option, thinking about upgrading or adding the kit to mine to speed things up.
Welcome from a fellow Maniac! I use a Clark 664B skidder and I'm a part time logger. You will love this site. There are a lot of knowledgable people on here with great mechanical and safety advice.
Yes it seems to be. l was looking at a skidder and there was some comments on it from people on this page, when l clicked to read them l got jumped over to here and figured what the hey l'll try it out. New to the site like l said but by no means new to logging l've run everything from chainsaw to buncher limber and skidder to crane and excavator. Bought the winch to cut our farm a little more productively during slow times and mud season, would love to have a small skidder (although l don't know if l want to work that hard) haha but the winch was cheaper on my pocket and we already have the tractors.
I have just started logging with a winch and tractor. I have a farmi 501 on a belarus 525 .i like it, i have tried everything but a skidder also. but i am really liking this setup .But i have to agree a remote would surely make things nicer .
Hi !
I'm logging with a Massey 1643 (43 hp) and a Farmi 351 and like the job I can do with that set-up. I also use a snack block pulley and usually I stay in my trails so no need for skid plate or any other protection under the tractor. I also have a 100 ft and another 50 ft rope specially made for logging that do not stretch and are 8000 pounds rated if the tree is farther than 165 ft. Take care
Welcome to the Forestry Forum.
I don't have a logging winch, but would like one. Just that I only pull out for my firewood and hard to justify not only the expense (but the re-sale value is very good) but the time to attach to the 3ph when needed for a few hours. So have only been looking for a used one, but they are scarce as hens teeth.
Resort to using the tractor to either drag lengths of logs out or cut to 7' length and load them out on the forks.
Stack near the shed for splitting later when too muddy in the woods.
Beginning of log pile last week, about double that today.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10180/100_1742.JPG)
Welcome to the Forestry Forum.
This is my little setup. 30 hp Kubota and a JL290 Farmi.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/Tractor1.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/PeaveyBrackets2.JPG)
I have a bucket grapple for loading
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/CorduroyCut3_28129.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/First2013Load1.JPG)
A little video of the self release snatch block
http://youtu.be/a0WLEYzlf0g
gg
sawyerf250,welcome to the forum. Merrill??? Must be up North?
I just have a 40hp NH that I play with in the woods. I do have 6 chockers.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10436/thecfarmnorsewinch3.jpg)
I know I could use a remote with my winch,as long as someone else is paying for it. ;D I worked the winch in the woods for 3-4 years, now it lives a life of ease with just firewood.
I had a Farmi 501 I used for a few years then sold, using a borrowed 351 this winter for a bit. Great units to have. I've got a hydraulic winch I intend to rig up eventually on some type of grapple.
I like my Wallenstein 120
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/3205/logging_004.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/3205/logging_001.JPG)
But now I'm too busy sawing to log so I sub it out.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/DSCF0168.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/DSCF0182.JPG)
I like the hitch the 120 has.
Welcome aboard sawyerf250.
I also have two tractor winches plus a parked skidder ( don't ask ). The one is a Farmi ALP 75, which I bought new about 4 years ago. I wanted it with the remote controls but unfortunately was told from the dealer that it was not available here and not approved for Canada. I found this a joke but ordered it anyways without it and thought maybe adding it later, as it comes as a kit. Never bothered afterwords as I only have used it as a backup winch.
You 'll be fine with a tractor, just watch where you drive with the ag tires. Got a pic of your beast ?
I like your set-up G-Man!
I have a MF 1552 with an Igland 3501. I just bought the winch last spring so I haven't given it much of a workout yet. I also added a grapple to my forks in December. Looking forward to using those soon!
Quote from: Peter Drouin on January 30, 2015, 07:30:48 PM
I like my Wallenstein 120
I like the hitch the 120 has.
What size & model JD is attached to that Wallenstein 120?
Quote from: wfcjr on February 02, 2015, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: Peter Drouin on January 30, 2015, 07:30:48 PM
I like my Wallenstein 120
I like the hitch the 120 has.
What size & model JD is attached to that Wallenstein 120?
A 2000 5410 with a 80 horse, JD engine. :)
This is my set up. Fransgard V6500 on a JD 5085M. When I'm not moving Snow I put the Addington Grapple on to move logs and brush.
David
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16485/Web_pic_2.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16485/Web_pic_1.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16485/Web_pic_3.jpg)
Nice JD, I like GREEN :D :D ;D
Quote from: dsgsr on February 03, 2015, 04:44:47 PM
This is my set up. Fransgard V6500 on a JD 5085M. When I'm not moving Snow I put the Addington Grapple on to move logs and brush.
David
Similar set up for us... running a Wallenstein FX90 on a JD 5095M. When working the woods, have a Frontier Grapple on the loader arms. When the snow flies, which is often, we swap out the grapple for the snow plow. Trygg Flexi chains, front & rear, from Thanksgiving until the snow melts.
G-man
l really like that holder setup for your peavey... l have been trying to figure a way to carry one with me also? l carry most of my tools and saws in the bucket with is both convenient and a pain for when l would like to deck logs or haul a little gravel and rocks around.
thecfarm
Yes it is up north, 20 miles south of Houlton... The County! lol How do you like using those choker chains everyone? l have actual chokers.. much easier to push one of those than a chain!? Chains remind me of trying to push a rope up hill! haha
Peter Drouin
l looked at the 120 very hard when getting mine, lt had more pull more weight more width and more of a price tag!? lol l noticed yours does not have the screen on it? Mine came standard along with the moveable block like yours and the removable hitch is very nice, l have only used my hitch once or twice? Other than that it just sits in the shop.. But the block comes in very handy! Sometime l take mine right off and throw a choker around a tree if l get in a bad spot and have to pull up hill. All of those factors are reason why l settled on the Wallenstein vs. other brands they come standard when Farmi for instance they are all add on features or they are not removable.
And how does everyone do the quote deal? l see the option in the top corner of posts but didn't seem to actually "quote" the article or the person who posted it?
Quote from: sawyerf250 on February 04, 2015, 05:03:04 PM
And how does everyone do the quote deal? l see the option in the top corner of posts but didn't seem to actually "quote" the article or the person who posted it?
Go to the post that you want to quote. Click on the"Quote" button top right.
Then the entire quoted post will appear in the "Post reply" block. You can leave the entire quote in, or you can edits pieces out.
Reference bucket & saw.... you may want to consider a scabbard. Consider mounting it on your skidding winch screen.
I myself prefer the chains. They stay where I want them to stay. I can hook them up a foot from the butt and they stay there. I haul out alot of small stuff now. Some are only 6-8 inches across and even smaller. I double up on alot on most trees. I even made up six 4 foot chains for the small stuff.
Quote from: sawyerf250 on February 04, 2015, 05:01:32 PM
Peter Drouin
l looked at the 120 very hard when getting mine, lt had more pull more weight more width and more of a price tag!? lol l noticed yours does not have the screen on it? Mine came standard along with the moveable block like yours and the removable hitch is very nice, l have only used my hitch once or twice? Other than that it just sits in the shop.. But the block comes in very handy! Sometime l take mine right off and throw a choker around a tree if l get in a bad spot and have to pull up hill. All of those factors are reason why l settled on the Wallenstein vs. other brands they come standard when Farmi for instance they are all add on features or they are not removable.
I have the screen and it fell apart. So I went back and got after them and they gave me a new one and I never put on. The best thing I like on it is the lock. Pull the tree up with one rope and pull the #2 rope and it locks the cable in place. :)
I wonder of you could retrofit a gate remote to run your winch?
Link to Remote Control (https://www.google.com/search?q=gate+remote+control&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=m1XTVOPUNMLFggTnrYCADQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=375&bih=559#imgrc=ytRHwOTytVjdvM%253A%3B-TmikIsCpUZ07M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi01.i.aliimg.com%252Fphoto%252Fv0%252F114200009%252FGR301_Remote_Control_Swing_Gate.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fit105040265.trustpass.alibaba.com%252Fproduct%252F114200009-101232142%252FGR301_Remote_Control_Swing_Gate.html%3B601%3B601)
I like choker chains too. They are easy to work with and make all kinds of wraps and connections. Most of the time the end pin is enough to get under the log. When it isn't I made a choker grab hook to get under and pull the chain thru. It hangs right beside the peavey/cant hook.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/ChokerGrabHook.JPG)
gg
Go to the post that you want to quote. Click on the"Quote" button top right.
Then the entire quoted post will appear in the "Post reply" block. You can leave the entire quote in, or you can edits pieces out.
Reference bucket & saw.... you may want to consider a scabbard. Consider mounting it on your skidding winch screen.
[/quote]
Did the quote work? :-\
l have them on all my saws anyway.. don't just let the chain smash around in the bucket?! l unload most of my gear once l'm in the cut and l usually leave my two biggest saws in the woods once l'm there and only carry my small saw on the tractor next to my seat and 3 -point controls so l can either cut a branch out of the way on my trail or trim and top a little more on the yard.. often leave my tops small in the woods and top them bigger on the yard. Whatever species they are they all make good bonfire wood! lol
I have the screen and it fell apart. So I went back and got after them and they gave me a new one and I never put on. The best thing I like on it is the lock. Pull the tree up with one rope and pull the #2 rope and it locks the cable in place. :)
[/quote]
Yes that is another feature that l like about them.. l have really been thinking about getting the remote add-on for mine or selling it to a neighbor and getting a new one with the remote included. Wouldn't have to worry about the ropes then!? lol and you wouldn't have to walk back and forth so dang much either... Work smarter not harder?!!
I got this idea from bill m
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10436/chainsawholder2.JPG)
I like my saw where I can see it.
Quote from: thecfarm on February 05, 2015, 08:44:30 AM
I got this idea from bill m
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10436/chainsawholder2.JPG)
I like my saw where I can see it.
Ya l don't tote them around in the bucket when l'm working just while traveling to and from the woods... but it never fails that that is the time l wish l could scoop up some rocks and fill in a mud hole or do a little back dragging. lol l do like that idea though although l would mount mine on the top of the hood l think? But l also can't get too hog wild with the tractor mods either as we farm full time with it in the summer. l have it during spring and fall mostly..
Hi, I too have a Wallenstein FX90 and really like it. I got an office job, but am always looking forward to skidding logs whenever I get chance!
Below are some pics of the tractor and winch.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34626/100_2672.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34626/100_2677.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34626/100_2660.JPG)
chainsaw holder
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34626/JD5203_Toolbox.JPG)
and tool / glove / water bottle box
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34626/JD5203_Toolbox_1.JPG)
and my "remote control " ( in the top right corner of the picture) , which is simply a length of rope on a cord reel
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34626/100_2675.JPG)
waynem3020,looks good. I like to see wood behind a tractor. :)
l was curious as to what the reel was tied to your safety screen. So you "remote" is simply put just more rope so you have to walk less distance back and forth?
Quote from: sawyerf250 on February 05, 2015, 01:03:04 PM
l was curious as to what the reel was tied to your safety screen. So you "remote" is simply put just more rope so you have to walk less distance back and forth?
Yep, that's all it is. I don't use it all that much but it sure is handy when I do need it.
I have been mulling around something in my head the last few days not sure if it will work or not .My forestry trailer has a small atv winch with a remote that works for about 50 feet i am wondering if a person could mount the winch on the top of the farmi and feed the cable in place of the rope and just engage the atv winch and it would engage the farmi. The biggest problem i see and it is a big one is the fact that the winch doesn't just reverse as soon as you let the remote go so if something happened it would not stop the farmi .And i am kinda big on the safety issue so i thought maybe with my germ of an idea someone else might have some ideas .
Ok, I'm upset. Have broken the cable on my Fransgard Winch twice in 1-month. Winch is brand new. Why is it breaking? it kinks easily. Is Fransgard using a cheap cable? I had a smaller Fransgard winch for 14-yrs and never had a problem with the cable until the 13th yr.
David
@dsgsr (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=6485),new cable?? What size cable??I have broken mine a few times,but that was an old worn out cable. I had a ½ cable on mine,but was really too big for the spool. When I would release the cable it would become loose on the drum. Went back to 3/8 and worked the way it should.
I get my cable from Labonville. I replaced my 4-5 times. Mine is starting to get bad now.
dsgr be careful when those cables break sometimes they come back hard and there's not a lot of protection on a tractor winch
I think the size is about half inch. It says 11mm in the manual. My V4000 that I had was 9mm. I've told Hammond Tractor (where I bought it) To try and negotiate with Fransgard this time for a cable through Harolds Logging. The last time it broke ( just before all of this snow) this is where I was working.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16485/Logging-1.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16485/Logging-6.jpg) Conditions were great, Now it's like this.
Thanks ML88 for heads up. On a hard pull I try to position the tractor so I can be standing behind a big tree when pulling the clutch rope.
David
I'm in the market for a tractor and winch for some firewood harvesting under 20 cord per year . I currently only have a 23 horse kubota.i see some of you are running 30 horse ,do you think a 30 would be fine for my use? Flat ground mostly some rocks was thinking a front loader on it I priced a 40 horse and it scared me 33000 without winch
I'm using an atv and log arch now works good but no volumn plus I wanna travel 3 Miles to get to my wood lot rather than trailer it
That tractor should work fine, maybe not the biggest hitch of wood but it will do it. Just think of all the wood that was brought out with the old farmall's and 8n fords. Maybe slow but steady.
A 30 will do it. Reason I have a 40hp is because I use to work it hauling out some big pine. Now I use it to haul out some big rocks. ;D I hope you have better luck getting parts for your kubota than I did. The dealer in Dixfield and Auburn would have me waiting a week for part. A few times I was down for 2 weeks. ::) I went back to NH and can have Dave drop off parts to me in 3 days. ;D A 3pt winch is pricey,but will last you for years. Get a 4 wheel drive and a loader. Both come in real handy in many ways. Once you get a winch,you will kick yourself for not getting one sooner. Get the ag tires too. The ones with the deep narrow cleats and get the rear tires loaded too.
Rick I'd get a small one for my little kubota but didn't think id be happy I'm finding a lot of used kubota so around 30 hp with very low hours in the 15000 range
Cfarm
Im haven't needed a lot in 1800 hours on my little bota but I do go all over hammond tractor,union farm etc last spring I bought a self feeding chipper at union farm it's too big for my tractor to lift with the 3 point I use a come along to assist the lift the little diesel powers it fine though.. So in a nut shell I'm needing an additional tractor anyway I bought a wood lot on Zion's hill and I'd like to be able to drive what I buy from the house(I live next to Dave)I'm putting in a mill in next couple years where an old lane mill once was I'd like a tractor that could lift a small log too
A 30hp would have a hard time lifting logs,but rolling them onto a bed than the sawmill,would help out the little tractor. I have a 30hp that the wife uses to mow with. It's nice for the things that she does. I do use it in the winter for a rear mounted snow blower. That is about the only time I am allowed on it.
My Kubota L3010 is 30 HP and I do pretty good with it for firewood and spruce/fir. Of course I wish it was bigger sometimes. I have the LA482 loader so I can pick up a 800 lb or so log. So any big maple has to be short. Some Kubota loaders are even weaker so if that is important pay attention.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/RdSideFireWood3.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/HairPinTurn.JPG)
gg
David I'm wondering how your hooking to your log/tree? Are you using a grab hook on the end or slider past clips for the hook? I had trouble using the hook as the cable would slide down tight to the hook then start fraying. I now do my heavy pulling using a slide,have 4 of them on the cable and haven't had the cable break unless it was from having the log up tight to the winch plate and turn a sharp corner.
I have a farmi jl351p on my 1992 FORD 1720. I love the way it works and won't part with it ever. I also have a small skidder but the tractor/winch combo does less damage.
Quote from: tapper2 on February 15, 2015, 08:36:48 PM
I have a farmi jl351p on my 1992 FORD 1720. I love the way it works and won't part with it ever. I also have a small skidder but the tractor/winch combo does less damage.
Ed, I have 4-sliders.
David
Quote from: Escavader on February 15, 2015, 12:25:02 PM
I'm in the market for a tractor and winch for some firewood harvesting under 20 cord per year . I currently only have a 23 horse kubota.i see some of you are running 30 horse ,do you think a 30 would be fine for my use? Flat ground mostly some rocks was thinking a front loader on it I priced a 40 horse and it scared me 33000 without winch
I'm using an atv and log arch now works good but no volumn plus I wanna travel 3 Miles to get to my wood lot rather than trailer it
I started out with a Kubota L2550 4wd about 30hp.It did not have the loader capacity I needed.I sold it and got a 45hp L3750 with a loader capacity of a little over 2000#.It is a 1985 vintage and is a very well made tractor.I paid less than $9000.00 for it with about 2000hrs.The L4150 is the next size up,also an excellent tractor.Good tractors are out there and spring is not far away,people will be getting the itch to sell and trade.The larger tractors are a lot safer to do loader work with.
Good luck,
Mick
I have a 24hp Kubota with a Farmi 251 winch. I have no issues logging with it. I have pulled some pretty good hitches with it, but just use common sense and don't push it.
I have 3 chockers on the line. You will be surprised at what it can pull. I have 40 acres and it is just about all hill. I am logging to improve the land, and also for my firewood business. I can't wait until spring gets here so I can get back out in the woods to cut & skid.
One other thing about a small tractor is it's much easier to get it around in the woods. We had a small 18 hp. I put a small trailer behind it and I could sneak the tractor and the trailer through the woods. With my 40 hp,there is not much sneaking. I have to plan and cut roads for it. I was not hauling out a cord of wood with the 18hp,but I was not spending the time to plan and make roads either.
We log with a JD 5055e and a quite old Farmi 306 (its in my signature) the winch is a little too small for the tractor, with regards to its line pull. We have to pull logs in one at a time with the winch, then pull the bunch together to the landing. the tractor will move the biggest hitches we have put together with ease, so far.
this summer I am hoping to upgrade to a Tajfun, they look really well made to me, of course they all do really. I would love to get the remote, but I have a feeling that it will push the price tag too high.
It's amazing how well these winches work. Funny to me too, how amazingly popular they are in northern europe, and not really all that popular in the States. I am not a farmer, however it seems that if you were, it would be a great way to use relatively idle iron in the winter.
Quote from: mf40diesel on February 21, 2015, 12:17:58 AM
We log with a JD 5055e and a quite old Farmi 306 (its in my signature) the winch is a little too small for the tractor, with regards to its line pull. We have to pull logs in one at a time with the winch, then pull the bunch together to the landing. the tractor will move the biggest hitches we have put together with ease, so far.
this summer I am hoping to upgrade to a Tajfun, they look really well made to me, of course they all do really. I would love to get the remote, but I have a feeling that it will push the price tag too high.
It's amazing how well these winches work. Funny to me too, how amazingly popular they are in northern europe, and not really all that popular in the States. I am not a farmer, however it seems that if you were, it would be a great way to use relatively idle iron in the winter.
Been trying to figure out how to list my equipment like everyone else has, So l just got edit my signature is what your saying mf40diesel?
l have found a couple hitches that my winch would not pull so far but my issue was being to greedy or too lazy? Most likely a combination of both. lol After walking back and unhooking say even one tree l could then pull it with ease, then walk back to the tree l left grab it suck them all together and the go with no problem. l have 6 sliders and have had them all doubled plus a bonus on a small chain on my end hook. Keep in mind these were either spruce/fir or small hard wood with no limbs. Monster hard wood with majority of their limbs now that a little different, Maybe two. But l have a 65 horse Massey 4wd tractor and a Wallenstien fx90.
l also looked at the Tajfun winches and fell in love with every feature they had! And then l got the price quote and decided l would work my way towards that. They are just SOLID well build and have so many little features that make them stand out. And you are very correct they use tractors and winches ALL the time in Europe and we are just a small number here in the states and Canada.
I only mentioned my signature because I really couldn't remember which model number Farmi that I have. I am at work at the moment (I go to sea) to looking was impossible at the moment.
I would really like to upgrade to the Tajfun, you're right, expect the price they seem to be gorgeous. All of them Farmi, wallenstein Fransgard etc seem to be pretty robust and well manufactured, but I do like the Tajfun the best.
Despite the fact that I have only logged on our family land, I have dreams of picking up really small side jobs with my tractor/winch combo. We have had a couple guys on my hill ask if I would cut some firewood off there land for them, I would happily do just that, but I'll let them cut and split!
You very right, they are a beautiful looking machine. l really like the idea of the solid screen the tool boxes that are built in, the peavey and saw holders but most of all l really liked that they use the swedge style cable also that they use a band style brake the same as a skidder would. However l have grown very fond of mine since purchasing it. l see that you had mentioned about how you would like to get it with the option of having the remote control, l'm not sure if you are aware but Wallenstien now offers that options also. When l purchased my winch it wasn't offered but l am thinking of either buying it as the kit and installing it or selling mine to a neighbor and buying new with it already installed. But l can tell you that for model to model sizing with the remote or without the price is just about half if you don't go with Tajfun. l looked at every model of every brand very closely both in brochures on dealer lots and at the forestry expo in Bangor and l made the decision to go with Wallenstien. To each their own but l wouldn't go with any other brand unless it was Tajfun.
l also have dreams of starting a "Low Impact Logging" and firewood business, both cutting off our own ground and for other around my area. And someday purchasing a firewood processor to do the cutting and splitting. But for now l can only putter away on weekend and when l take vacation time from work which makes it frustrating.
Quote from: sawyerf250 on February 24, 2015, 08:36:21 AM
l also have dreams of starting a "Low Impact Logging" and firewood business, both cutting off our own ground and for other around my area. And someday purchasing a firewood processor to do the cutting and splitting. But for now l can only putter away on weekend and when l take vacation time from work which makes it frustrating.
Don't you hate it when your real job prevents you from doing what you really want? ;)
Ya and the real bummer is that l could probably make a better living doing all of that and working for myself than going to work for "the man" everyday and not getting any further ahead. But l quess there in lies the truth of life, damned if you do and damned if you don't?! lol
Quote from: sawyerf250 on February 25, 2015, 08:40:13 AM
Ya and the real bummer is that l could probably make a better living doing all of that and working for myself than going to work for "the man" everyday and not getting any further ahead.
Firewood and small scale logging is usually not a path to making big bucks, at least not in my area. Though a well respected logger (now retired) once let me in on his secret: "The secret to making a small fortune in logging ... is to start with a large fortune"
l realize a man can't make a fortune of it? lol lt definitely is not a get rich quick scheme by any means but when a person could do it coupled with other things and make a living for himself it couldn't be all bad.. right? l guess that's why l said it was a dream of mine? Just one among many... :D lol
Sawyerf250 - I wasn't trying to stomp on your dream. It was meant mostly as a joke... as it was when the logger said it to me.
Ohh no l knew you weren't.. l didn't take any offense to it! l've been around business/farming and worked in the logging industry to know there is so much truth in what you were saying! lol
Here are some pictures from yesterday. Cutting fir. Junk goes to the neighbors outdoor boiler saw logs go to the mill. I try to fall as much as I can into the area I have packed other wise I am limbing in snow up to my crotch.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/RockyRdCut3.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/RockyRdCut6.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/RockyRdCut8.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/RockyRdCut4.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/RockyRdCut10.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/RockyRdCut9.JPG)
gg
G-man,
Your land looks beautiful. how much acreage do you have?
I have dreams of buying a piece of land, and selective cutting to help pay for it, and harvest firewood for our home. Someday I hope that i pull the trigger on it.\
I really enjoy the pictures of you fellas working in the snow! I don't know if I would like it, a man does whatever it takes of course, but I do love the mild winters in WNC.
FRank
Hello everyone, I'm new here and wanted to share my homemade sidder. I would love a winch but can afford one yet so I made this one, it also does double duty as a trailer and gooseneck mover
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/20150228_082044.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/20150228_082032.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/IMG_1329.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/IMG_1444.jpg)
ReinkeFandS.that looks like a good idea. Yes,those 3pt winches are high. I brought one many years ago when they was cheaper. But they should last a life time and more.
Quote from: thecfarm on February 28, 2015, 09:02:47 AM
ReinkeFandS.that looks like a good idea. Yes,those 3pt winches are high. I brought one many years ago when they was cheaper. But they should last a life time and more.
I need to buy a trailer for the tractor first, I saving for gooseneck 18-20 ft over wheel 12k
ReinkeFandS
I like your home made skidder. Those reese hitch points are the cat's meow. I'm putting them on all of my equipment, front and back. I know some will snicker at this but a 12,000 lb electric winch/remote control would add to the versatility of your skidder at a fraction of the cost, you can move it around when you need that little extra. I know they are not built for continuous duty, but they are use full when other options don't exist. The other thing I would recommend is a blade on the bottom of your frame to help stabilize the tractor if you were to pull a log.
Quote from: ReinkeFandS on February 28, 2015, 08:58:55 AM
Hello everyone, I'm new here and wanted to share my homemade sidder. I would love a winch but can afford one yet so I made this one, it also does double duty as a trailer and gooseneck mover
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/20150228_082044.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/20150228_082032.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/IMG_1329.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/IMG_1444.jpg)
Welcome to the forum. You did a very nice job on that skidding frame/ trailer mover.
Quote from: Remle on February 28, 2015, 11:15:01 AM
ReinkeFandS
I like your home made skidder. Those reese hitch points are the cat's meow. I'm putting them on all of my equipment, front and back. I know some will snicker at this but a 12,000 lb electric winch/remote control would add to the versatility of your skidder at a fraction of the cost, you can move it around when you need that little extra. I know they are not built for continuous duty, but they are use full when other options don't exist. The other thing I would recommend is a blade on the bottom of your frame to help stabilize the tractor if you were to pull a log.
Thank you very much! I've thought about getting a mile marker winch and using the tractor remote for the times I need a winch. Those hitch points were just 2 1/4" tube with collars I welded on collars. I like the side ones to hold the chokers and fit a cant hook and hookeroon into. The bottom was left as angle iron to lower and 'bite' like a blade would. I have some expanded mesh to go between as soon as I get back to it. I'm off to get some more wood today maybe I'll get some more pictures too.
l had a setup even simpler than that when l first started, it was very primitive. lol All it consisted of was a spreader bar that hooked to both of your 3 point hitch arms, l put a couple rings on it that had 2 teardrops a piece, 3 or 4 short chains and a 25 foot chain that l used a a "mainline". Worked okay but very slow, a lot of hooking and unhooking if l had to reach out to get trees? But l used it for 3 or 4 years while l saved up to buy my winch. Never made a better investment! :) Well maybe if l would've got the remote control unit?! lol
Quote from: ReinkeFandS on February 28, 2015, 08:58:55 AM
Hello everyone, I'm new here and wanted to share my homemade sidder. I would love a winch but can afford one yet so I made this one, it also does double duty as a trailer and gooseneck mover
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/20150228_082044.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/20150228_082032.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/IMG_1329.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/IMG_1444.jpg)
For me, it looks like the 3ph is all the way up in the pics. That wouldn't work well for me.
I like to be able to lower the 3ph when I hook to a log and then raise it off the ground to drag it away. So for me, I'd be cutting off the lower foot or so that is below the receiver hitch as shown.
I think what I see would be catching on stumps and woods debris that I like to get over and not have it stop my moving.
But if it works good for you, that is all that is necessary.
Here is my setup with the crew. I've pulled a lot of wood with my little tractor and Farmi winch. Tractor is a New Holland TC40. The auto winch control is on the left. When he's paying attention, it works really good. The pup, well he's learning.
I've since moved over to a timberjack 225E. I can't really call it moving up yet, as my poor TJ cost a lot, and seems every time I use it, costs more. I think by the time I am done fixing things, it will be just about completely rebuilt.
I went to a small skidder for several reasons. The tractor works great within its limitations. I was pretty much stuck to existing skidder roads and as the snow starts to pile up, the size of your hitches drops pretty fast. Since all of my cutting is between January and April, that was a big deal for me. I got a piece of slash caught in the rear tire chain last fall and it came up around and smashed the rear fender. That being said, I love the light weight cable on the farmi, the New Holland will start well below zero every time, and everything works.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/36079/Hunter_Loki_TC~0.jpg)
Good for you on the up grade on the wood hauler. I could use one to move rocks with. ;D I have just about the same tractor,mine is not the Boomer series. I think mine tires might be spread out wider too. I'm am just a little over 6 feet wide. I have a broken fender too. I hauled out a bunch of cut offs and one hit the fender. :( On well,as I say,I did not buy it to look at it. But it still upset me. I won't mention the broken head light lens either.
I don't know how much higher I would want it lifted it goes a lot higher than shown in the pictures, and the bottom is higher than the rear axle so that is good enough for me
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39095/IMG_1480~0.jpg)
Was everyone else able to see the pics that @EFR (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=26079) posted? Mine just has an X in the upper corner?
Maybe EFR needs to modify his Feb 28 post to update the pics from his gallery.
Quote from: sawyerf250 on March 03, 2015, 11:09:12 AM
Was everyone else able to see the pics that @EFR (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=26079) posted? Mine just has an X in the upper corner?
Me 2
Quote from: DeerMeadowFarm on March 03, 2015, 12:20:35 PM
Quote from: sawyerf250 on March 03, 2015, 11:09:12 AM
Was everyone else able to see the pics that @EFR (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=26079) posted? Mine just has an X in the upper corner?
Me 2
Picture worked just fine here.
I can see EFR's pictures just fine
I can see EFR's pic now, but I can't see the pic in ReinkeFandS last reply and I could before....WTH? ???
Today l can see it? lol l tried refreshing multiple times yesterday but did not work? That's all l tried today as l just leave the page up all the time and bamm it worked?! lol WEIRD... Keep posting your pics folks like to see everyone else's setups, hopefully can figure out how to get mine on here? :-\
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39151/White_Oak_near_fence.jpg)
This was my first job with the new winch; I took out four 12 foot logs (20" at the base). The white Oak was inter-woven between two large fir trees and it was on the property-boundary so I fished-up the cable and ran it to a snatch block to pull the Oak from the snags and keep it off the fence.
I learned a lot on this training exercise; I removed the hitch and will set chokers to the sliders in the proper order from now on (so the logs approach the winch in an orderly fashion) ::).
I gave my fiduciary (wife) the ceremonial first pull on the white rope.
The winch is a gem!
I log with a bota l4740 with a wallenstine 6500 winch. I sometimes use a trailer with a crane on it to lift the heavy logs. I take about 1/2 cord on the trail and about 1/3 cord when I skid.
When I skid the logs I winch them in then disconnect them from the winch's cable and attach the chain to the winch's bar that holds the chain then skid the logs like that. I find that this saves the cable and saves the cable from getting jammed tight from a heavy strain when skidding.
Wonder is this going to break something?....I sometimes hook each end of a long chain to the holding groves on the bar of the winch so it makes a loop. I put about 5 12 inch diameter8 foot logs across the chain then hook the winch cable over the logs and to the loop in the chain, I winch them up tight and away I go. I feel it may be putting some strain on the 3 link on the 3ph but so far I had no trouble. The logs are kept off the ground thus arrive at the land clean.
ga - not sure I understand. Are you saying you bunch the five logs across the trail rather than along it and pick them up so they are totally off the ground and across the winch parallel to the axel. If so It is just a heavy weight like a ballast box and should not hurt your top link or 3pth.
Clever way to keep them clean if your trails are wide enough.
Snow is still too deep (30+") to move in the woods. I cut some red maple along the driveway today.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/36079/IMG_20150309_110338936.jpg)
Using the teeth on the bucket to stack the wood
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/36079/IMG_20150309_112642903.jpg)
There is about 8 cord under that snow I figure. Need a lot more. I'm afraid we are going to go straight from snow to mud here.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/36079/IMG_20150309_110450446.jpg)
By the end of the day, that snow had creeped about 2' more over the edge.
Thanks to daylight saving and all the extra time the sun hangs around, the warmer temperatures and my first sighting of mud in the driveway the other day ;D ;D I am really starting to get spring fever. Somewhat for the warmer weather and the hopes of a good summer, but mostly for the snow to drop and allow me to bust a path to the woods the ole tractor and start up again. First to finish the 4 acre block of TSI block l was forced out of just as l started the commercial thinning due to rain and then snow, then on to hot knife some big poplar as the price has shot up then on to stove wood for the farm about 20+ cord and then hopefully begin to cut stove wood to finally kick off my first season as a fire wood salesman. Looking to make thing happen this year, The warmer weather has breathed new life into me! 8) 8)
Quote from: sawyerf250 on March 12, 2015, 11:49:34 AM
The warmer weather has breathed new life into me! 8) 8)
Wish I could say that from me !!
Good luck with your new business.
I made a PTO-powered logging winch using am old towtruck winch. It is rather slow but it was MUCH cheaper then buying one and also it works a lot faster then not having a winch at all. I only need about five cords of firewood per season. This is enough of a machine for many of my needs. I might win the ugly contest.
Testing the winch speed
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/24706/3804/Winch10.jpg)
Frame finished
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/24706/3804/Winch20.jpg)
Here it is complete
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/24706/Logging_winch_done2sm.jpg)
I was clearing a spot for my mill.
T
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/24706/Mill2sm_2.jpg)
GDinMaine that is slick. Good work.
That looks like a great set up GD !!
Looks great GDinMaine.
If the slow speed really starts to bug you, it looks as though it would be easy to adjust a bit by changing your chain drive sprocket sizes.
GD,you want slow. Try using all chains. ;D We use to do that. The only saving grace was my Father would drive the tractor and I would run the chains. But he wanted the hook a certain way and wanted that log his way too. But it was the correct way to do it. Sometimes we would only get 6 feet at a time with about 20 feet of chain. It worked. Than we really could only get one log at a time. Once in a great while we could get 2,but that was rare.
I am all too familiar with not having a winch of any kind. I used to use chains combined with a rope and snatch blocks before making the winch.
The slow pulling speed does not bother me much. I just mentioned that it is slower then factory-made logging winches. I am quite happy to have this ugly duckling.
I built a similar winch, then got in a bind and realized there was no way to power out cable. Using a hydraulic motor running off the tractor hydraulics instead of a pto shaft fixed that.
This winch has power-in, power-out and freewheel, so I can not get in a bind.
Edit: I just thought of it. I uploaded a video a couple of years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWIOApSu_lg
Thanks for the video. At that temp, you went beyond the call to mess with a video camera at the same time.. but appreciate the extra effort.
The little lady and I just purchased a new house with 20 acres of timber that hasn't been managed within the last 100 years. I've got my work cut out for me! I just got a new tractor and winch to get started. There's some monster pine to come out that I've enlisted a cable crew to harvest, as it's a bit much for me and my little Mahindra, but I'm going to be doing the rest myself. Here's what I've got set up so far... Mahindra 4540 4WD and an Igland 4501 winch. I have mostly been reclaiming some old roads, so I haven't got to trying the winch on any wood much bigger than 12" just yet, but for what I've been doing over the last few days since I picked up the winch, it's an impressive implement.
I'll get some better pics once I scuff some paint on it!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/40058/IMG_20150606_183101135.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/40058/IMG_20150605_170001840~0.jpg)
NH-Murph: welcome to the Forum. Look forward to the stories & pics! What're you doing with the lumber? All the best, Rob.
Thanks 78NHTFY. The plan is to sell the pine as saw logs. That will fund a new outdoor boiler. Hardwood will be harvested at 8-10 cords a year for our own heating needs. There is some nice hemlock out there that I want to saw into beams and such for buildings around the property. Self reliance is the goal.
I am sure I will have lots of mistakes for others to learn from as I get the hang of things. I truly enjoy every minute working in the woods and have a lot to learn.
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you are in the Lebanon area maybe. We are about 75 miles north of there but on the other side of the river. Have fun, work safe, and good luck with your plans.
NH-Murph,Welcome to the forum. How many hp is that Mahindra 4540? I have just about the same size winch,just a differant color from Labonville. Mine is on the back of a 40hp tractor.
100 year old pine? Should have some over 3 feet. I had some that was pushing 4 feet on my land.
Thanks for the welcomes fellas. I'm in Newport, and the Mahindra is 41hp. I tried out just about every tractor in that range and settled on this one. Physically, it is a bit bigger and heavier than any other 40hp class machine. With the FEL and the tires loaded, it's just a whisker north of 4 tons. It'll also lift almost 3000 pounds all the way up with the FEL. I figured that with the primary job of skidding logs, the heavier the better. I was also looking for a nice, simple gear and clutch tractor without a HST or a shuttle shift. This tractor fit the bill, and seemed to be the best value for the price. Knoxland Equipment in Warner treated me quite well. I'd buy from them again any time.
And yes, the pine I have is pretty big. 32-36" average, nice and tall gun barrels. I'm too much of a novice to tackle all those with any rate of production. Hopefully the cable crew will be on site in a couple weeks.
Buy a furnace that likes pine limbs. ;D You will have a lot of them to burn.
Quote from: thecfarm on June 10, 2015, 05:39:03 AM
Buy a furnace that likes pine limbs. ;D You will have a lot of them to burn.
I have just started researching OWBs. We have a Central Boiler dealer in town, but man, they sure are proud of those things... I think I'll look for one that costs a bit less to buy. I will probably spend some quality time in the wood heat section of this forum in the near future. I ought to figure it out soon, as there is a lot of prep work to be done.
I think they are all proud of them things. :o ::) For what one gets.I bought mine just before the price sky rocketed. I was even stopping at houses when I saw someone filling thier OWB. Get some real life answers that way.
Quote from: NH-Murph on June 09, 2015, 11:33:14 AM
The little lady and I just purchased a new house with 20 acres of timber that hasn't been managed within the last 100 years. I've got my work cut out for me! I just got a new tractor and winch to get started. There's some monster pine to come out that I've enlisted a cable crew to harvest, as it's a bit much for me and my little Mahindra, but I'm going to be doing the rest myself. Here's what I've got set up so far... Mahindra 4540 4WD and an Igland 4501 winch. I have mostly been reclaiming some old roads, so I haven't got to trying the winch on any wood much bigger than 12" just yet, but for what I've been doing over the last few days since I picked up the winch, it's an impressive implement.
I'll get some better pics once I scuff some paint on it!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/40058/IMG_20150606_183101135.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/40058/IMG_20150605_170001840~0.jpg)
My idea of a dream vacation ;D
Just a little update... I have a couple acres of gnarly, nasty pasture pine, and have decided that I want to turn that area back to pasture, so I started the clear cut this weekend. It was the first time really putting the tractor and winch through their paces pulling some decent sized wood. I can say for sure that I made the right choice on both tractor and winch. They absolutely amazed me! Plenty of pulling power and the weight to keep the tractor from getting yanked through the willywhacks when the twich gets fetched up. A good snatch block is definitely your best friend when tractor logging. I used it more than I didn't. Here's about the average sized tree I was cutting.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/40058/IMG_20150614_163003945.jpg)
All sounds good. I claimed back a couple grown up pasture. I cut the stumps low and used a push mower to keep the suckers down and it came back to a somewhat of a grass field. I did leave the oak for the acorns for the wildlife.
Looks good.
That is pretty good pasture pine. What are you doing with the pine this time of year? Can you cut and ship a load fast enough to beat the blue stain. The mill I like to use, which is close and will take my small loads, will only buy pine in winter time because of stain unless you sell it as pallet grade.
gg
There were only a couple decent trees, and that was one of them. Was planning on selling it off by the ton just to be rid of it. There may be a couple decent logs in the pile, but most is junk. For right now, I am more interested in opening up the pasture than anything. Plus, I just got new toys and want to play with them.
That all makes sense - especially the new toys part. Have fun!! Work safe!!
I live in Springfield NH
The friends of mine who bought owb from the guy in Newport can't stand him .
Jim/Bruno
Nice work Murph,
Learn something every time I log on here; never heard the term "pasture pine".
Hey Murph, how much ballast do you have in the tires?
The ground must be solid; appears to bo holding a heavy tractor like yours...
Bruno- you are not the first to caution me on that place... I appreciate the heads up!
Straightgrain- I have about 400# in each of the rear tires. I do have some decent ground as long as I give it a day or two after some heavy rain. There are a few spots with some heavy clay deposits, but I do most things in 2wd, for the most part.
A lot of people call "pasture pine" "bull pine" around here too. Just the stuff with big, low branches and crooked trunks. Not good for much except chipper food. I sure don't know what any of the scientific names are for them, but that's the kind of stuff I am here to learn. I'm just a dumb welder with a chainsaw...
I call the pine a diffeant name,fire wood for my OWB. :) Just a word about 2 and 4 wd. I keep mine in 4 wd all the time. I have a steep hill to come down,you forget to put it in 4wd once,you won't again. :o
Quote from: thecfarm on June 17, 2015, 06:50:06 AM
Just a word about 2 and 4 wd. I keep mine in 4 wd all the time. I have a steep hill to come down,you forget to put it in 4wd once,you won't again. :o
+1... especially if you have a load in the FEL = less weight on the rear tires = por braking. Being in 4WD at least gives you some engine braking on the front wheels
You truly are living a dream Murph.
I have seen the blue stain on some Ponderosa I harvested a few years ago; it was blueish after being cut, split, and sitting in a heap after a couple months.
You guys are probably right about using 4wd more often. I'll make sure I do so. Life is good these days. I'm even getting to the point now where I don't cut my stumps off in case one of my logger buddies sees them anymore! Starting to get the hang of it.
Quote from: NH-Murph on June 17, 2015, 11:29:40 AM
You guys are probably right about using 4wd more often. I'll make sure I do so. Life is good these days. I'm even getting to the point now where I don't cut my stumps off in case one of my logger buddies sees them anymore! Starting to get the hang of it.
Welcome to the forum. That's a nice little setup you have! We don't have much pine up north here but we do use the term "pasture spruce" basically what you said it's just a nasty pain in the :-X tree to limb/gnarly shape trunk that isn't good for much besides barn boards or bonfire wood. Good work on the stumps too by the way! ;) I can remember doing the same thing when I was a kid learning to cut around my older logger friends!? :D :D Tossing it off into the woods hoping they wouldn't notice! ;D Although it is still a very good habit to do when tractor logging as it keeps stuff from getting hung up when winching or broken when you fetch up on a stump in the trail ;) :)
Quote from: thecfarm on June 15, 2015, 06:35:58 AM
All sounds good. I claimed back a couple grown up pasture. I cut the stumps low and used a push mower to keep the suckers down and it came back to a somewhat of a grass field. I did leave the oak for the acorns for the wildlife.
If it becomes an issue keeping up with the suckers, make a fresh cut with a chain saw (or I guess the bush hog set real low) to expose the cambium layer. Dribble some 25% glyphosate on the cut and it will kill the roots.
Don't expect much luck with this when the sap is rising, but any time from mid June through late winter should work great.
And yes that is straight 25% without mixing with water.
Can anyone tell me anything about an International Machinery Corporation model VC 34 3-point winch? I know someone who wants to sell but I do not know its capacity, and I am not sure it has a built-in clutch.
Wellcome to the FF, Don't let the loggers take too much wood you will need it later. :)
I log with a Kubota L4740 and a Wallenstine logging winch. I also have a trailer. I sometimes load the wood onto Pallets this way I do not have to touch the wood again.
Here is videos I posted on my youtube channel.
https://youtu.be/JrdLwW8GYiQ (https://youtu.be/JrdLwW8GYiQ)
The word " tractor logging" means making a decent road. I have a small scale operations and I posted a video about making a road using the loader on my Kubota L4740.
https://youtu.be/MHkDLOYsScE (https://youtu.be/MHkDLOYsScE)
Good morning, Just got done going thru this thread. I found it quite interesting. Here is a non working photo of my rig.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/37360/IMG_20140823_131121.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1408824640) . It is an 1982 Kubota M4500DT (45hp). Weighs in at nearly 5 ton when hooked up to winch and bucket or forks. The winch is a Tajfun AHK 55 with radio remote. The option was only $800 more, so when you are spending $7000 already you may as well I need to go take down 2 pine trees around an old house that needs torn down. I will try to post some pics and or video. I wouldn't want to be without it. The only downside is that the range isn't the greatest. With clear line of sight you can get to 200' away (max cable length), but that is a bit sketchy. In the normal woods, it can sometimes be hard to get a good connection thru the saplings and brush. One thing you do have to watch though is that you stay away from the hitch. One time I were pulling a small hitch of firewood logs, when suddenly the butt ends snagged on a stump and almost before you could think the tail end of the logs whipped around about waist high. Thankfully, I were safe enough, but it taught me to be more careful.
Those older tractors must have had more beef to them than today's models. Today's 45-50 HP tractors usually come in below 4000#. That is without loader or implements (or filled tires), but adding those does not add 6000#+ to the weight. You'd have to work to get it up near the 10,000# number you mentioned.
Glad you didn't get caught by your swinging logs. I've never had that happen to me, but since I don't have a remote control, I'm not likely to be in the area if it does happen. When I'm working with others, I keep them away from the logs if there is any tension on the line. I also keep them outside of the "dogleg area" if I'm using a snatchblock (or an old stump) to redirect the pull.
I don't have a remote either. I stand by the tractor and pull the rope. The remote would be nice to have. I cut some wood of from the bog. I had to use an extension. Walk back to the tractor,winch in 150 feet of cable,stop,unhook the cable and walk back and take the extension off,than rehook and walk back to the tractor again. A remote would of saved ALOT of steps.
I've had some small trees come up by the winch when I am winching. Kinda have to do the two step and get out of the way. Have to be careful when you are only 6 feet from the winch.
Ohio Logger,
I cut firewood for 2 winters with an M4000 2wd with loader and good chains on the rear. That tractor had a creeper range that would take me anywhere,6 cylinder Fiat motor that really sounded cool.I believe it was the same as yours minus 4wd.I found it a little awkward to get on/off so traded up to my L3750.I also have a Tajfun winch but no remote.Great piece of equipment.
This is my current set-up
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/26307/l3750_cab_001.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1449599451)
47sawdust
Ohio Logger,
I cut firewood for 2 winters with an M4000 2wd with loader and good chains on the rear. That tractor had a creeper range that would take me anywhere,6 cylinder Fiat motor that really sounded cool.I believe it was the same as yours minus 4wd.I found it a little awkward to get on/off so traded up to my L3750.I also have a Tajfun winch but no remote.Great piece of equipment.
This is my current set-up.
Yea, I saw an Allis Chalmers at an auction that was practically identical to my Kubota. I believe it had a Fiat motor as well. I have wondered who was actually building them. Mine also has the creeper gear. Before I had a winch I would sometimes pull trees over backwards by putting it in the lowest gear idling. Then run back and cut holding wood on tree so it could be pulled over. You can roll across the ground faster than it will go in that gear. It also has front and rear diff lock as well. In 6 years of use I can count on one hand the number of times I have been stuck. And believe me, it wasn't because I didn't give it oportunity! :D
Mine is a 6 cylinder as well. And I agree it sounds great. That Allis though, had a big 3 cylider in it. I take it that you mean that the Kubota motor is actually a Fiat. I wouldn't have known that. I didn't think Kubota did that.
Ohio,
At the time the M4000/4500 were being made Kubota was not making tractors of that size.They were made by Fiat/Allis.The sheet metal is the same for a number of different tractors of that era,and yes some had large 3 cylinder motors.
Both of our tractors have enough levers to keep a couple monkeys entertained for a while.Gee...I wonder what this one does? :D
Been a spell since I have had time to contribute thought this thread might be appropriate. ;D
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The tourists have all come and gone once again.
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Had a beautiful fall.
Firewood sales are down about 30% due mostly to heat pumps becoming so popular.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12754/fall_2016.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1479052305)
Time to downsize sold the skidder after many years but she she went out twitchin.
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Did some needed repairs named the new air box Wilson. :D
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In the past have had the winch on the front in combination with the grapple and trailer. Decided to reconfigure and mount the winch on the three point hitch. Wanted a hourglass fairlead like Bill M . here are a couple pics. :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12754/h10~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1479052228)
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Been that kind of year. :D
Hey Stephen, are you gonna put a hitch on the winch so that you can pull your trailer ? Or do you have to take the winch off to do that ?
Nice job on the hourglass roller. 8)
Did you really sell the ' ol girl ' ?
MY fw sales are down too, but not as bad , maybe 20 % . Mild winter and a lot more amish competition. Well the bride side is , I have quite a bit more inventory to carry over, but on the downside less money in the bank. Does that mean I have to cut less wood this winter ? Don't think so .
Yes my friend that is the plan. Most projects involve recycling available resources. The frame is a spare log stake. The winch is great . It spools in , spools out, and free spools. It also has a positive lock so once the twitch is in , it can be locked so the pressure is on the spool and not the hydraulic components. Not going to miss brake bands. The lack of a roller made it difficult to use in a selective cut as the cable would no spool on properly. The tangled mess could be avoided only by moving the tractor. On the hunt for a partial blade for the bottom. It will be slotted so the tree could be attached to the blade once it is spooled in. With the tractor the twitch tends to be built.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12754/push_blade.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1479298797)
Put the bumper off an old truck , digger teeth for emergency braking on slopes and a toolbox on the front. The cab has been the biggest + for the tractor.
Sadly "the ol Doll" has gone to her forever home back on the continent. Put her on the float workin and full of fuel, movin forward is all ya can do. :) ... Oh your chaf sorter /manure spreader was brillant.
Stephen,
Thanks for the update and photos.
A few years back I rehabbed a winch and 'upcycled' a Fisher plow blade for the butt plate. Worked out well, though I should have cut it lengthwise, as it's taller than it needs to be.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30352/winchkickstand.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1407635590)
NRE that is a rugged looking puppy. Nice...glad you were not here for the pully/fairlead debate I would have been outgunned for sure. :D Big issue for me is to be able to back drag roads and landing at the end of the day. This is crucial to shed water and level surfaces as things freeze overnight then thaw during the day. Landowners really appreciate it when you make an effort to keep things tidy. At the moment considering a 7' narrow blade. Any other thoughts if you were to do it again. Managed to get it mounted and install the hydraulics. Going with a hydraulic top link. It is a work in progress ; this was how it looked out the rear window when the day finished. :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12754/21cid_359.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1479384834)
oh.. wanted to mention in case it would save someone grief, the original problem with the winch was an issue with the danfoss pump.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12754/21cid_449~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1479386349)
It appears at some point the original screw , I believe was a 6 mil, it got replaced with an English bold. this stripped out over time. That shaft was extremely hard . Found a shop that had the capability to retool and use a bigger bolt. We use what we call a "harf and harf" measuring system. Harf metric and harf Ennglish... what a pain. ;D
Well,
Other than the butt plate height: better chain storage, a less awkward dog engagement lever situation, and I should have done a proper bearing situation for the main pulley pivot.
The winch works fine, but it's slow with the hydraulic motor turning at maximum rated speed for the worm drive.
I intended to use it on a small thinning/opening job for a neighbor, but by the time we got going, they had the courtesy to purchase a clean used Volvo ec25. Worked slick, despite the lack of thumb.
Are you planning to tie the roller arms (the red parts) to the base of the frame?
If you plan to use the blade for grading, maybe some means of trimming the tilt from the saddle?
Thanks NRE . Your post put the spotlight on...hauling wood or steel???. Dropped the blade idea and going with smaller lighter butt plate with places to hold chockers after a tree has been winched in. No lower bracing at the moment for the fairlead. The fairlead is optional. Used on a long twitch to help with spooling. When the twitch is short with no lift required the cable can be passed under it lowering the pull point. This is no skidder.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12754/21cid_73.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1479561176)
The screen is a door off an old porter I believe. Took the pull bar off the tractor years ago , going to use that as a fixed top link. the hydraulic top link allowed to much slop. We shall see..... :D
Ta Da... :laugh:
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Love the home made stuff. 8)
Make sure you have good HD stabilizer for your arms so that the winch doesn't move sideways. I use heavy threaded turnbuckles with a lock nut.
My farmi winch has enough power to get the tractor with a loaded 34" tire off the ground when pulling on a angle. ;D I know, I am not supposed to do that, but it just happens once every while.
[quote author=beenthere link=topic=81025.msg1233366#msg1233366 date=1
I don't have a logging winch, but would like one. Just that I only pull out for my firewood and hard to justify not only the expense (but the re-sale value is very good) but the time to attach to the 3ph when needed for a few hours. So have only been looking for a used one, but they are scarce as hens teeth.
Resort to using the tractor to either drag lengths of logs out or cut to 7' length and load them out on the forks.
Stack near the shed for splitting later when too muddy in the woods.
Beginning of log pile last week, about double that today.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10180/100_1742.JPG)
[/quote
Jackson,TN
Well done. That butt plate steel looks a little too fresh, but the winch cozy brings you back into compliance. :D
Thanks lopet.. I hear you. Hoping to get some time to hook to the trailer then some trials and no doubt some tweaking.
NRE buying butt plate steel was a bit extravagant but for some odd reason all the plate I have is bent .. :D
Sawyerf250 thought I should mention that for me one of the biggest dangers with the tractor occured when winching in through under growth. Was doing some trials for a buddy at Ferric. The chockers being tried were half cable half chain. A tree fetched up on a stump and stood up and came forward on the tractor. Without a cab or roll bar it would have left a mark. Last saw the chocker in flight and heading southwest. :-X
Saw this piston controlled fairlead on the net, https://youtu.be/e53f1Xs2KPY
Got the hitch on. Went with a pintle connection. Now the trailer can be hauled by the 450. Nice not to have to disconnect the winch in order to use the trailer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12754/winch.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1480263998)
Decided to beef up the on ramp hoping that back to tractor logging will be a step up ;D
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This is my toy for my woodlots and this year i had some tire chains and gone change the traction for sure.... 8) 8)
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Pekan,welcome to the forum.
How many hp you got there?
All chained up will either get you through it,or stuck that much more. ;D
No idea your woods operations. I run 6 chockers on mine. Sometimes all six are used,sometimes just one. I made up 6 4 foot chains too. Got tired of pulling 3 feet of chains through a keyway of a slide at times. Seem like I haul out more small stuff than big stuff now.
Welcome, Pekan.
That looks like a nice set-up. What kind of winch do you have? It's hard to see from the pictures.
Nice job on the build. But you might rip the whole thing off the tractor pulling a good load.
How can one go from a skidder to a farm tractor?
Mines good for 6 tons, but, I load one tree at a time.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/3205/logging_001.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1295917458)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22511/3205/logging_004.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1295917645)
Mine has a lock too.
Pekan
Better check the warranty with the hardware on the front of your tractor .
Peter,I suppose you mean a lock on your winch,cable? I leave whatever I winch in on the cable. Back when I was hauling out the big pine I had,even on the cable,the big ones did not clear the ground all that much. Front end comes to a rise in the ground the rear goes down.
Thank you guy's i have a 35 hp kioti with a 3001 igland winch with homemade top pulley and for the chains in front yep it's warranty the only company who have that warranty.
pekan did you buy or build that roof setup. I'm seriously looking at the kioti brand as well but several of my family have different models of them and they all have legit issues with them, i was looking at the dk45 and 55 they do have more standard features than the other brands
I built my roof set up , my hood protection and i built my skid plate underneath too , match the paint and voila,,,,,, i love my tractor so far . 8) 8) 8)
very well done !! what model is it ?
It's a Kioti CK35 with gear and a mechanical shuttle that i buy in 2009 for the small job we have on the land because we have a Clark 664B and a 668 inter tractor with a log trailer and a LOG LOADERS to play on a 600 acres of wood land hard and soft wood.... and a maple house later in a few years..
With the Kubota backhoe subframe you have to be careful installing implements. There is very little room between lift arms and the backhoe main hydro line. I already broke the hose that feeds the backhoe. Here is my logging winch install that shows this short coming.
Logging winch install. Backhoe subframe not much room. (https://youtu.be/wJQJGFX3PRs)
Quote from: John Mc on February 25, 2015, 09:05:55 AM
Quote from: sawyerf250 on February 25, 2015, 08:40:13 AM
Ya and the real bummer is that l could probably make a better living doing all of that and working for myself than going to work for "the man" everyday and not getting any further ahead.
Firewood and small scale logging is usually not a path to making big bucks, at least not in my area. Though a well respected logger (now retired) once let me in on his secret: "The secret to making a small fortune in logging ... is to start with a large fortune"
I worked in the woods with my father since I was 14 and I never figured out a way to make big bucks. I have a wallenstine and l470 tractor, good saws etc. Getting old and fat so it's a labour of love.
Quote from: g_man on March 06, 2015, 07:10:41 PM
ga - not sure I understand. Are you saying you bunch the five logs across the trail rather than along it and pick them up so they are totally off the ground and across the winch parallel to the axel. If so It is just a heavy weight like a ballast box and should not hurt your top link or 3pth.
Clever way to keep them clean if your trails are wide enough.
Yep. That's what I was doing. Keeps them off the ground and I don't think it has hurt anything.
Not really a reply to your post but a general question. Why do so many people refer to chokers as "chockers"? Chokers choke. Chockers chock. They are completely different things.
Quote from: Hermio on May 17, 2019, 06:49:03 PM
Not really a reply to your post but a general question. Why do so many people refer to chokers as "chockers"? Chokers choke. Chockers chock. They are completely different things.
Probably because spelling is not everyone's strong point?
Because spell check does not catch it. ;D
Quote from: thecfarm on May 17, 2019, 09:16:20 PM
Because spell check does not catch it. ;D
Actually, it appears that spellchecker does catch it.
I usually do the spell check on each and every post I do. But I guess I missed my reply on Feb 1. But every so often the spell check won't check. Must of been that time.
My Wallenstine fx6500 met it's match. The winch pulled most of the peaces up over the embankment but when this big peace of big heavy birch dug in, it was to much for the winch and the clutch slipped. I had to lessen the load by cutting the big log into peaces.
Most people are surprised what a tractor logging winch can do. Then it will surprise you what it can't do. .
Here is a video of the winch hard at work.
Winching in the big one (http://clogger%20zeroes%20(gen2)%20or%20pfanner%20vents.)
Link to "Winching in the Big one" is not working
This was my tractor and wench wish I had not sold her. I used the cat head a lot with a 1" hemp rope and it had a 10' cable leader on the end to go around the log. I did add a pusher blade under the wench.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19672/2332/SCIDDER.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1247283161)
I remember one big pine. It was down a steep hill. We rolled that thing up the hill. My father ran the winch,I would re hook the chain each time. We had a small tree laid down and that made it so I could move the chain each time. I had a good size piece of wood to keep it from rolling down the hill when I moved the chain. Slow,yes,it was,but we got it.
I picked up some oddball Norse 367 winch. The paint is all faded but the price was t0o good to not take a chance. I hooked it on my tractor and tested it on a few downed trees. the first one was a 10" pine and it was 90 degrees to the tractor. The winch dug itself in and pulled the tree right in half when it got caught on an oak. I was impressed. next I hooked to a birch next too it and tried the same thing. This time the tree didn't break and the tractor stalled out when I pulled on the rope. The problem was that then the tractor ran backward for a few seconds and powered the winch cable out birdnesting the spool. I also cant imagine it is great to run the engine backwards, so I will be a bit more judicious with the clutch and plan ahead a little better next time. I obvious knew it would get hung up, I just wanted to see what the winch could do. I have also found the skid plate to be an effective grading blade.
Seem like they use to sell that style of winch,just last year.The website only shows the 450 and the 350 with the butt plate that pivots.
physically it looks almost identical to the old style Norse 350 and has similar capacity and specs.
Be careful. If you got hung up like that on a standing dead tree it could pull it over on top of you faster than you can imagine !!!
gg
I was helping a friend with a new Fransgard winch and I really liked the automatic brake set-up on it because I usually leave the hitch on the cable when I skid out. So I rigged up a similar brake on my Farmi JL501 using an over the center lever and a spring on the pawl brake lever. With the lever down the spring is slack and the winch brakes normally with the rope control. When the lever is up the pawl brake is applied via the spring. I have the lever down while working up a hitch and winch from the top pulley. When I get the hitch close I put the cable under the lower pulley for skidding out and apply the pawl brake. Then snug up the hitch.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/PawlBrake1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1580137638)
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(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/Pawl1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1580137652)
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Here is a short video of how I use it. I'm cutting fir stud wood.
Automatic Brake Mod on Farmi JL501 Winch - YouTube (https://youtu.be/gVxhlT4DPKc)
gg
A good idea. The Norse I have, works just about the same way. I always leave the twitch on the cable.
Good idea with the modified brake pawl. I too prefer to skid logs on the cable. the manual winch lock hasn't bothered me (yet). I did modify my Wallenstein winch to prevent logs from hitting the hooks on the side.
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The other day I went out and picked up a hitch of pole sized fire wood from a stand that I thinned last July.
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On a whim I clamped the camera to the ROPS, then went and did what I was going to do. I'm slow and the camera vibrates. It's not professional at all. I only have 4 sliders so I was doing 2 poles per choker. The first 4 went to plan. Then I moved to the other side of the stand to get three more. I wanted to pull those 3 trees back onto the trail together but the choker pulled off one when a fork got jammed on some slash and ended up under the other two trees. Before I got that fixed and the whole hitch pulled together the camera had timed out. As you will see if you watch it.
Tractor Logging with a Winch IIIA - YouTube (https://youtu.be/4CWY_3ofXTY)
I didn't know it timed out until I started the skid out. I restarted it then. What is missing is pulling down the 4 poles I had left above and combining them with the 3 I just pulled back. So this is just the skid out and freeing the chokers at the landing.
Tractor Logging with a Winch IIIB - YouTube (https://youtu.be/Ymur2-5zGq4)
gg
After all that July rain some of our higher places are now dry enough to work in. This weekend I started a new stud wood pile.
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I set my camera out while I worked on this up-rooted blow down lying across a tractor road. It is not a big tree by any means but it is big enough to make three stud wood saw logs. Took these photos off the video.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/23_8_5-1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1691531620)
I wish I had thought to put a chunk of wood under the butt to keep it up off the ground before I cut it off of the up-rooted stump. Usually a good idea. I had to make a couple more cuts to remove the butt rot with the tree on the ground. Can be hard on the chain. It's been so long since I ran the saw it seemed a little out of tune.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/23_8_5-2.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1691531625)
Winched in the two bottom logs like this.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/23_8_5-3.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1691531631)
The top log I winched in small end first using the first two logs as an anchor and their sliders as a snatch block. If your not careful this is a good way to put a curlicue kink in your cable. It happens if there is a lot of tension in the cable going around the sharp bend. Just like when a Christmas ribbon is drawn over a scissors blade under your thumb to make a fancy curlicue bow. But with a light log and a movable anchor that will not happen.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/23_8_5-4.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1691531632)
My camera timed out (memory full) just as I started to winch in. But the log came in as planned and completed the three log hitch.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/23_8_5-5.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1691531665)
Here is the 15 minute video - just doing the job, not exciting.
Stud Wood with a Tractor and Winch - YouTube (https://youtu.be/A_BON4mZres)
gg
g man, those are nice and straight poles!
Gordon - You are fortunate to have some dry land up your way. We've still been getting rain here in the Champlain Valley of VT. My yard and the near end of our woods are like walking on a wet sponge. I can't even get out to what are usually the drier parts of the property to see what shape they are in. Our town did not fare so bad with the flooding, but surrounding towns are still digging out and repairing washed out roads.
Looks good!!
I have not used mine winch much this year. been doing other things. Just hauled out 4 trees that broke off and fell into the field.
gman, that last picture with the three logs is very pretty. It would make a good picture to frame and hang on the wall.
What is the minimum small end diameter you can sell?
You are lucky your ground is dry enough to work on. I have dry areas in my woods but can't get to them.
It's a good thing they are straight NH-MP because if there were any crook you couldn't make a 2X3 :D. I sell to a log yard. The min small end spec is 6" but you can get away with an occasional 5-1/2". We have had plenty of rain just like everyone else in the NE and most of our place is pretty swampy right now but I have one high ridge that is not to bad to work as long as I go easy which is pretty much all I can do anyway.
gg
I got a Norse 450 winch used for a good price locally and along with a Frostbite grapple have the perfect small woodlot logging setup. I also have a JD 450C crawler with the forestry package for road construction and working in non-tractor accessible areas. Unfortunately my woods are still too wet to log this season but since I bought a bandsaw I can still do some "woods work" sawing the pine logs I stockpiled.(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/66182/IMG_0379~0.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1693852492)
Picture posting.
Right under the orange home button,kinda on the upper top, left, is Forestry Forum. Click onto that and there will be a bunch of topics. It's down a ways, but look for Technical Support Topics, click onto to that and the first one will say how to post photos.
I could post a link, but everyone needs to see what is there.
I don't have a grapple, but I could use one. Seems like most times I go in with a load of rocks and come out with a bucket full of dirt and a twitch of wood behind me.
Quote from: AndyVT on September 04, 2023, 12:00:48 PM
I got a Norse 450 winch used for a good price locally and along with a Frostbite grapple have the perfect small woodlot logging setup. I also have a JD 450C crawler with the forestry package for road construction and working in non-tractor accessible areas. Unfortunately my woods are still too wet to log this season but since I bought a bandsaw I can still do some "woods work" sawing the pine logs I stockpiled.(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/66182/IMG_0379~0.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1693852492)
I'm about 100 miles north of you by road Andy. In Waterford near St J. I see you have some nice goo there. I am jealous of your new mill - wish I bought one years ago. I got some wood out in August but have run out of dry areas/trails to work. So lately I have been doing boundary maintenance on foot. Hope this hot dry spell helps but there has been so much water.
gg
gg, yes it has been quite gooey but this last week of hot dry weather has really helped and my wood handling site is actually pretty much dry. The woods are still too wet to log so milling keeps my wood juices flowing until the logging comes back.
Late winter ( Feb or March 2023 ) I think a reaction to a video from a "big" channel on felling & chasing trees & reaction as a "one man show" using farm equipment
Husqvarna 572xp & 562xp Felling Hard Maple, Uniforest 65H Winch & A Felling Technique Discussion - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU82KuYouMk)
From a few years ago when I was logging over a bank into a muddy mess :)
Uniforest 65H Logging Winch & John Deere 2750, More Complex Rigging With A Dollar Snatch Block - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opU6CquoiTk)
Swamp logging & why a remote is handy....
Skidding In The Mud With A John Deere 2750 Farm Tractor, My day all day during the Fall:) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBIDxfn-AsY)
Last fall, really had good reasons to endorse both the Uniforest and Hud-Son. But take away for me is a farm tractor / skidder winch is pretty useful. The ONE thing I absolutely recommend is one with a remote. HUGE different being able to operate from the seat of the tractor or away from the tractor.
Uniforest 65H Logging Winch & Why A Remote Is Worth The Money - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSXoK6jgu_A)
I stumbled on an English translation of this Swedish booklet which fits well into ths thread.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/publications/general_publications/farm_tractor_in_the_forest.pdf
It pretty much describes the way I work with tractor and trailer and winch. Apparently my equipment and methods would have been very up to date in 1982......
The basics of making a smallholding profitabe is not to chase for the latest equipment but settle for the best you can get within a sensible budget and modernize it as much as possible and make the best of the result. I occasionally work for profit at construction sites with this 52 years old tractor. Others buy tractors for 20 times the money for the same sort of job. I prefere a smaller investment and a lower hourly rate.
For skidding I hang the boom end from a hook under the roof overhang of a shed and lower the three point hitch so the chains go slack and I can easily remove the boom and leave it at home. The skidding chains hook onto slots on the winch frame.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13074/IMG_5390.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1695298188)
That's great TW, have read that booklet a few times as well. Would it be possible for you to share better pictures of your loader boom? I have the same (style) winch but no boom and have never seen one. It sounds like maybe the boom just slots down into the big square tube on the top, it is not permanently attached to the winch? Would be interested in seeing the setup. Thanks!
This is the best picture I have on hand at the moment.
The lower end of the boom har a toggle or universal joint or whatever it is called in English. The toggle fits between two ears welded to the mast. The vertical pin is easily removable. This joint leaves the boom free to swing sideways and up and down just like the boom of a bermuda rigged sailboat.
The upper or outer end of the boom is suspended in two chains that lead to each end of a cross beam or spreader on the top of the mast. This leaves the boom free to swing sideways but as the two chains form a triangle the boom is pulled upwards by the opposite chain when pulled sideways by the wire. This means that the boom always wants to swing back to it's neutral position in the center.
On this particular winch the spreader atop the mast has a bushing in center and can turn 45 degrees to each side. Manouvered by a small hydraulic cylinder inside that welded steel box atop the mast. This way the boom can be swung out 45 degrees to each side while in it's neutral position. This helps me avoid having the end of the log stuck under the trailer when loading logs that lay at right angle to the track. It also helps me place the log where I want it on the trailer. Others make do without this feature but I have a damaged back and must adapt my equipment to my capabilities. It saves a lot of heavy lifting.
All winches/cranes do not have this feature. Mine had it originally but the former owner removed it and threw it away because he had no double acting hydraulic outlets on his tractor. We fabricated our own unit that fits the original mounting holes on the mast and installed double acting hydraulics on my tractor. apparently this solution never struck him.
The winch drum has a friction brake which allows me to leave the log hanging in the wirerope. This is a very important safety feature not found on Normet winches for the domistic Finnish market. This one was made for the Swedish market where brake was mandatory. Normet is an ancestor of the company that now makes Farmi winches.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13074/IMG_4534.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1695303352)
This is how I unload
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13074/IMG_4536.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1695304883)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13074/IMG_4537.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1695304985)<br
The loose chains between the stakes keep the stakes on top of the rolling heap of timber when I open the latches holding the stakes in place.
I found a few youtube films.
Theese two Finnish chaps do it the way I do it.
Slowly and carefully. Snaring small logs and using log tongs for bigger logs to reduce wear on the expensive wirerope. They also make good use of the hydraulic side to side manouvering of the spreader and boom.
Deutz 40 06 ja star vaijerikuormain.Deutz 40 06 and cable crane. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKIQ5tUwkUU)
A Swede working without hydraulic side to side manouvering. More violent and a bit heavier but it does the job.
Lastar tre stockar - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEABJ3Sebp0)
Fastfällning och lastning - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQInW0ZE3Ss)
Don't do this. The boom should be removed for heavy winching and skidding. It is only used for loading. Therefore the blocks should be easy to open so you can winch directly from the mast and then reroute the wirerope through the block on the boom end for loading.
Traktorjobb - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZCUfM9JCWo)
Great videos TW - Thank you so much for posting them.
And welcome to the FF !!
gg
TW, do you always use your trailer and crane set-up Or do you sometimes skid a hitch out with a winch. Especially when you have snow cover. Watching those neat videos it seems the crane/trailer require a lot of patients at times. Just curious.
gg
Thanks TW!
Quote from: g_man on September 22, 2023, 04:40:03 PM
TW, do you always use your trailer and crane set-up Or do you sometimes skid a hitch out with a winch. Especially when you have snow cover. Watching those neat videos it seems the crane/trailer require a lot of patients at times. Just curious.
gg
I often skid when I can. There are many places which just aren't accessible with the trailer because of steep slopes or boulders. Then I remover the crane boom and leave it at home and skid with chains that hook onto slots on the winch frame. Unfortunately I have no pictures of that on this computer.
Generally timber is bucked before skidding. Because the tracks must zigzag between boulders so skidding a whole tree would get you stuck.
Those who own more land than we do and can justify greater investments often use skidding grapples like this
https://agcosuomi.fi/tuote/3-piikkinen-hapa-juontokoura-vinssilla/
They usually use trailers with a grapple loader mounted either on the tractor or more commonly on the trailer. Loading with the winch is oldfashioned and slow but works well for a smallholder like me.
The only times I have seen unbucked trees being skidded or done it myself have been when logging on islands when the sea ice was only thick enough to safely carry tractor and winch not a trailerload of timber. One can often fell the tree with it's top towards the beach and winch it out in one piece and snare the top with a skidding chain and head for the mainland towing one or two trees at a time across the ice. The heavy butt end is then as far as possible from the tractor and the weight is vell distributed over the ice. With this new wicked climate the sea ice is rarely thick enough to carry a full trailer loads of logs anymore.
Anyway all timber or logs that I bring home has to go along public roads where the snow cover cannot be trusted. It is so easy to get sand or fina macadam in the bark when skidding along a public road.
In this part of Finland the land ownership structure means that most woodland owners have parcels that don't hang together with the house plot so if you want to bring anything home you need a trailer.
Thanks for the additional explanation. That all makes a lot of sense.
gg
I am a one log guy. I use my JD4720 with a Norse350 winch to skid out the oak logs. Firewood tops and branches I do pull multiple but often buck in place and go collect later. I only skid when the trails are frozen or totally dry. If I trash the trails I will be in big trouble as they are our equestrian riding trails as well. Many times I will use the FEL with lifting tongs to bring in a log. This limits me to a 14 footer at about 24 inch for max weight the FEL can lift. But that is ok because that is the size log I like to saw. The big ones tend to be pia. Part of skidding or FEL tong lifting is going out with the Gator and drag to smooth out any damage of the trails. This year with all the rain I spend more time in the Gator dragging then sawing.
@slydomba76 (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=63916) - you might get better results starting your ow. Topic under a descriptive subject line.
So I did a dumb thing this spring. Sold my 20year old Farmi 501 thinking it was time for a new one 601. Well guess what, can't get them in Canada anymore.
So I ordered a new Wallenstein 140. I tried a 110 last year, wasn't the quality of the Farmi even tho it's made here in Canada.
I'm 55, so I hope this winch will be my last. Lol.
That's too bad. Why no Farmi 601 in CA ? The 501 is a good winch - even an old one.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/22_10_20-6.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1696195603)
gg
That picture looks good!!!
Quote from: g_man on October 01, 2023, 05:32:30 PM
That's too bad. Why no Farmi 601 in CA ? The 501 is a good winch - even an old one.
gg
The Farmi 501 and 601 are no longer being made. They have been replaced by the W50R and W60R
Still can't get it here!
Quote from: John Mc on October 01, 2023, 07:07:31 PM
Quote from: g_man on October 01, 2023, 05:32:30 PM
That's too bad. Why no Farmi 601 in CA ? The 501 is a good winch - even an old one.
gg
The Farmi 501 and 601 are no longer being made. They have been replaced by the W50R and W60R
And the new ones don't look as strong as the old 501/601. I ended up buying a Wallenstein FX110 since i think it was stronger than the new Farmi's now that they sold out
I ordered the 140
The end of the cable on my Farmi JL290 winch was getting pretty ratty. So I cut off about 5' and redid the hook using a Flemish eye. A Flemish eye will not slip and is pretty easy to do after a little practice - a good use for the cut off piece of cable.
Hold the cable, 3/8" in this case, in a vise. It's made with a core surrounded by 6 bundles made from fine wire strands. Carefully pry up and unwrap 3 adjacent bundles like so.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020566.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1698515860)
Put the hook in the vise. Stick the 3 bundle group in the hole from the left and the 3 bundle plus core group in from the right over, ie on top of, the 3 bundle group. Bend the 2 ends back towards the cable and start wrapping them together at the center of the formed loop so they fall into the spaces they came from.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020567.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1698515860)
Finish the wraps.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020568.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1698515866)
I put a few wraps of black tape to help hold the fine strands in place while clamping and then add and tighten a clamp.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020570.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1698515870)
Added a second clamp below the first to make a better/stronger seat for the sliders.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020572.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1698515875)
gg
good job!!!
About at the limits of this old antique 12,000lbs farm tractor pulling :) A mid 1970's International 1066 & Uniforest 65H with remote works. Had it on my John Deere 2750 for a long time. Just kept breaking that tractor up. Steering ram, lights, draw bar , three point arm, etc. So moved it over to a little more tractor. AND the wood is a more dense Hard Sugar Maple than the Ash, red oak, cherry & Soft maple from the last few years. For what ever reason this round of logs are HEAVY.
Farm Tractor Logging / Skidding AND Some CSX In The Evening After - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6AGuIN263I)
I swear guys this is a sickness. A full blown saw dust addiction. Here it is a Sunday, its raining, its dreary and wet as can be. And Ive been skidding logs over thirty years and here I am, watching weimedog's video and its making wish I could hook up my tractor winch and go play in my woods today.
I can never get enough of it.
Good video weimedog. thumbs-up
I have a much smaller tractor then that JD. A 40 hp NH.
The only issue I had hauling out some big pine, was the 3 point arms. I put a piece of 1X3 under each arm. The 3 inch part was laid flat, not on edge. That kept them straight.
That remote is nice!!!!
Weimedog I have a uniforest winch and just like thecfarm my tractor is lighter than yours. But I routinely move larger and heavier logs than those with the help of a log arch. My arch was customized by Logrite and it hitches directly to the uniforest winch in seconds, then the winch cable goes right through the snatch blocks on the arch.
A real game changer when moving long heavy stuff because you can get much higher off the ground. Some very large logs Ive moved one at a time I could darn near get the whole log off the ground.
I'd consider that before a skidder. I have a small skidder but if I wasn't running it mostly full time I'd stay with the tractor, winch and arch. I can move that tractor any where I want with my own truck and trailers. Trucking the skidder is darn expensive. The repairs on a tractor are way less than a skidder both in cost and difficulty. Parts for old skidders are harder to find now and they ain't cheap. I can get parts for my tractor at several places within 40 miles of me.
And like you said in your video the tractor also can be used for farm work and if you have a loader can also handle lots of other chores. Id tell any body wanting to do some logging on their own place or small jobs to buy a tractor with a loader, a three point winch and maybe an arch, put some armor on the tractor and you have a more versatile and user friendly piece of equipment than a skidder.
Quote from: B.C.C. Lapp on December 10, 2023, 09:42:09 AMI routinely move larger and heavier logs than those with the help of a log arch. My arch was customized by Logrite and it hitches directly to the uniforest winch in seconds, then the winch cable goes right through the snatch blocks on the arch.
A real game changer when moving long heavy stuff because you can get much higher off the ground. Some very large logs Ive moved one at a time I could darn near get the whole log off the ground.
I'd love to see pictures of that set up, especially something showing how the arch was customized.
Quote from: B.C.C. Lapp on December 10, 2023, 09:42:09 AM
Weimedog I have a uniforest winch and just like thecfarm my tractor is lighter than yours. But I routinely move larger and heavier logs than those with the help of a log arch. My arch was customized by Logrite and it hitches directly to the uniforest winch in seconds, then the winch cable goes right through the snatch blocks on the arch.
A real game changer when moving long heavy stuff because you can get much higher off the ground. Some very large logs Ive moved one at a time I could darn near get the whole log off the ground.
I'd consider that before a skidder. I have a small skidder but if I wasn't running it mostly full time I'd stay with the tractor, winch and arch. I can move that tractor any where I want with my own truck and trailers. Trucking the skidder is darn expensive. The repairs on a tractor are way less than a skidder both in cost and difficulty. Parts for old skidders are harder to find now and they ain't cheap. I can get parts for my tractor at several places within 40 miles of me.
And like you said in your video the tractor also can be used for farm work and if you have a loader can also handle lots of other chores. Id tell any body wanting to do some logging on their own place or small jobs to buy a tractor with a loader, a three point winch and maybe an arch, put some armor on the tractor and you have a more versatile and user friendly piece of equipment than a skidder.
I would like to see that arch set-up too.
Also, I agree your line of thinking. The only thing that I would add is that a skidder can go a lot of places a tractor can't terrain wise. But to me, working on my own place, it is worth the time and effort to put in tractor roads so that I can access wood in rough or hilly terrain, and they are a permanent improvement.
gg
One day a couple weeks ago that was a bad weather day like today I got the urge to work in the shop and make something - anything. I saw a short piece of serrated cutting edge off of a snow groomer that's been kicking around for over 20 years - aha. I've been thinking of building a bridge over a narrow brook next summer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/LogCatch-1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702224585)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/LogCatch-3.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702224608)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/LogCatch-4.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702224660)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/LogCatch-5.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702224666)
Not sure how useful it will turn out to be. I can think of places to try it beside the bridge. But it didn't cost anything and I had an enjoyable day.
gg
Nice job!
Arch does sound interesting. These logs for what ever reason are dense and the heaviest I've pulled from here even though they aren't the largest by any stretch of the imagination. Most are in the 24 to 30 inch dia. and most are more than 50 ft as well, one was over 70. The growth rings are TIGHT, the wood dense & hard. The wood I did last year I was able to handle with the JD2750 and they were diameter wise the same size. This year I used the draw bar because when I had the winch and the draw bar it was simply too much weight for the little green machine. Broke some stuff and decided to move over to the 1066
I know you don't need it, because of the grapple. But that could be used for cutting firewood too.
I don't think anything stock will hang with a 66 series IH. Pulled a world of logs with a 1466 with a home rolled winch setup cut off the front of an Army 5-ton. Tighten up the cable; turn the tires one time and lock the brakes. Whatever you hooked to came to you or the 3/4" cable parted. Mine was turned up a little to over 200hp and weighed 10 tons with all the junk added to her. I may be half deaf, but I can still hear that turbo purr.
Never logged with one but those 66 series are the best. I have a 966 I farm with and Im pretty sure the world spins a little faster the way Im headed when I drop a plow in the ground with it.
Quote from: g_man on December 10, 2023, 11:23:32 AM
One day a couple weeks ago that was a bad weather day like today I got the urge to work in the shop and make something - anything. I saw a short piece of serrated cutting edge off of a snow groomer that's been kicking around for over 20 years - aha. I've been thinking of building a bridge over a narrow brook next summer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/LogCatch-1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702224585)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/LogCatch-3.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702224608)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/LogCatch-4.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702224660)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/LogCatch-5.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702224666)
Not sure how useful it will turn out to be. I can think of places to try it beside the bridge. But it didn't cost anything and I had an enjoyable day.
gg
Like maybe picking up logs to cut up for firewood.
how does that work? g_man
Thats what i was wondering too.
I believe he's created a fulcrum. I used to do something similar with a chain hanging like a V from my bucket with lifting tongs in the bottom of the V. I could pick up logs and move them around without getting off the tractor.
so, get the butt under the V and then lift with something form the grapple and have most of the log out in front for bucking or laying across a stream?
That's how he's doing it. I was doing smaller firewood logs so I could just curl my bucket up to pick it up. It was how I moved logs around the yard when I had just the tractor. I set it so the ring on the tongs hit the bottom lip of the bucket so I could turn them 90 degrees by curling up or down depending on how the log was laying. Then when I got it where I want it hit the ring with the bucket and it would pop off. I go to great lengths to not get off a piece of equipment.
Quote from: doc henderson on December 11, 2023, 10:20:50 AM
how does that work? g_man
I just picked that one log up and put it on my wood pile. First time I tried it. Haven't tried cutting one into firewood blocks yet. I'll try it tomorrow and let you know. It can swing a little but wants to center itself so the saw will pull it in but I think it should work with a little practice. A shorter chain will stiffen it up.
gg
I tried blocking up a tree for firewood today. It's a 30' beech 9" at the butt with a 6" top. No problem lifting it with a 2000 lb FEL but it is a lot of cantilevered weight. A little bouncy driving forward.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020644.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702510450)
I have a set of grab hooks welded to the bottom of the grapple tines. I made a "V" hitch. The choker is 5' up from the butt.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020643.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702510724)
With that "V" the tree is very stable. I had to push pretty hard on it to make it move to the side and it came back to center w/o oscillating.
The grapple sat on the ground while I plowed yesterday after 1.5" of rain followed by 5" of snow and a quick freeze. Grew a pair of ice slippers that won't come off w/o an axe. :D
No problem at all cutting my 18" blocks. I put one under the butt for it to settle on when I went by the balance point.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020648.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702510512)
Had to make 3 more cuts after I unhooked the choker and backed away.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020650.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1702510726)
So it works fine. Cut 20 18" blocks.
gg
that works well. If your chain made a V that went all the way to the bottom of the log, it would be even more stable. maybe even a loop around. In the old days we would throw bales on a pickup in low gear with the driver getting in and out. If you can saw fast enough, you could let it idle forward as you cut, and the blocks will already be stacked for you! :o :o :o :D Please do not try this at home!
No wonder you have so many patients,Doc. :D :D
gman, always thinking. That worked out well. That must be a funny sight, a tree coming down the path up in the air 30 feet in front of the tractor. :D
Nice . Work smarter not harder.
That will save on some fancy rigging setup when
it come to getting logs across the brook for bridge stringers.
G-man,You got me thinking and even though I don't have a front end loader I use a pig pole with a set of tongs quite a bit and if I welded a v at the base of the pig pole it would work the same way.Thanks for the idea.
g_man I see your running chains on the front of your Kubota. Have you had any problems with the front axle or seals doing that? Do you only run them in deep snow? The reason I asked is I mentioned wanting a set of chains for the front of my kubota to the service guy where I get my parts and he told me not to put chains on the front end. He says it's two much traction and will cause damage or at the least excessive wear. Kind of like when guys put bull ring chains on the front AND back end of a skidder instead of running no chains or ice chains on the rear. . To much traction can cause cracks and outright breaks. I never did put them on my Kubota but I'd like to because
at times in winter they would be a big help.
I installed chains on the front of my Kubota L3750 last winter.My local Kubota dealer said no problem as long as I was running chains on the rear as well.
Front chains made a huge difference,I go places I've had problems with in the past and steering while plowing snow is no longer an issue.Pay attention,though, throwing a chain on the inside front can't make a mess of your tie rods.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/26307/20221222_160347~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1671745099)
All chained up with a scoop and spread sander on the front and a 10k Krpan winch on the back.
Quote from: B.C.C. Lapp on December 17, 2023, 02:54:19 PM
g_man I see your running chains on the front of your Kubota. Have you had any problems with the front axle or seals doing that? Do you only run them in deep snow? The reason I asked is I mentioned wanting a set of chains for the front of my kubota to the service guy where I get my parts and he told me not to put chains on the front end. He says it's two much traction and will cause damage or at the least excessive wear. Kind of like when guys put bull ring chains on the front AND back end of a skidder instead of running no chains or ice chains on the rear. . To much traction can cause cracks and outright breaks. I never did put them on my Kubota but I'd like to because
at times in winter they would be a big help.
When I bought my L3010 the dealer advised me the same thing. He said the front end drive was not robust enough to take the strain on an L series tractor. The tractor with all four chained up is a M5640 I bought used and have been running front chains on it for 5 years w/o any trouble. The same dealer told me that the M series are much tougher and as long as I use common sense I should be OK. The tractor has pretty good traction with those 16.9 X 28 loaded rear tires and I only to use 4WD in lower traction situations like snow on an unpacked woods road, or doing loader work that lightens the rear end on ice or snow. I am in 4WD most of the time working in the woods with snow on the ground. If I feel that the front drive is getting really wound up when I shift out of 4WD I back off on it's use. When I plow snow on my hard packed snow road I very rarely have to use 4WD but those front chains help a lot to hold the front end in line and steering which is why I originally bought them.
Not sure if that answers your question ??
gg
Quote from: 47sawdust on December 17, 2023, 03:37:32 PM
I installed chains on the front of my Kubota L3750 last winter.My local Kubota dealer said no problem as long as I was running chains on the rear as well.
Front chains made a huge difference,I go places I've had problems with in the past and steering while plowing snow is no longer an issue.Pay attention,though, throwing a chain on the inside front can't make a mess of your tie rods.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/26307/20221222_160347~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1671745099)
All chained up with a scoop and spread sander on the front and a 10k Krpan winch on the back.
I don't know anything about how the front drive was designed to be used on the L series but this is the way my dealer (Desmarmais Equipment) explained it. If you stay on flat ground it will be OK for a while but the smallish splines on the front wheel drive shaft will wear faster. But if you take it in the woods on rough ground, like I wanted to do, you can strip the splines on the drive shaft from the shock that occurs when one front tire goes over a low spot and starts to spin because it is the one with the least traction and then suddenly it grabs when you pass the depression. I'm only repeating what he said and have no clue how much shock it takes. I have heard of several stripped front drive shafts on the tractor forum though.
gg
You did answer my question g_man. I kinda wish I had bought an M instead of an L. But other than that I've no complaints about my L.
Have been chaining up my front wheels on my compact utility tractor since 1998 when new. Works great for me in deep snow, and when there is slush/wet snow that needs some extra traction/steering and rears are not chained up.
No problem.
No problems as a result of chains on the front of my older L for the past 4yrs, it was already tired when I got it and it skids wood/plows snow all winter
A couple days ago, Thursday I think, I was cutting fir stud wood and on a whim stuck the camera out and made a video of one tree.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020671.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1703426590)
It was dead and I decided rather then lay it on the big boulders or in the tractor road that I would lean it against the pine behind it and pull the butt out from under it with my winch. Thus keeping the slash out of the road. The top got into the pine branches so that I couldn't tip it back very much and it remained at a very steep angle. I spent a lot of time at the butt wedging it up good so that I could completely cut it free from the stump. You probably already know this but felt I should say it in case you don't - I needed to put the choker low as possible and I needed the butt to come off the stump easily and not dig into the ground or catch on a root to avoid pulling the top over towards me. The snath block helped keep me out of the way in case things went wrong. I was working about 100' below my landing - so a short skid.
In watching it, it seemed like a lot of work for a $32 tree but it's what I like to do. So I'm good.
Some one might enjoy this ??
Tractor Logging with a Winch V - YouTube (https://youtu.be/AwZdf0MPPWI)
gg
I put a twist on trees like that. I put the hook on the side of the hung tree and I twist it off the stump.
I have some clean up to do after the wind/rain storm we had. I have not been out in the woods. I only drove down the woods raod, but saw some trees down.
Somebody did enjoy it. Nice work G_man. Smooth, steady. I can see that your thinking it out one step at a time. Getting that step done successfully then next step. No rush, no wasted moves. That's very necessary in tractor logging. Merry Christmas my friend. Stay safe out there.
Some one else also enjoyed the show.
Thank you, and have a wonderful Christmas!
In the past I have used my 30 hp tractor with the loader removed and a small trailer like a mini CTL thinning operation. First I go in with the winch and pull the logs trail side. I can get the shorter wood to trails edge w/o barking up summer time keep trees easier than long logs. Then I come in with the trailer and pick them up. And it's right into the wood shed from there.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/Thin2019Aug2-1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1705330109)
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My only problem is that I have to load the trailer by hand. Saying that it is becoming a bigger limitation is an understatement. Last Sept TW posted some videos (posts 190 - 194) showing guys from Finland using trailer mounted cranes to load their trailers. I started wondering if I could put a simple crane on my Farmi 290 to do the same thing. During all the crappy weather I built a light duty model crane to experiment with and test the idea out.
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For a hinge I used a cheap pair of cast hook and eye gate hinges. The package said good for 100 lbs. Sure enough, they were right - first thing I did was hang on the end of the boom to test it and broke both hooks. I replaced them with 1/2" bolts but keep the eyes.
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For my playing around I kept to small wood, just went thru the motions like it was bigger. It worked pretty well. Controlling lowering the load was easier than I thought - even w/o practice.
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It worked good enough that I decide I will try to make something that picks up 200 or 250 lbs. It will be a fun project and be useful I hope.
I made this 3 minute video of my initial testing
Experimental Crane on my Forestry Winch - YouTube (https://youtu.be/0tLCdILAQPQ)
gg
Cool idea . An adjustable height , v shaped , add on heel would go a long way in control the log when swinging . Look forward to seeing your build . If the boom was made of diminishing size square tubing that pinned together it would be easy to assemble and could be used shorter for heavier lifts . Good luck 🙂
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with as always! I have eyeballed those old euro winch mounted crane setups a bunch as well and have it on "the list"
Forgot you put on an auto brake, now that is handy and your cart looks nice and stout
Like that auto brake!!!!
Looks like it will work good.
Thanks to all !
gg
Much easier on the woods to bring wood out on a trailer.
When My father was alive we brought out the wood on a trailer. Another pair of hands made things easier. You really could not tell where we went.
Now I drag most of my wood out with the 3 pt winch. After I make 2-3 trips in the same spot, anyboby can tell where I went.
G man, you amaze me. Always thinking, always doing.
Quote from: cutterboy on January 16, 2024, 07:13:06 AM
G man, you amaze me. Always thinking, always doing.
Ha Ha - I just posted the same about you. Keep cutting Cutter !
gg
Some thoughts and notes kind of random while pulling logs with a crop row tractor. :)
Nice ground he has to work on.
I myself like chocker chains without that style of hook.
Forgot to mention, how can you pull logs without a rolling hitch and no use of a snatch block. ffcheesy
@weimedog I put your video url in the new youtube tags you will find in the post editor. This embeds your video in the post.
I'll have to see how to do that, I have in the past put in commentary then a link. This will do the same right? A lot of new stuff on the interface here it looks like to me.
Yup, type what you want where, and put the video anywhere you want in the post. Just click in your post where you want the video, click the youtube icon in the post editor, it will have a popup where you insert your youtube url.Then click insert.
You can keep typing under it, add a pic, or what ever.
20240218_135428.jpg
I've been thinning out some ill shaped Yellow Birch for firewood and decided to give my experimental crane a real life test down in the woods. I pretty much know now how I am going to build the working version so I wasn't really worried that I might break something. But, I was surprised that the wooden boom was able to take the punishment.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/24_2_23-1.jpg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=352580)
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gg
Does it swivel?
@mike_belben go back a page. I think rely 247. He started it there.
Quote from: mike_belben on February 23, 2024, 09:46:03 PMDoes it swivel?
I used to load by hand which is a problem now. So as an experiment to see if a crane could work I made this wood sorta model. I started off with a pair of hook and eye type gate hinges. I broke the hooks by hanging on the end of the boom and then made my own hooks. In playing with the thing I soon learned that I needed to have the hinge center line plumb in order to move/control any weight at all by hand. I have top and tilt cylinders on the tractor so I redid the hinges to get centered in the control range when plumb on level ground. That way I can use the 'TnT' to plumb up in the woods. That's what I was testing in the woods.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1020785.JPG) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=352602)
gg
Pretty slick, i like it.
On my cable jammer boom it took a while to get it to work. What seems good on paper is often a disappointment when you put the thing together and then its back to the drawing board with a new chunk of info you wish you had before. For mine lifting oak sawlogs that i couldnt maneuver by hand, i really needed a swiveling end cable with a guide on the end. Prior to that it would just try to wreck my cable by derailing when the angle wasnt right. The next most useful feature was a permanent come-along in place to set the height of the pulley. A fix height was never perfect.
My cable jammer made me appreciate hydraulic continuous rotation grapple loaders like making hay with a scythe makes me appreciate buying a round bale. It can all work but boy some can sure work better than others! LoL
Back in post # 191 or 194 by member TW,one of the videos he references shows a backpack type of affair called a "skogskompis".
This is a video of Finnish tractor logging.
I am curious if anyone can explain its intended use or show one being used.
It appears to be a retractable rope in a yellow disc worn like a backpack.
Thanks
After looking at the bulletin referenced in post # 191 more closely I got my answer.
The item I was curious about is called a" line caddy". Also called Sonny's Forest Buddy.It is used to engage the winch on the tractor when you are some distance form the tractor.It would be very handy in some applications.I have no idea where one would purchase such a thing
Quote from: 47sawdust on March 06, 2024, 06:12:56 AMAfter looking at the bulletin referenced in post # 191 more closely I got my answer.
The item I was curious about is called a" line caddy". Also called Sonny's Forest Buddy.It is used to engage the winch on the tractor when you are some distance form the tractor.It would be very handy in some applications.I have no idea where one would purchase such a thing
I thing it a recoil rope system in the back pack so if you have two guys working - one at the winch controls and one down in the woods where the logs are at - the choker guy can hook his recoil rope onto the cable and then be able pull the cable back to where he is choking the logs. A lot easier and neater for the choker guy than handling and carrying around a long rope.
EDIT: I see you answered your own question. I didn't read your next post before I posted this...... Sorry. It sounds like a different thing than what I thought it was.
gg
I have that book . This was the crane .
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Thought I would mention that booklet was from 1982 put out by the National Board of Forestry , Sweden . The crane did not swivel and was used in conjunction with the dump beam concept. Might work well with a hydraulic winch that spools in,out and free spool
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Here's a question for the brainbank/experienced metal workers.
.
A lot of us think about building attachments, as a cost saver or as a death defining project. :uhoh:
- Like tractor logging with a winch/crane. @g-man It seems like it's been done before and is really good idea. Drawings and dimensions are in print.
- Mike Belben
@mike_belben has posted about his tree spear and rake attachment for a bulldozer. Videos are up. Drawings and dimensions are in Mike's head.
- Builders fab up boom pole arms that slide over pallet forks, for setting trusses.
.
Once we get past the MK I version, which is usually made of mild steel from the metal scrap rack, and
when we're ready to build the MK II version, what's the preferred metal to use?
I'm not thinking of ordering virgin and dimensional perfect AR400 steel, I thinking more along the lines of: are pallet racking uprights a better choice than ordinary square tubing? Is the metal different in terms of springy-ness or strength? Or weld friendly?
I guess I'm asking for some tips for when I go to my nearby metal scrapyard. How do I recognize the good stuff?
Well Mr Andries hopefully those in the brain/banked experienced metal workers will chime in and provide some insight . While we wait the best tip I go by is ... what was the metal used for originally . Then it's an exercise in matching material to project . Just as an example this would be one of the latest projects .
Prior to the hurricane that struck us I felt a need for a bit of an onsite shelter . I get all my materials pretty much from ... haulaway . The metal was from some arched signs that were thrown roadside . So built the shelter ... then called it a yurt in that order . mk1 It was a tad awkward to move around so it will need wheels . Not a biggie but thefts here now seem to focus on anything with wheels .
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12754/IMG_0479.jpeg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=352860)
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So on to MK2 . Snow plows knock out a lot of road signs . They come in two pieces , the top for the sign the bottom in ground to receive . No strength really but just bent and roadside ... haulaway lol .... But they are like lego and now I have an onsite shelter that can be moved in ten minutes , packs easily in the back of the truck .
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That wood looks good!!!!
Sorry i was late to respond to your ping. These days of inflation habe caused us all to take what we can get.
The old painted 3" C channel pallet racking was the best youd find and ive bought many many of them. The stamped and welded shapes should be considered studs, not joists. My little forwarding trailer made from it eventually had to kink and fold up. Channel woulda worked.
Finding anything better than mild steel would be a case of good fortune if you could even identify it. Being a range mechanic in a past life with a scrap pass i do have some AR400 but its usefulness is really limited for special stuff. Like dozer cutting edges.
Like anything else today, just do the best ya can. Keep workin and prayin. Itll work itself out one way or tha other.