Anybody have any experience with one of these? I do some small scale logging with a farm tractor in upstate NY. I thought one of these cones would save some rutting of my woods roads and maybe allow me to skid a little easier.
Also, any suggestions on homemade options, like a log sled or something like that.
Thanks for any advice. Really enjoy the forums here.
If you are not presently lifting the front end of the skidded log, then a cone will likely help a lot.
I at least lift the end of the log and just drag the tail because I don't want all the dirt in the bark (plus the rut in the woods and road). The cone works well too when pulling the log through the woods as it lessens the tendancy to hang up on roots and other trees. But it just guides the leading end of the log. The log can still sideswipe other trees and cause the bark to be damaged which is not good for the remaining stand. Some trees stay along the skid trail for just that purpose however. :)
Personnaly, I wouldn't spend the $$ on a cone, but then I don't have the steep woods that I can't usually get close to the log with my tractor. If I was winching logs up a slope, then I'd have a cone for sure. Wouldn't like hauling it around however, and trying to keep track of it so it was available when needed. ::)
Breese,
I don't know about cones, just wanted to say Hi! I live about 1 hour from you. Hang around, you will find much good advise and a few laughs here :).
mh
When I was cutting firewood in a small timber, I found an old truck hood, and used it to skid the logs out of the bottom of the ditch. It was a whole lot cheaper, and if I broke it, I could just weld it back together.
Charles
VW Beetle hoods used to be popular 8)
The problem with the cone is the size of the log is limited.
I have worked with the Cone.
I think its best use is for gathering of pulp size trees from a thinning. or firewood removal (tops ) after logging.
The cone limits size of log but allows many firewood poles to be bunched and pulled.
I wouldnt buy the cone without the redirection open face pulley. Makes snaking a drag out much better than dragging it up the sides of every tree in the woods.
Dale Hatfield
I've seen a lot of wood skidded with old car or truck hoods years back. ;)
< http://www.skogma.de/shop/ > Art.-nr. 340 4111-00
Long time now since we talked about Domänsaxen :D Have seen many on my milling tour the last year. More or less worn out.
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=5237.0;all
We also have plastic cones, all worn out.
Swede.
I have personally found these skidding cones to be almost useless. Our woodlot is ver rough and we have alot of new growth coming in . We have found that the cone does considerable damage to the new growth and when it goes ever them it does sometimes break the little trees off. You have little control of the direction of the cone when skidding as well. In the winter cold, trail-side stumps do the cone no good. The cones often crack when they come into contact with the frozen stumps. Once cracked the cone does not last as it keeps traveling eventually breaking the cone in two.
Brad.
breese,
I don't know how it would work with a tractor, but I have a Nova Jack cone and pully I use with a fourwheeler to cut my firewood and couldn't be happier with it. Takes up to 20" trees. I've had 16" logs in it. It seems very durable and if and when I wear this one out I'll certinly buy anouther.
Dan.