log handling with a very limited budget. need idea's

[Sixacresand]

Hi Mr. Pink and Welcome.  Your arch looks alot like the one I just finished building.It has been the handiest deal I have since I got a sawmill. 

[Taylortractornut]

Mr Pink I have a freind that built a mill a few years ago and he  used had a a 17 hp 2cylinder Yanmar.     He built a small arch to skid with but for handling the logs to the log deck he  took a set of forklift forks  and made a 3 point in them.     THey just lifted 25 inches off the ground but that was enough to get on the deck.     Your 3 point that close will pick up a lot more than most front end loaders.       He had a 100 pound counter weght and a bus seat on the front bumper of the tractor.     Often his boys would have to sit on the bus seat for a little nose weight.    I have another friend that has one like yours with forks on the back.     Your tractor would be a hoss with a set.  We often move logs to the deck and processed lumber to the drying area with it.

[Cutting Edge]

I'm with Taylortractornut.  Mr. Pink, just to add to his suggestion, using a hydraulic toplink will also add to the versatility.  Simple hook up, and you can make your own out of a double acting cylinder and hook to your remote valve/wet line....No need to drop $200 on a factory job.  This will allow you to dump, roll, and load you logs while saving the back.  Just my 2 cents

[pineywoods]

3 pt forks on a small yanmar tractor. Neighbor uses it to feed his norwood and haul slabs and lumber.  A hydraulic top link makes one even more useful



 

[mrpink]

I'll have to add building forks to my to do list. weight on the front end needs to come first though.
thanks for the welcome's and the idea's.