Lifting Logs

[Rhodemont]

I just violated my rule not to lift logs with the pallet forks on the FEL (only enough to get on the mill lifts).  Only one solution that I can see.  Get another tractor.  One for the forks and one for the bucket to hang the lift tongs on.

[doc henderson]

can you put a thumb on your forks so the log is clamps and cannot come over the back?  Or is this a not so vailed attempt to get a different tractor?

[SawyerTed]

Yep, a JD 4720 is very similar to my Kubota MX 5100.  Both lack the lift capacity and weight to handle even moderate logs on the front end loader forks. 

I have a neighbor who has a forklift mast for his 3 pt hitch.  The bottom of the mast has steel wheels that he can let down on the ground.  He uses it with a 60 ish hp New Holland.  He's able to lift pretty heavy items with it.  I need to visit to learn more about it.  

On second thought, yes, another larger tractor is in order! :D

[YellowHammer]

What's the issue with pallet forks on a tractor assuming they are quick attach and replace the bucket?

That's virtually all I use to handle logs.   

[SawyerTed]

Robert, I suspect you have a bigger tractor.  

Recent 50 hp class tractors just aren't heavy enough.  Much above 1,800 pounds on my forks (with the forks curled back) and the rears want to come off the ground even with loaded tires and a ballast weight on the 3 pt hitch.

I often have to drag logs and lift one end then the other to get them on the lift arms. 

[beenthere]

Then you need more ballast..

[SawyerTed]

Then the lift hydraulics hit the relief and the steering won't work.  

[Andries]

Agreed Ted, there are the specs that the front end loader and tractor chassis are designed for.
Sure you could add cast weights and ballast to the rear tires, and double up with weight on a ballast box and diddle with relief valve settings. But then what? 
The front axle or king pins then become the weakest link in the tractor chain. 
There's a limit to everything.
.
If she's designed to lift 1500 lb round bales, then that's it.
If you need to lift 4500 lb. logs, well, that's a different machine.

[ladylake]

 Get a good sized skid loader.  Steve

[beenthere]

There's a limit to everything.

True that. Ted is finding that out.  8)

I find I can lift more with my forks on the 3ph, might be a solution but there is always another log that is over the limit. Let us know what you get.  ;) ;)

[SawyerTed]

Yep the tractor came before sawmilling was a twinkle in my eye!   :D :D

[DocGP]

Yeah buddy, I love my little MX5100, but it doesn't have enough butt!  Wouldn't trade it, but sure was nice watching a buddy load logs with his 120 horse Massey!!   

Doc

[stavebuyer]

Wheel Loader. Nothing else comes close. 

[YellowHammer]

I have a 100 hp tractor/skiploader and a 100hp CTL and 90% of the sawmill work is done with the tractor with forks.  It has a longer reach for unloading logs from trailers, it has nearly the same lift capacity, about 6,000 lbs, side entry and has much, much better visibility.  As much as I really like the CTL and use it most everyday for dirt work, it's not my preferred machine for working the mill.  However, to each their own and I didn't want to start an oil wars thing.  I also agree that a center pivot wheel loader would be better, but even the mega mills around here use forks on them.    

I'm referencing the comment from the OP of:

I just violated my rule not to lift logs with the pallet forks on the FEL (only enough to get on the mill lifts).

And was curious if that was a lift capacity issue or safety issue or?

[Nebraska]

I have log tongs on lifting straps, they were my first log handling device. I added pallet forks and a brush  grapple later. If I push the lifting straps to the rt angle on the pallet forks and drape them across the other fork it shortens  their length and puts the load closer to the  pins behind the attachment  point. Then I can grab  the logs without getting the load too high. If I feel things getting tippy I only have lower the loader a few inches and  things are back to earth if need be.  I use my larger tractor to move most of the bigger stuff but I use my 50 hp tractor generally more  because it does so many things here.

[Rhodemont]

The forks are new to me so I am not as comfortable using them as the 25inch tongs hanging from the back side of the bucket.  With the tongs I can pick and place logs up to about 2200 lbs.  My Norse winch or backhoe provide the rear ballast.  I did get the receiver with chain hook to mount on the fork back stop to secure a log.  I really like the forks to slide slabs and boards onto off the mill to reduce handling but just feel better lifting and moving with the tongs.  

[stavebuyer]

A 3pt hitch set of forks with a hydraulic top link will allow a tractor to move a much larger log or bundle of lumber than the same machine with a FEL. 

3 Point Pallet Fork Attachment Category 1 tractor carryall (palletforks.com)

[Ianab]

Using a friends tractor to clean up some trees, I found that. Using "bale forks", just designed to lift a large round bale. Even without the hydraulic top hitch I could run a chain around the log to stop it rolling off, then once lifted it would be sloped back towards the tractor and not go anywhere.  Then the log was carried about 1 ft behind the rear wheels. Not heavy enough to mess with the steering, and not over stressing the front axle. At a guess you could (safely) carry 2X the weight on rear forks?

[beenthere]

True that, Ian
I palletize split firewood and stack 1/5 full cord per pallet for drying. Green oak, the front FEL forks will just lift enough to move the pallet and allow me to stack two pallets high for drying and storage.
Putting the same forks on the 3ph and moving the same split oak firewood, I can move a two-high palletized stack.
 So about 1000 lb limit on the FEL, and double that on the 3ph forks. I seldom have a need to move the two-high stack however.
That's with my 32hp Deere compact utility.