One of my crazy equipment ideas

[sjfarkas]

Has anyone ever taken a backhoe boom and stick and put a grapple on it to use for a log skidder?  I would think that it wouldn't work good on a backhoe, but a different tractor for a carrier.  Maybe a way to convert a cabble skidder.  I'm sure that backhoe attachments are pretty easy and cheap to get.

[fishpharmer]

I have put a twenty foot extension on a back hoe to load fish and it was nearly undriveable.  Had to let the extension down within a foot of the ground and fill the bucket with dirt to keep it from doing wheelies.

Seems you would have the same problem with using a backhoe for a skidder.   Might work if you put the grapple at the end of the first section coming off the tractor.  Remove the second section altogether.   Weight and balance will be an issue.
   
I have also, used a regular backhoe (JD 310) to skid logs.  Same issues really.  It worked okay on medium to small logs (less than 24 inches) if the backhoe is tucked all the way in, up close to the back of the machine with the log chained to it.

But heck try it, it may work out for your just have plenty of weight up front.

[sjfarkas]

What about using just the hoe part on another tractor or dozer?  Maybe mounting it to a cable skidder to to convert it.  I like the idea of just using the boom to reduce weight.

[fishpharmer]

I would guess a dozer, skidder or really heavy tractor would work great.  I suppose it depends on size of logs.

[4genlgr]

they do build swing boom grapple skidders that are based on that idea

[woodmills1]

I have skidded a few trees recently just grab them with the backhoe bucket, pull them in close and go.  The big ones make it hard to steer, so unhook the brake pedals and use left or right to help turn.

[Woodhog]

Don't know what type of terrain you would be skidding on,  but around here you would be hung up underneath the rear end of the machine/hoe before you even got the load on.

[CuddleBugFirewood]

Just want to say this is a great forum before I give my two cents!  I have been following for some time now, but I guess it's time to start posting.  

I have a 1985 John Deere Swing boom grapple with winch.  The skidder was originally a regular grapple skidder with a winch, and the 1st owner put a swing boom grapple from esco on it.   We bought it from the 2nd owner about a year ago.  Works great.  

To me it resembles what you are talking about.  I'll try to get some pictures to post on here soon.  It works great, I can load and unload logs with it as well as skid.  It's not as fast loading as with the skid steer, but it will sure handle a big log ;D

[John Mc]

I've seen a set-up where someone but a grapple on a backhoe on the back of a farm tractor and used it to load logs on a trailer or stack them in the yard... but they did not use it for skidding (they used a Farmi winch for that).

John Mc

[ErikC]

  I use a backhoe to skid logs from time to time. If they are of any size the best way is with the loader, going in reverse. lift the end of the log with the loader to keep it clean. Backhoe centerpins are very expensive to replace, and not really meant for the strain of skidding. The weight issue is totally resolved going in reverse as well. I have skidded a good number of 30" diameter x 25' length this way. I know one operator who was skidding a big rock with the hoe, and wrecked his centerpin housing, and both swing cylinders got wrecked when it fell.  Almost $10,000 to get it right again. I'd fire someone if I saw them doing it to mine >:(

[sjfarkas]

That's the info I was looking for.  It sounds like the hoe components can't hold up.  I wouldn't use a backhoe itself to skid logs, but the hoe components are what I was thinking of if addapted to something else.  I guess I'll put that idea to rest and think of something else.

Thanks

[CuddleBugFirewood]

 





First time trying to post pictures.  Hope it works.  This was the swing boom Skidder I was talking about. 

[stonebroke]

How big a load will it haul? Looks like a regular grapple might haul more.

Stonebroke

[CuddleBugFirewood]

I believe this is what they call a sorting grapple.  I guess you are referring to a bunching grapple?  One of the equipment dealers we went to said that the bunching grapple is what a lot of operators prefer as you can get bigger loads.  My guess is they use those grapples behind a feller buncher.  We use this to selectively harvest mature hardwoods...white oak, walnut, hickory, black oak, mostly on our farm.  The grapple is a 72" esco. 

The motor is only around 100 HP.   I can get 3 or 4 logs/trees in there about 14 to 20 inches in diameter.  I would guess about 800 bd feet give or take.  It is much faster and productive than the tractor/winch combination we had been using - my guess is 2 to 3 times more productive. 

[CuddleBugFirewood]

Average load about 400 - 600.  800 bd feet would be excellent conditions. 

Back to the origional post.  I thought you might be able to use some backhoe-like components to come up with something like this.  I've only seen backhoe's and excavators work, never really examined them or run them....yet 

[Meadows Miller]

Gday

I know a couple of brothers that swear by the swinggers in thinnings , selective logging and their pole opperations their first one was exactly the same as yours and they have fitted the same esco modle to all their cats over the years


Reguards Chris

[ljmathias]

Chris: you sick today or what?  No  :D :D or : : in your reply...

Hope it's cooler down your way then up here- 98 F today with a heat index well over 100 F.

Lj