How do you hook your Log tongs to draw bar?

[iplumb]

Hi guys. My log tongs are due to arrive today :thumbsup: anyway I'm trying to figure out the best way to hook them to my draw bar because they have a chain hook on them. I would like to keep the swivel. and I would like to keep them as close to the tractor as possible so I can lift the front of the logs. Thanks Swivel Grab Skidding Tongs | Log Skidding | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[iplumb]

Pictures of your set up would be appreciated. if you have one handy. Winch isn't in the budget

 

[forester2]

Clevis

 

[beenthere]

Hook them onto the top hook of the quick hitch (mine is iMatch).

 

[roger 4400]

Hi sir. If you use that kind of hook to pull logs ALWAYS be carefull because the higher you will put your 3 pts, the easier it will be to flip the tactor over if your log hit a stump, a stone, a solid root....( you flip over in less than 3/4 of a second so ,too fast to push the clutch or do anything.....ask me how I know ....luckily the tractor stalled when I was looking at the sky (where I was going with the angels) , it is so fast you cannot imagine) There is logging winch that are safer ( I have a Farmi), the lower blade protects the end of your log when you pull....it is the best advise I can give you ...and use your ROP in case of. Good luck and BE SAFE .Roger

 

[Wesdor]

Perhaps not in your budget, but I would recommend a Log Arch. I purchased a Log Rite, but many others have made their own. The big thing with a Log Arch is safety. Like others have said, getting the tongs too high can cause your tractor to flip. One thing for sure, be sure your ROPS are up and you have your seat belt on.

Suggestion - go over to the Forestry Forum and see what people have done there. This is a great board, but the other specializes in logging.

Stay safe.

 

[beenthere]

roger 4400
Calculate the speed of the tractor moving forward and the rotation time for the flip to happen. I've found that moving slow and steady, that the flip can't happen in less than a second. Moving fast forward however, is not a good idea. Carrying counterweight as FEL with added ballast in the bucket (although I usually work in the woods with the forks on the FEL)

I don't discount the fact that catching the log on an object as mentioned will cause the front end to raise. Awareness of those objects in the path is extremely important. As with anything, one can't just get on the tractor and "go". Things break and happen quickly. But have always had time to get off the hydro forward pedal, or put in the clutch, or dropped the 3 ph in plenty of time.

The OP wanted to raise the log when pulling and the risks of doing that all need to be considered. The added cost of a logging winch such as the Farmi were not in the cards for the OP.

 

[20 20]

roger 4400
Calculate the speed of the tractor moving forward and the rotation time for the flip to happen. I've found that moving slow and steady, that the flip can't happen in less than a second.
The OP wanted to raise the log when pulling and the risks of doing that all need to be considered. The added cost of a logging winch such as the Farmi were not in the cards for the OP.

I've pulled logs with tractors for 30+yrs now and NEVER once flipped we used chains back before all these tongs winches etc... came into play. We would hook close and raise the front of the log. I think your post is RIGHT ON THE MONEY :thumbsup: slow and steady is safe, and will get the job done :thumbsup:

 

[IslandTractor]

Hook them onto the top hook of the quick hitch (mine is iMatch).

I believe that is absolutely wrong. Consider the physics. You are a high risk of flipping the tractor over.

The tongs should be connected with chain and clevis to the draw bar (below the rear axle).

 

[Gordon Gould]

If you cannot get the log up high enough using the drawbar then skid it on top of something like a car hood, don't risk a well known fatal accident waiting to happen.

A car hood or a simple skidding cone which might be easier to come by or built.
I'm not one to tell some one not to do something but I will say that if you have never skidded logs before be very careful. It is totally amazing what can happen even at slow speed. Start with small stuff and hook on as low as possible.

 

[beenthere]

Frankly this is a really dumb explanation/rationalization for an even dumber practice of using the 3PT hitch inappropriately. I don't mean to insult you but there are naive tractor owners who just might bite and copy your method so it is necessary to make clear that this is just plain dumb. No other way to describe it.

If you cannot get the log up high enough using the drawbar then skid it on top of something like a car hood, don't risk a well known fatal accident waiting to happen.

Not dumb, and seems all opinions are just that. But keeping this an open forum for those opinions, and let the readers decide. I save (don't type them) my opinions of the members who post their opinions.
The OP asked how we hook our logs. Keeping the responses to answer the OP's question seems to me to be the better response.
How do you hook your logs? Let the OP know.

Here is what I used before tractors with FEL's and before logging tongs.

 

[Gordon Gould]

You both make good points. There are so many varibles that a blanket statement either way will not work. So much depends on the weight of the tractor, the weight of the load, the experience of the operator, the slope, are you on grass or smooth dirt or a rock and root field all hidden by brush and on and on.

If you are going to use a rig like beenthere has make sure that the top link is in the bottom hole on the tractor so it angles down towards the rear axle or below it. You can see this clearly on his picture of the old set-up. This will direct the pull from the load at or below the axle, or at least as low as you can get it which is the safest position.
Try to start out where it is flat and smooth going.

BE CAREFUL, GO SLOW, WATCH WHAT IS HAPPENING, LEARN

 

[20 20]

Frankly this is a really dumb explanation/rationalization for an even dumber practice of using the 3PT hitch inappropriately. I don't mean to insult you but there are naive tractor owners who just might bite and copy your method so it is necessary to make clear that this is just plain dumb. No other way to describe it.

If you cannot get the log up high enough using the drawbar then skid it on top of something like a car hood, don't risk a well known fatal accident waiting to happen.

How was his explanation, as you put it, dumb? He said to use a FEL maybe even with a small load to act as a counter weight.

 

[20 20]

I think Gordon Gould makes a good point there are many different varibles at play when using this type of equipment. I feel probably the strongest would be to have knowledge of the machine one is using and also have some time with an experienced operator.

Beenthere I used a hook up much like your last picture for years and NEVER ONCE had an issue. I was also taught respect for this type of work at a very young age. I now hardly ever skid logs, I have other machinery now and like my wood clean. If I did or do need to skid I would not esitate one bit to hook just like your last picture, it's called experience.........

 

[studor]

I have a set of the log tongs with the chain hook swivels on them. I frequently use them on a short piece of chain on either side of the bucket to pick up logs and move them. For hooking to the under axle draw bar, I use a clevis with a short piece of chain or a "tractor hook" with a short piece of chain. If I want to use the 26 hole style drawbar on the three point arms, I use two "tractor hooks" and a short piece of chain and get as close to the bar as possible. I also have a stone boat that I use when I have really heavy logs or rocks to move.
Moving anything that can turnover the tractor or kill me by crushing me takes a little thought, a good amount of caution and is done slowly.
I do find the tongs extremely usefull for a lot of things including occasionally putting big rounds on the splitter

 

[Baby Grand]

To the OP:

I attach my tongs to the inner mount on my boom pole - about 3' or 4' aft of the 3 point hitch. This gives good reach and height if the log isn't too heavy. I then hitch a choke chain from the butt of the log to the drawbar so I am lifting with the hitch and pulling with the drawbar. Belt & suspenders - I know - but based on the physics, that's just the the way I roll.

-Jim