Recommend me an attatchment to pick up logs(other advice welcome too!)

[Southjersey]

Hi,I had a tree guy take down some huge trees in my yard, now I need to get rid of the wood. I have quite a few 30-36" diameter logs that are 3 foot long that I'm trying to figure out how to move using the least amount of manual labor possible(I have a bad back). So far I've come up with buying a new chainsaw to make them smaller and just loading up my bucket or buying skid steer attatchment for the tractor and lifting them with the pallet forks, or maybe a grapple? Or trying an ad on Craigslist for free firewood. Any ideas?

 

[Will_C]

Grapple would the slickest option, but free fire wood could be the easiest and cheapest.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Definitely- you need a grapple.

 

[Southjersey]

Might be a stupid question but I'll ask anyway, grapples are capable of picking up logs from the top correct? Kinda like the claw game at amusement parks ?

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Yes, they are fully rotating - just like your FEL. They also open/close to grasp.

You'll find grapples in several styles - single lid - double lid - teeth that come together like fingers - teeth that interlace for tighter grasp - lightweight - heavyweight. You can spend a lot - or a relatively little.

 

[Southjersey]

Just wanted to make sure they had the clamping strength to pick and hold an approx 4-500 lb. log while I transport it to a lay down area.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

I'm guessing the log in my pic above was 1200 - 1500 lbs. Remember - you will need rear weight to safely lift heavy loads.

 

[TnAndy]

Pallet forks. You can not only move logs and brush, you can move a whole lot of other stuff you can't move with a grapple. You'll suddenly find pallets are your back's best friend, and nearly everything you move will end up on them.

As for logs, center the weight, tilt the forks back, and the log will stay on them just fine. All I've used for nearly 20 years, and I own a sawmill. Only way I'd buy a grapple is if I was in the land clearing business full time.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Op specified to "pick up from the top." Pallet forks are a great tool as well and I have a set. Funny thing, I've used them one time since I bought the grapple.

One other consideration on the grapple .... you will need a 2nd set of hydraulic ports. My DK50 had an extra set on the rear, so I had hoses made and routed them up front for the grapple.

 

[Southjersey]

Op specified to "pick up from the top." Pallet forks are a great tool as well and I have a set. Funny thing, I've used them one time since I bought the grapple.

One other consideration on the grapple .... you will need a 2nd set of hydraulic ports. My DK50 had an extra set on the rear, so I had hoses made and routed them up front for the grapple.

I asked about from the top because I was trying to avoid ripping up my grass while getting under it but at this point I just want to get this crap cleaned up asap . I've been reading numerous threads on pallet forks and I'm leaning that way , any recommendations other than the EA brand?