Clear a logjam

[Aggie66]

We have a creek that runs through our property. To access the backside we had to build a bridge about 30 foot long to get across. Recent rains have caused a log jam at the bridge support pilings. Has anyone built an attachment that either will go on your bucket or if you’ve taken the bucket off and built some thing to fit where the bucket would attach to the front loader. I’ve used a winch to pull out some of the debris but I’m thinking that there may be a method to use the front loader with some sort of rake attachment to pull that debris out discussion and pictures would be appreciated. I have a Kabota MX 5400. thank you

 

[Xfaxman]

I’m thinking that there may be a method to use the front loader with some sort of rake attachment to pull that debris out

The short forks:

The long piece of square tubing that attaches to the forks:

This is one thing that I used it for:

 

[Aggie66]

Thanks for the reply. This is a novel approach to use on the forks.

 

[sea2summit]

Forks are a good idea, I would be very careful if extending a boom off the FEL and trying to lift with it.

 

[Dale Mercer]

The short forks:

View attachment 777397

The long piece of square tubing that attaches to the forks:

View attachment 777398

This is one thing that I used it for:

View attachment 777399

Be careful I had a long set of forks on bucket. I turned forks down and hooked them over a log and backed up. In that position the cylinders were all the way out. I bent and broke both cylinder rods.A 350$ mistake

 

[CobyRupert]

You’re going to want a pike pole, whether you have a loader attachment or not.

 

[WranglerX]

Lost one bridge in last weeks storm, and another one was moved off its foundation which I managed to move back....... Clean up was boots and chain.... There was no real way to get tractor close enough to problem to clear it, just plain old back breaking work and aid from portable ATV winch to get out to where I couild use chains and tractor... ......

 

[tree farmer]

I've had reasonable success with a set of log tongs hanging from a chain on the loader bucket or on the mini ex. Usually if you pull a few key pieces from a logjam, the rest will break loose and flow downstream. Just be careful, or you may be going downstream as well......Dan.

 

[davedj1]

Log tongs and a cable or chain, hook tongs, drag to shore, repeat till done

 

[ns_in_tex]

We have a creek that runs through our property. To access the backside we had to build a bridge about 30 foot long to get across. Recent rains have caused a log jam at the bridge support pilings. Has anyone built an attachment that either will go on your bucket or if you’ve taken the bucket off and built some thing to fit where the bucket would attach to the front loader. I’ve used a winch to pull out some of the debris but I’m thinking that there may be a method to use the front loader with some sort of rake attachment to pull that debris out discussion and pictures would be appreciated. I have a Kabota MX 5400. thank you

We built, what we call a beaver rake, to clean out the creeks or ponds

with. Can be mounted on the end of forks, 5' extensions, 10' extensions, or both is 15' extensions. Will reach over 20' from front wheels.

 

[Aggie66]

You’re going to want a pike pole, whether you have a loader attachment or not.

Could you explain a pike pole. I’m not familiar with that. Thanks photo or web reference would be helpful

 

[WranglerX]

Pike Pole...

pike pole - Google Search

www.google.com

 

[jyoutz]

The safest method is to connect a choker to the outside or upper log and pull it out by attaching to your drawbar. Repeat until the jam is gone.

3/8" LIGHT DUTY Cat Choker w/ Eye

3/8" LIGHT DUTY Cat Choker w/ Eye | Buy Logging Supplies Online | Lifting.com

www.westechrigging.com

 

[coldsteelva]

Thinking outside the box here...Can you burn them? Use a propane torch/weed dragon to ignite them (NO ACCELERANTS!)? The fire will weaken/collapse the jam.

 

[davedj1]

I built a larger version of this to remove a beaver dam one time, toss it over the dam, hook the winch to it and winch it in, repeat. The one I built was about 36" across, made with 1" pipe

 

[jonsstihl]

I think it might be hard to burn a log jam in a flooded creek but after the waters recede maybe. might be hard to keep it from burning the bridge at the same time.

a mini ex with a thumb would be just the ticket. we all need excuses for more toys.

 

[redman135]

Use a digger with a thumb. The size of the logs will dictate the digger size. What weight is the bridge rated for? Maybe hire a "Long Reach" (16 metre) digger.

 

[bcp]

Even the big guys just use what they have on hand.

Bruce

 

[nyone]

Why not just cut the logs? Smaller logs float away easier. If you want to keep them on the property cut them and burn them.

 

[mikester]

Use a digger with a thumb. The size of the logs will dictate the digger size. What weight is the bridge rated for? Maybe hire a "Long Reach" (16 metre) digger.

Rent a Mini-X with a grapple and rotator for handling logs. Thumb only works well when logs are perpendicular to the boom.