3 Point Log Skidder

[Ken45101]

Apparently you guys are fortunate enough to be able to get right to the logs? In my hilly terrain, I can't do that so I need a winch to get the logs close. I had an old box blade that I mounted a HF winch to. It's slow, but it does retrieve the off-trail logs. I added several grab hooks on the box blade for actual pulling, and a chain box for storage. I can drop the box blade to help hold the tractor when pulling.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I built a box like this. All removable without using tools. I have a winch so chains go on that. You could make a slotted bar to hold chains like on the winch.

 

[luvmexfood]

I pull with a boompole attached but not with it. Use the pole to lift one end of log up when I get to the trailer and winch it on. When pulling I take chain from log, over the lower hitch point of the boom pole where the three point hitch pins are, around a pin in the drawbar, back over the other side of the upright and hook to the chain. That way when you are pulling with the boompole lowered all the weight is on the drawbar. Then, if needed, you can raise the boompole slightly and it will put a little weight on it and give better traction. Depending on the size of the log you can sometimes raise it enough to prevent it plowing in. Just don't raise it too much if going up a hill.

 

[Gordon Gould]

So, I'm gonna set this up and use for a while and see how it goes; dimensions TBD.

I'll post what dimensions I come-up with.

The draw-bar is the lower left; I'll use HD clevises for the links, the boom will float on the spacer-bar, perhaps 2 hooks to hold the chokers at the end of the boom.

View attachment 355086

I'll also collect materials for the initial drawing and also add a trailer-receiver.

Thanks for the great discussions.

That looks good. Your double clevis joint is a good idea to make it simple and try it out. I wonder if it will be to losey-goosey for a long term solution.
Make sure you keep us posted.

 

[8N Ren]

Check this out for some ideas.

OMNI Mfg LLC

 

[Xfaxman]

Check this out for some ideas.

OMNI Mfg LLC

I can say they are well built. I have the Transformer Hitch.



And the Carry All.

 

[amigauser]

And another option.
Norwood Log Hog Log Skidder Tractor Attachment, Model# 41255 Log Hog | Log Skidding| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[PatMcD]

Here's one I made. very similar to the OP's design. I opted for log tongs and a couple of grab hooks for chokers, but basically the same. Works great!

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

Here is a combination receiver hitch/short boom poll that I have used to skid logs with...
I use it for a multi purpose tool platform....

I lift the log with the 3pt, short boom.... But pull with a second chain on the draw bar...
To pull from 3pt is too high compared to the center height of the rear axle....

Keep safe...
===

 

[Tkblacktail]

Thanks for all the pictures and help,

I got a large portion of my project done today using some shop-floor materials and my original spacer-bar n pins. I didn't have any 2X2 tubing for the mast that will most likely have a short boom. Looking at welding the mast on top of the spacer-bar and running it up under the horizontal tab below the connecting link; then gusset a boom outwards.

I bought the hitch receiver in town for $11.

I found some nice 3 point hitches on-line for $70-$300, but I wanted to make this myself.

I'm always looking for ways to stay upright when working so being able to detach the chokers at waist-level would be great.

View attachment 355503View attachment 355502

The last bit of decision-making is to use a 36" floating boom that attaches to the draw-bar, floats on the spacer-bar, and passes through the base of the mast; we shall see if I can find a 3" "I" beam or rectangle.

 

[plumbstraight]

I think I put this up before, but will again because it truly works great. With the boom pivoting across the top of the frame and works as the top link it can lower to the ground and when lifted it gets right up there. I can use tongs or the winch in the frame with the small pulley you see here.

the larger unit is hyd and the smaller rig is electric, but without the boom. Both have easy hitches for trailers and chain hooks on the main frames.

 

[Kioti Tom]

You could check out these plans being sold on ebay.
Plans to Build A Log Arch Log Skidder for Small Tractor ATV | eBay

 

[Tkblacktail]

You could check out these plans being sold on ebay.
Plans to Build A Log Arch Log Skidder for Small Tractor ATV | eBay

10-4,

Log skidding arch is a great way to go; I have one I made for the ATV. It worked really well up to 24" diameter logs. The one thing that makes an arch "second" to a farmi-type winch or "high-lead" cable is the difficulty backing up to a log on the slopes. The small arch I made was light-enough for me to detach it and walk cross-hill or down-hill to a log for the hook-ups.

Log arches have few limitations; Dozers use them

https://www.google.com/search?q=doz...yD4u_sQTl-ILwBw&ved=0CCoQsAQ&biw=1067&bih=457


and even steam donkeys that dragged them-self through the woods from pad to pad.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ste...DHpHKsQTtwICYCg&ved=0CDUQsAQ&biw=1067&bih=457

 

[plumbstraight]

Yes, arches are a good way to go it you can maneuver ok. this is what I came up with. when the winch it pinned to the top of the frame it is stable to winch a log up. When I put the flatbed on the arch frame it becomes a dump trailer.

 

[plumbstraight]

sorry, double posted.

 

[PhysAssist]

You just took the words right off of my keyboard!

Check this out for some ideas.

OMNI Mfg LLC

 

[swick1]

Why are you guys using chains instead of cable chokers?

 

[PhysAssist]

Speaking only for myself, I use a log grapple whenever possible, and a chain choker when that doesn't work out.

I only use cables for winching (and plan to switch to either a strap or more likely blue armor rope on that) or for pulling with sheave block pulleys, when the pull has to be out of line with the load.

While I know that actual forestry and timber crews use cable chokers on their yarders and such, I hate to handle cable that much because of getting poked (even through my leather gloves) by splinters, whiplashed by a broken cable, or having it slip off the end of the log.

Plus I have had the chains and log grapple forever, and nylon tow and lifting straps can be found cheap and used for many other applications, unlike cable chokers, which are essentially single purpose.

Others may have different reasons.

Why are you guys using chains instead of cable chokers?

 

[swick1]

Thanks for the explanation. I must just be watching too much American Loggers.

 

[PapaPerk]

Here's mine! Also serves as my ballast box. Around 550 pounds.