3 pt Logging Winch Advice

[sschriber]

I'm shopping for a 3 pt logging winch for my Kioti CK20. Got it narrowed down to three units; here they are with the advantages I see -
Farmi JL 290 - Local dealer, in stock, popular and reliable
Tajfun EGV 30 - Heaviest of the three, high praise in forums I've reviewed
Norse 290 - $500 less than other two, comes with extra sliders.

Also, a screen/guard are standard on the Norse and Tajfun, option on the Farmi.

Any comments are appreciated.

 

[MichaelE]

I've had a Farmi JL 351 P for over 20 yrs now. it has been trouble free. I have only adjusted the drum clutch one time. The cable finally started to fray, so I took it off and reversed it to use the "new" part that had always been in close to the spool. My model came with 175 ft. of cable and you'll find you most often use only the first 50 to 75 ft. I've had mine on a 600 ford and now a 240 Massy-Ferguson, both 35-40 horse power units that weigh approx 4000 lbs. First trick I learned was run the engine slow enough so it would stall if the log (or logs) you were pulling hit an obstruction. All are extremely powerful, and if you have it throttled up a bit, it will pull the front end of your tractor off the ground very quickly. I have'nt priced a winch in a while, but back in the mid 80's one like mine was $1600.
Besides logging, I've pulled a lot of stumps. Any stump bigger than 4" or 5" you need to hook up about 5 feet up the trunk of the tree for leverage, but it will pull it. You probably know, but a snatch block will double your pulling capacity, but cut your reel in speed in half. Hope this helps some. Mike

 

[birdseye]

I just bought a Farmi 351 with my new tractor. Prices have gone up since the 80's. Mine was $2,975 and included three chokers. It's works very well. The dealer advised me to run the tractor at idle when retrieving. It is still plenty fast.

 

[dsgsr]

Have you looked at Fransgard winches, I have the V4000 and like it.
Fransgard Maskinfabrik


David

 

[Boondox]

Every logging winch I've ever seen up close was built like a tank and the controls were all very similar. Assuming maintenance was just as easy on all three (on my Farmi and the Fransgaard I had before the entire clutch assy came out for easy service, though I never had to service either one), it might just come down to the dealer. Spend your $ where you most value the relationship.

Pete

 

[sschriber]

Thanks guys. I'm pondering the weight factor now. I had my tractor out yesterday and noted that I'll be at least transversing a couple of wet areas. Though the heavier units create a better anchor, I'm worried that they may cause me to sink and get hung up.

 

[john_bud]

Hey, if you sink you have a winch to pull you out...

The weight of the winch and tractor is not going to make that much difference over the tractor alone. If it's gooy and soft, you will have trouble. You may want to lay a log road out over the soft areas. Cut tops and branches to about 8' and lay them side by side to spread out the load. If you can top that with a foot of dirt it will help more to even it out. Otherwise, just back across and use the winch if you get stuck.

jb

 

[1bush2hog]

I'm worried that they may cause me to sink and get hung up.


No Problem - All you have to do is release and drop your load before you get to these problem spots, drive your tractor thru the spot and then winch the load back up to your tractor again and keep on going

 

[mwark]

I have the Norse 290 and I'm very happy with it. I got it used (nearly new) for $1800. Man will this thing pull.

 

[John_Mc]

I've been in the market myself for a logging winch, but proabbly won't use it enough to justify the cost. I've been looking at the Farmi 351 to use with my NH TC33D. The Farmi 290 would have plenty of pulling power for this tractor, but I've heard a few complaints about the 290 model ... If I recall correctly, some had concerns about the higher angle on the PTO shaft with these units as compared to the larger Farmi Models (351 and 501). Our local dealer ran in to a few troubles, and has now stopped stocking the 290. He does still stock the 351 and 501. They will still order a 290 if someone wants one, but they lean away from it for someone who will be giving it heavy use.

This is the only place I've heard that concern, so maybe you should take the comments with a grain of salt. Farmi has a great reputation... it just may be worth talking to actual owners of the 290 before purchasing it. Somebody's good experience with a Farmi 351 may not necessarily translate to the Farmi 290.

 

[slowzuki]

I really like the Tajfun units and looked at them really hard but couldn't pass up a good deal on a used but refurbished Farmi 351 without dozer plate.

The clutch on the Tajfun is a better setup than most of the winches.

 

[AndyMA]

The clutch on the Tajfun is a better setup than most of the winches.

What's wrong with the Farmi clutch? I had a 351 and now a 501 with zero clutch trouble. Also doesn't the Farmi have a 5 year clutch warranty.

Andy

 

[RedRocker]

I've lusted for a logging winch for a long time, but finding a used one in Texas is impossible. I can't justify 3K for what I need to do, maybe I'll stumble across one someday.

 

[Youare]

I have a Farmi 3PH winch which I purchased new around 1980. It has seen a lot of use over the years. I have not had to do anything to it but adjust the clutch once or twice and change the cable a couple of times.

At one point I took it apart to check for wear and found nothing worth fixing so I greased it up and put it back together.

I ma sure that the other brands are just as good but I don't have any experience with them. Some of the newer models are hydraulic, mine is PTO shaft driven.

Randy

 

[Glowplug]

Thanks a lot guys!! I began reading this thread in blissful ignorance. I didn't even realize there was a such thing as a logging winch for a tractor. Now, of course, I want one too!! One more item to add to the implement wish list even though it is already filled with many thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

 

[sparkkky]

Have a Tajfun and love it! While looking I liked the weight and features better.

 

[RedRocker]

Anybody heard of I&J mfg. logging winches?

 

[sparkkky]

Sure wouldn't want one without dozier blade.

 

[1948berg]

I think Norse are made in Norway. Over here is Igland the nr 1 name in winches. Igland also makes the Norse(I think)
I have an eight ton, double drum Igland, ever lasting!
Igland AS

 

[Jstpssng]

What's wrong with the Farmi clutch? I had a 351 and now a 501 with zero clutch trouble. Also doesn't the Farmi have a 5 year clutch warranty.

Andy

The Farmi, Norse, and Fransgard have mechanical brakes. The Tajfun has a friction brake, like on the big skidders. I'm not sure why but this is supposed to be safer; in Scandinavian countries (Where they have less timberland per capita, hence more intensive forestry) that is the only style they can sell.

They are all good units, the biggest questions are "How much am I going to be using it?" and, "What am I going to be using it with?" I use an old beat to s*** Fransgard with my little 28 HP 'Bota, since I bought it 4 years ago I've cut about 130 cords of wood; I've also replaced many moving parts along the way. I've spent a lot of time and money getting it to where it works properly, and it's a little too big for my tractor, thus hangs up on uneven ground; I have to be careful, because it'll easily lift the front end off the ground. Yet the way I use it I suspect I'd have torn a little "290" to shreds by now.


P.S. I checked out I&J mfg's website, but couldn't find any data on thier winches.