60hp tractor, skidding winch, and inexperienced owner. What could possibly go wrong?

[plowhog]

I'm expecting to soon purchase a 60hp tractor and skidding winch. Some basic research shows using a tractor for logging activity is very dangerous work. I'd like to learn more of the risks?

So far, I've read about skidding cables snapping, short logs being dragged behind a tractor hitting a stump then going end-over-end into a tractor, logs being dragged downhil turning into missiles that exceeds the tractor's braking capability, having a tire hit a hidden rock that flips the tractor, and more. Plus of course the usual problems of maybe tipping over from side slope or something as simple as getting your hand pinched.

I have no experience with skidding and logging work. My only tractor experience is owning a SCUT for a year, doing loader work and mowing. I keep people away when mowing and keep the bucket low to the ground when loaded. I do have a good background with safely operating mechanical items and machinery-- I am a commercial pilot with a multi-engine and seaplane rating, and have flown small aircraft over several decades to most of the states in the USA with no incident. In lots of different weather and terrain.

I'm hesitant a bit about taking on a high risk activity. But not yet dissuaded from venturing into this. I need the work to be done, whether me or another, as it helps reduce some tree disease from spreading. Fortunately the log mess I need to clean up is relatively flat, with good access from the periphery. And the route to a wide, flat area I would drag logs to is just a very gentle downslope with little or no side-to-side slope.

What other risks do you know of or have you encountered?

 

[Citydude]

60hp tractor, skidding winch, and inexperienced owner. What could possibly go...

Make sure you read the owners manual for the skidding winch you purchase. Most of the hazards you mentioned are explained in it along with others.

Skidding winches pull logs at a pretty good clip. I usually run my tractor at an idle while winching and even at idle, the logs come to you rather fast. Be prepared for the logs to snag on something from time so watch the logs and not the winch.

Also, it is hard physical work which tires you out. I have learned to stop for the day when I get physically tired. Fatigue leads to loss of focus. I've fallen down, walked the winch line down to a logs without chokers, left chokers behind and left my chainsaw in the forest, all due to fatigue.

Your off to a good start recognizing that it can be a hazardous job.

 

[motownbrowne]

In no particular order, here's some thoughts.

Make sure your tires are loaded. Heck, even add some wheel weights if you can stomach the price. Also, make sure that they are set to their absolute widest position.

My Kubota, which is similar in size to the 6060 feels much more stable in the logging configuration (all winter) than in the summer vegetable growing configuration which requires a narrower wheel spacing. Honestly it's night and day. If I didn't need the narrow setup for veggies, I'd set them wide and leave them there.

Citydude is right about the speed, I run my tractor around 1400 RPM for most winching tasks. Don't worry about slipping the clutch on the winch to slow things down, especially while learning; they're meant to take abuse.

I'll disagree about watching the log. I watch the tractor, with the occasional glance at the log. The tractor will tell you what's happening. It's heavy and expensive, and could possibly roll over and kill you. That's why I watch it. As long as the cable is still coming in, everything is alright with the log. When the tractor starts to strain, i want to know right away, and be ready to release the clutch rope.

Start with small loads both for winching in, and for driving out with. The tractor is relatively stable with the winch down and the brake set (assuming you're not on a hill, or winching off to the side). Once you lift the three point with your logs attached to the winch, your center of gravity goes up, and rollover becomes more likely. Put out in low range and go slow. Only lift the winch enough for the logs to clear the ground by a safe margin. Most times there's no need to lift the winch all the way.

Again, go slow. Be aware of what you're driving over. Tractors can be damaged by debris on the forest floor.

On uneven terrain, keep an eye on the front wheels. They pivot up and down. If one goes way up or down, your rear tires, which are solidly fixed to your frame and your load, are about to do the same thing.

When driving out with a load on the winch, keep a hand on the three point control. Don't use cruise control. Be ready to stop, and or drop your load at a moment's notice.

Keep the loader low to the ground. If you've got a heavy load on the winch, put weight on the bucket. I like to cut some smaller diameter firewood logs and stack them on my forks for the drive out. Two birds with one stone.

 

[bcp]

Be very careful to not anger the current residents.



:laughing:

Bruce

 

[Citydude]

Good catch motownbrone. Thanks for that correction. Yes, watch the winch and not the log while winching. As you can see fatigue has got me again.

 

[Citydude]

Be very careful to not anger the current residents.

View attachment 487046

:laughing:

Bruce

You mean this one?

 

[roadhunter]

IMO tractors are most vulnerable trying to turn while pulling a load, especially in uneven terrain. The large rear tires make the center of gravity higher so keeping the pulling points as low as possible will help prevent issues.

Also several recent threads about guys puncturing oil filters driving over stuff. Be careful as there is little protection for the underside, engine, or operator.

 

[CADplans]

I have a 60HP tractor with 4WD,,, loaded rear tires.

On a slope, it will slip sideways in a heartbeat.

Even without a log attached, (I have 35 acres of mature timber, but have not considered harvesting),
way less slope is required for the tractor to go sideways in the woods.,,, dropped leaves/branches will act like marbles.

I have way over 1/4 mile of trail I maintain with the tractor.
There is little I will do on sloped leaf covered terrain.

 

[holeycow]

Your chainsaw work will be far more dangerous than the entire rest of the program. Get a good one and learn how to use it.

Use good rigging in good condition.

Get a log arch for the long skids back to the yard.

 

[arrow]

At first it seems daunting but as in all things, moderation is key. Start out with small logs skidded short distances. Make straight pulls and as your talents and confidence grow, you can get into snatch blocks and angulated pulls. Create small hitches at first. A 60 hp tractor can pull quite a bit. Simply do nothing reactive power wise as in "all of a sudden" and you'll be fine. Have been skidding logs with small tractors for 38 years and without the benefits of a winch. Have hitched to the 3 point and lifted log tips off the ground. Contrary to popular belief, a smooth application of power has lent to safe and sane logging without incident.