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

[adventure bob]

Does anyone on here live next to the OP? If so do you have a logging setup? Maybe a beer or two form the OP could convince a regional local to show up the first time he start logging? I'm finding that several members on here are close to me. I certainly would show up and lend a hand if I were in his vicinity for a cold adult beverage. I think the online community should extend to the real world.

 

[CobyRupert]

Rule #1: You may think you know all the dangers to watch for, but Mother Nature is way more creative than you and can smack you with ways you haven't even thought of.

The remote for the winch seems like a good in concept, but (IMHO) I don't see the extra advantage being greater than the added expense and added complexity (reduced reliability?). The argument for one is it saves you an extra trip walking if the log hangs up on something, but chance are you didn't walk to the log with a peavey/pike or snatch block and anchor chain so what are you going do (i.e. you're making an extra trip anyways).
Granted, if you're choker chain slips off (there a bit of a learning curve if you're using an "open face" grab hook instead of a ring on your chokers), then maybe a remote could be handy. But it seems like a remote creates the opportunity / risk of being too close to a moving log (and its branches). (See Rule #1)

Never heard of the log hitting stump going end over end log danger. Only the: if log but hits stump, tractor can quickly wheelie. There is a similar real danger of using winch to pull on a tree that is hung up on another tree. Winches are the safe way to do this, but their power can lead to unexpected results (i.e. instead of the butt sliding toward the winch as expected, the weight of the tree (or a root/rock, etc) holds the butt into the ground and it becomes the fulcrum for the whole tree to suddenly raises straight up into the air and then the top of the tree falls towards the winch).

I agree with the commenter that says watch the tractor end of the cable and glance at the log end. You'll be able to see if the cable stops quicker and you won't be burning up the winch's clutch as much. If the cable is moving, chances are everything is good at the other end (this also allows you to see that the logs are coming to the tractor and not the tractor going to the logs. (Stand to the side of tractor when operating so you don't get run over by the tire in this case.)

Make your tractor as heavy as possible. Load the tires.

Use caution if not pulling straight on. Most winches could probably overturn your tractor if pulling from an angle and log gets hung up. (Again, another reason to be watching tractor end)

I think my tractor is a bit heavier than the one you're looking at (but maybe not if you have cab). I have a 6500lb rated winch (cranked up a bit more), it does 98% of what I need it to do, but I wish it was next size bigger.

 

[arizona98tj]

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.

Roadhunter.....a very good point. The first modification I did on my tractor after getting it was to fabricate a skid for it. I had one brief excursion into the woods prior to my skid plate install and it was like a branch magnet underneath the tractor. Wood products were trying to remove oil lines, hoses, etc. Not cool at all on a hydrostatic drive tractor. More info about my DIY tractor skid plate on my web site.

 

[Rustyiron]

Gordon & Arrow hold a seniority position here on this topic I believe, and all I can add is take your saw and tractor/winch as seriously as any plane your flying. Your concerns are valid, listen & learn from them as you go and you'll be fine.:thumbsup:

 

[gwstang]

Harbor freight has those types of remote operated winches now. Good price too. One thing that I didn't see anyone mention is to throw an old blanket or moving pad or such over the cable before you start pulling a log. This absorbs the tension if the cable breaks and it won't wind up cutting off a much needed body part....like maybe a head.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Harbor freight has those types of remote operated winches now.

Have you looked at the duty cycle on those things?? Pack your lunch, and your supper too! lol

SR

 

[DieselBound]

I don't have the mileage that others here have, but I do have a bit of time skidding logs and wood. I'm a big fan of looking to cut a problem down to size- I don't hesitate to use my saw to make logs/trunks smaller. My property is basically flat, so not issues navigating slopes.

You'll likely be fine as it sounds like you have a pretty good grasp of physics. Always go slow: even if experienced, it's a good idea to abide by this when dealing with substantial forces (and that you will at some point find that you're working past when you should have quit!). Any concerns with snapping cables should be addressed [beforehand] by fortifying the back of your tractor (behind the operating station)!

 

[motownbrowne]

I don't have the mileage that others here have, but I do have a bit of time skidding logs and wood. I'm a big fan of looking to cut a problem down to size- I don't hesitate to use my saw to make logs/trunks smaller. My property is basically flat, so not issues navigating slopes.

You'll likely be fine as it sounds like you have a pretty good grasp of physics. Always go slow: even if experienced, it's a good idea to abide by this when dealing with substantial forces (and that you will at some point find that you're working past when you should have quit!). Any concerns with snapping cables should be addressed [beforehand] by fortifying the back of your tractor (behind the operating station)!

Snapping cables is possible, but generally these winches are A: using wire rope with a WLL over 2x the rated pull, B: operated from a distance of 6-10 feet away from the wire rope and perpendicular to the pull.

If you plan to use the winch from the driver's seat, though, a protective screen is 100% mandatory. At least if you want to be safe about it.

 

[gwstang]

Have you looked at the duty cycle on those things?? Pack your lunch, and your supper too! lol

SR

He didn't say he was in a hurry.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Rule #1: You may think you know all the dangers to watch for, but Mother Nature is way more creative than you and can smack you with ways you haven't even thought of.


Never heard of the log hitting stump going end over end log danger. Only the: if log but hits stump, tractor can quickly wheelie.

I was reading a forestry forum thread on winches today and saw the post below. For some reason I remembered the statement Ruby made about somersaulting logs and thought it would be good to show that it really can happen. I am not belittling you Ruby your post was excellent. My point in showing this is the same as your first statement - expect anything - you absolutely do not know what is going to happen. Going slow and paying attention to your total surroundings will keep you safer.

From the ff:

Sawyerf250 thought I should mention that for me one of the biggest dangers with the tractor occured when winching in through under growth. Was doing some trials for a buddy at Ferric. The chockers being tried were half cable half chain. A tree fetched up on a stump and stood up and came forward on the tractor. Without a cab or roll bar it would have left a mark. Last saw the chocker in flight and heading southwest. :-X

stay safe.

gg