Advice on 2 chores

[TNTractor1]

I have done some searching, but would still like some more advice. I will be doing a couple of tasks with my new 2520. I have A LOT of downed trees and older downed trees (old logs on the ground). I am trying to figure out the best way to move the logs and larger trees. I just need to move them to the back of the property. I figure I will drag the big ones and use the FEL for the smaller ones. Are there any good attachments for the FEL that would help pick up the logs? My second chore will be removing about 1/4 mile of metal fence posts (the kind that hold barbed wire). Looks like they are about 8-10 feet apart and they have no wire... just the posts. Can I safely use the bottom edge of the FEL bucket to snag one of the little notch things on the post and lift them out one by one? (not sure that will work and might bend my bucket lip?) Any other ideas that don't involve me purchasing an expensive attachment? Thanks in advance

 

[kjung17]

You might consider a grapple for your FEL. I recommend pulling posts with the rear hitch. I made a little post puller attachment for the 3 point.

 

[hizoot]

Inexpensive would be to weld a couple of chain hooks to the bucket and use a chain for both the smaller logs and fence posts( called "T posts" around here) ....
not as fast as a grapple on the FEL ....

 

[hanson1999]

agree witht he chain hooks on the bucket...don't worry you won't bend your bucket lip trying that way but id bet you'll never get them out that way.

as for the trees, get pallet forks for loader or a double bale spear setup. you can dive under and pick them up without having to get off and chain them to the bucket.

i even made a grapple for my spear/fork setup. works awesome

 

[TNTractor1]

yeah, I thought about pallet forks. Seems like some sort of tooth bar type attachment for the lower lip of the bucket would work well. Something that attaches like a tooth bar but has longer and slightly curved "teeth" that would allow scooping up under the logs and easier to maneuver than long pallet forks. Is there such a thing?

 

[grsthegreat]

i agree with the welded hooks on the bucket. With them, you wrap a logging chain around the t-post and hook to the chain hooks. a little flip of the bucket, t-post pops out of the ground. no matter how hard the ground is.

i like grapples, but they were still hard to get the logs out of my trail system on my property without hitting other trees. what i ended up doing was buying a Jimna wood chipper ($about $1,400 but you can also rent). this makes short work on anything under 4". it can handle 6" diameter, but i burn that size.

i shred all my brush and downed trees, spread the chips on my paths, and the trail system looks like a park. Old rotten wood still has to be skidded out and burnt. i like to skid with the horses, but skidding with a tractor is faster, but not as much fun.

 

[Runner]

Some type of grapple for the loader would probably be the best choice for picking up and moving logs, but would require some extra hydraulics beyond the standard setup from the factory for the 2520.

I find my pallet forks to be invaluable and have used them to move a lot of rocks, logs lumber and whatever. They are also good for pulling posts, just wrap a chain around the post and over the forks.

 

[Sharp Ranches]

I agree with all advice provided. And for the fence posts, a chain hooked around a FEL pallet fork and then wrapped around the T-post makes pullout easy. If you use pallet forks to move a stack of small tree trunks just remember to move your load in a low travel position at slow speed with your hand on the FEL joystick to avoid or recover from the "thrill" of lifting a rear tire and feeling the tractor begin to tip.

 

[dusty3030]

Hooks on the bucket but for t posts try a yellow tow strap
Hook on each end and make a big u. With the bucket raised pull up to the post till the strap touches and hop down, twirl it around twice and hop back on and pull it out. Tow strap won't slip and grabs on to t posts tight.

 

[logan97]

I agree with all advice provided. And for the fence posts, a chain hooked around a FEL pallet fork and then wrapped around the T-post makes pullout easy. If you use pallet forks to move a stack of small tree trunks just remember to move your load in a low travel position at slow speed with your hand on the FEL joystick to avoid or recover from the "thrill" of lifting a rear tire and feeling the tractor begin to tip.

just purchased some pallet forks, great investment! In the past I have used the fel with hooks time consuming and can be dangerous, also constantly on and off the seat,impair vision. The pallet forks are awesome multi purpose as stated previously. With forks or fel use counter weight, box blade,chipper, ballast box etc... as Dude says keep your hand on the joystick.
BTW rocks bent my bucket,been using the forks for logs and brush,forks are safer and way more efficient.