Best Log Skidding solution

[missesalot]

I've read a ton of threads here and elsewhere for skidding logs out of the woods with a tractor. I have a 45hp New holland. The options seem to range from expensive attachments to a harbor freight quick hitch. I want this to work well, and be safe, but i am not skidding large logs, or large amounts of logs. Is there any consensus of the "best" way to do this with a machine of this size and relatively low volume of work to do.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

A skidding winch is the BEST way, everything else just "wishes" it was a skidding winch and doesn't work as well as a skidding winch!

SR

 

[bcp]

How far are you skidding them? Can you drive your tractor to the log?

Bruce

 

[atsah]

I pulled out a lot of firewood with this, if you don't need to pull a lot of wood I built this for half nothing.. Anything with a grab hook for a chain and steel going down the middle to stop the log from hitting you're tractor.

 

[arrow]

The best way? As stated, a skidding winch. The low volume way you speak of can be accomplished readily with a simple chain grab hook on the draw bar as long as you can back to the log. I attached a 3/8" grab hook and pull with 1/4" chain. This way I can hook up a couple of logs on the same grab hook. Fred Flintstone for sure but still effective.

In areas where I could not back to the stem, I attached a 30' 1/4" cable to get the stem to a spot where I could back to it. Been doing it this way for 40 years for 5-6 cords per year.

Do I wish for a winch? You bet but 35 years ago I had a chance to buy a new one for $1875. I had too many expenses at the time to get it but my friend did buy it. Fast forward 32 years and that very same winch was being sold for $1850. I still didn't buy it because I don't now how many years I want to keep doing this.

You can blow up a couple of these photos by double clicking to see the hook on the draw bar more clearly.

 

[atsah]

I like this..

 

[jaxs]

I've handled several powerline poles and 24" walnut logs with drawbar or gin pole.

 

[WranglerX]

IF you can backup to logs something like this may be a solution....

Or something along the lines as ...

If you have to drag logs out to where you can easier access them with tractor, one of theses may be helpful.....

Winch skidding cone for logs | Dendrotik

Dale

 

[EddieWalker]

For years, I just wrapped a chain around them and pulled them that way. For really heavy logs, that's how I still do it. But since getting a grapple, that's how I do almost all of them now. Just cut them to length, then pick them up and carry them to where you want them. Most of the time, I don't have to even cut them, it just depends what I have to get through to get them where I want them.

 

[missesalot]

Atsah, what is that?