Best option for moving logs

[Mark.B]

I have a New Holland TC24DA with 12LA loader and need to lift logs from an old log cabin. I only need to lift them a few feet off the ground to get from point A to point B. Would anyone have any recommendations as to the best method to lift them? Loader forks or use a strap around the bucket then around the log?

Are the bolt on bucket forks any good? Trying not to spend alot and the entire pallet fork set up that replaces the bucket is pretty expensive.

The logs weigh about 600# apiece, I have woods tiller that I was going to hook up as a counter balance if I use the loader.

Does anyone know an easy way to tell if your rear wheels are filled? I bought this tractor used and can't tell. The owner wasn't sure but someone told me if the tractor and loader were purchased as a package deal the odds were that the dealer filled the tires at original purchase?????

Thanks

 

[Egon]

I have some bolt on forks for little Kubota B7100 that are made from truck springs. They seem to work well for me. The bucket bottom is reinforced where they bolt on.

In the picture they are being used to spade a garden.

For the tires get the valve stem on the bottom and let out some air. That should tell you if there is fluid in the tire.

 

[TheKid]

"Does anyone know an easy way to tell if your rear wheels are filled?"

Just move the tractor until the valve stem points down and give a quick push on the valve.

 

[TomOfTarsus]

I take it dragging them is not an option (like, tearing up your lawn, & such)? I always like keeping big chucks of mass down low, epecially if there is much of a grade or bumps involved.

And, welcome to you! There's a lot of good folk here.

 

[Mark.B]

Thank you for the welcome, It's nice to have this much information on so many topics so quickly available.

Yeah, dragging is not an option due to the lawn and possible damage to the logs. Whatever option I choose I'll be sure to keep it low to the ground, good thing is the site is pretty level with minimal bumps.

Thanks

 

[jbrumberg]

Mark.B:

Welcome to TBN ! I can not help you with experience with forks, but whatever method you use please keep your load low, everything as level as possible, and go slow. Jay

 

[Lou_B]

A dedicated pallet fork setup where you remove the bucket and install the fork frame is by far the best solution. The forks will handle heavy and long longs with ease. They make loading, unloading and handling heavy loads very easy.

I use that setup much more often than I imagined. Sort of like a backhoe attachment where you find many uses for it. I tried a borrowed set of bucket forks for a short while but found that the dedicated forks are far easier to use and can handle much heavier loads.

A counterweight is required when you are using the forks (or any forks for that matter). A weight box is another handy tractor accessory. Fill it with rocks when you need the weight. Use the box for transporting stuff when it is empty.

Lou Braun

 

[ChuckinNH]

Here is something that a member made up that looks like it would work for you.

 

[Shmudda]

I personally would use log tongs........

You can find them in Northern Tools for about 40 bucks.

Craig

 

[rdbrumfield]

tongs really are the solution, use a pair of them, one off each side of the loader. that way when you carry them you don't have to worry about balance so much. They are very handy to have around. One thing about them, I have used one set for over 40 yrs, and they are still just fine. you will never have to buy a new set if you don't over stress them.

 

[TomOfTarsus]

I gotta find out about these tongs. And maybe, since I'm so close by, I'll someday get to meet the 1971 Westmoreland County Whack-a-Mole champ!

Anybody that puts that in their signature (and moves logs with their tractor) has to be a man after my own heart...

 

[flINTLOCK]

If you have the $$, a clamshell type grapple would be the ticket, IMHO. Can pick logs right off the wall. Put them where you want.

 

[daTeacha]

I move a lot of them with an Add-A-Grapple on my bucket. The tongs will be cheaper by far. If you use chains, ropes, etc. keep them snubbed tight so the logs don't swing. You might be amazed at how much momentum a swinging log can have. I think if I was using tongs I would find a way to mount them to the top corners of the bucket. Then I would dump the bucket as far forward as possible to pick the log up, followed by curling it back so the log is resting on the bucket and not swinging around. Then lower it as far as you can before moving out.

 

[mjfox6]

I loaded approximately 50 logs on a flat bed truck and trailer with the bucket and two choker chains. My bucket has two chain hooks on the outside edges that I hooked the chains to, then just rolled the bucket, pulling the log up onto the lip of the bucket. Worked great.

I have clamp on bucket forks now, can't wait to try them.

Using logging tongs will damage the logs, I wouldn't use them for logs I was using on a log cabin. You might have to wrap them with something if you are going to use chains or anything else to protect them.

 

[witterbound]

Seems to be the "best way" depends on a lot of other factors. If all you're going to need forks for is this project, then you probably don't need them. Just use the straps or chains on your bucket. If you want the fastest way to do it, and have the money, then forks sound like the way to go.

 

[IslandTractor]

A grapple would be faster and safer than forks. If you don't have hydraulics (rear remote) then you could use the Westendorf mechanical grapple which is ideal for moving logs. Cost is under $1000.

 

[Shmudda]

I gotta find out about these tongs. And maybe, since I'm so close by, I'll someday get to meet the 1971 Westmoreland County Whack-a-Mole champ!

Anybody that puts that in their signature (and moves logs with their tractor) has to be a man after my own heart...

Tom,

I do a lot of things with my tractor...... I really hate moles and ground hogs. Can tell you for a fact that a backhoe is really the best tool for removal of these critters.......

Whack-a-mole champion.....yep thats ME!

Craig

 

[GaryCrowell]

I use my bucket curled all the way back with a log chain running from side to side over the lip of it, that leaves an end of the chain hanging down off of each side of the bucket. Drop the bucket all the way down on top of the log then hook the chains around the log, keeping them short, and lift. I don't like the idea of using forks for long logs without some sort of grapple with it, a long log is going to slide all over the place on forks. Chain hooks are good for this also if you have them, but I've gotten by just fine without them by hooking the chain with the bucket lip. You really need to do this with chains, they offer a lot more control than picking them up with forks, plus it's a lot cheaper to buy a log chain than a set of forks. Put an implement like a bush hog on the back of your tractor to counterbalance the weight up front.

 

[Mark.B]

Tried the log chain around the curled bucket and it worked like a charm. Gave me a lot of control of the log. Harbor Freight had the 15' log chain on sale for $24.00.

Thanks for all the help!!

 

[jbrumberg]

Mark.B:

Good work ! Use your equipment safely and well. Jay