First thing, from what I understand, the pto output doesn't follow rpm directly, so dropping XX rpms may not drop pto rpms by the same margin. Might want to check the speed of the pto at reduced rpm to be sure of the output speed. Speed indicators for rpm and surface speed really aren't that expensive if you luck into one on the fleabay like I did.
I built a capstan out of 12L14 about 15 years ago, and welded in a piece sectioned from a pto spline so that it would slip right onto the pto output. I can tell you that that was too fast for comfort for raising and lowering a weight used to drive pipe into the ground. (drilling a well) so a reduction is definitely need for your approach. I am not sure that I would tackle things the way your trying to do them. Skidding logs via a capstan will require the use of a rope, and the capstan will burn the rope as it slides around it. Plus wear and tear from the rocks, etc will also take a toll on the life of a rope. With my luck, I would get a few good pulls, then the rope would break and fly right into my ugly mug, giving me a bloody nose.
Have you considered a pto winch from an old military vehicle? I have a Bradenton that has a forward/reverse lever on it sitting out in the garage awaiting a project similar to yours, except for pulling vehicles instead of logs. It has a reduction already built into it, so that limits your need for the gearbox. If spooling the cable out is a problem with one of them, you could always use the drum as a capstan?
I never measured the speed of my capstan at idle speeds, but if it would help, (and I can find the speedometer) I could probably check it on my tractor to give you an idea, but different tractors probably have different output speeds, especially since your rpm at pto speed is a lot higher than mine.
David from jax