Dragging Logs on Slopes

EastTexFrank · Aug 23, 2003

I don't post very often as I can usually find the answers to my questions on this board somewhere. You guys are a mine of useful information and opinions but now I have a problem and I need your help.
I had a dead 60' pine tree that came down in a gully and it is lying accross the slope. It's pretty steep but I can get to it with my little B2400. My question is , "What is the best and safest way to cut it up and drag it out of there?". Is it best to cut it into managable lengths, chain it to the drawbar and drag it up the slope driving forwards (I have to go up the slope - no other way out) or attach it to the FEL and drag it up the slope backwards or cut it into 4' pieces and load it in the bucket to go up the slope. You can tell that the steepness of that slope has me worried. I can't tell you how steep it actually is because my tiltmenter hasn't arrived yet but it's right at my pucker threashold.
Any help or advice you can give would be appreciated because it has to come out of there.

RoyJackson · Aug 23, 2003

Just an opinion here...OK?

I'd cut it into 10' lengths, then drag upslope attached to your loader hooks. The end of the tree should be carried slightly off the ground with your bucket supporting it while you're backing up. Of course, this would allow you to drop your bucket should you start sliding back down.

The weight of the 10' lengths shouldn't be enough to pull you down slope if things go awry (depending on the diameter, of course).

If you have enough chain or rope, you could rig it so your tractor stays at the top of the slope (on level ground). I doubt if this is the case, otherwise you wouldn't be asking the question.

Strongly urge you to have another person with you and clear of the operation, just in case you have a problem that requires emergency assistance. Cell phone would be nice too, if the signal is strong enough where you're at.

Make sure you stay upslope when your cutting that tree into lengths!

DKinWA · Aug 23, 2003

Another option would be to leave the tractor on top of the hill and use some long cable to pull the tree up the hill. Just cut the tree into small manageble pieces and yard away. Around here, 3/8" cable is easy to get and it's usually several hundred feet long. If this isn't an option, I'd just cut it up and throw it in the bucket and drive forward up the hill. Just keep the bucket low and don't get in a hurry.

herbenus · Aug 25, 2003

Or cut it up, pile it up, and burn it right there. I figure you thought of this, but just in case. I have a favorite burn place I try to always use, but sometimes it's just not worth it.

MossRoad · Aug 25, 2003

It seems that if you attach it to your FEL and back up the hill, you could put enough down pressure on the unit to cause the rear tires to lift off the ground. Then you have no brakes /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

<font color="blue"> You can tell that the steepness of that slope has me worried. I can't tell you how steep it actually is because my tiltmenter hasn't arrived yet but it's right at my pucker threashold.
</font>

The thing your brain is telling you is it is not safe. Good Brain /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cut it up into pieces that you feel comfortable with and can easily manage.

EastTexFrank · Aug 25, 2003

Once again I've got to thank you guys. The mention of a long length of cable reminded me that I had a 250' roll of new 1/2" rope somewhere. I don't know why I didn't think of it. I hunted around for it and also found 2 snatch blocks. I rigged the snatch blocks up to a tree almost at the brow of the hill. I got the log cut up 10' lengths. Thanks for the advice about cutting it on the high side. I probably would have figured it out after the first one rolled back over me. I ran the rope and chain back up the hill, through the snatch blocks and on to the drawbar. I had my wife drive off slowly on the tractor across reasonably level ground while I guided the log up the hill, communicating on 2-way radios, until it was where I could comfortably handle it and drag it to the burning pit. It worked great. It took all day but we made it. I was happy because I didn't have to run the tractor all the way down into the gully and I got that tree out of there. My wife was happy because she got to drive my "toy" and she always says I don't ask for her help enough with stuff like this. All in all, it was hard work but a very enjoyable and gratifying day for both of us. We had fun doing it.
Thanks again for the help and advice.

rdbrumfield · Aug 29, 2003

dragging anything uphill backwards on a hillside with a frontend loader is begging to be taken to the emergency ward at the local hospital or to the slab at the coroners office. Cut it into manageable pieces that can be handled easily. If you pull regularly, I would recommend a winch. I built one for mine that works well. Nice to be able to sit still when pulling until the load is safe to travel with.