Planters Hairiest thing that's gone wrong 'while using 3pt logging winch

[Hamor]

I'm getting ready to try out my 3pt log winch so I thought maybe I could learn some do's and don'ts from others mishaps while trying not to make too many of my own the first day out.
If you have any good story's about what not to do, or what went wrong while you were using your's it might just save a bad day for someone else. Thanks!

 

[Thomas]

Raise log on 3pt high so end won't catch do damage strikes/catches anything.
Drag log/logs much as possible on flat ground.
Don't over pull.

 

[diesel lover]

Is this hydraulicly powered or gear to gear powered from the PTO? If gear to gear and winch drum turns as soon as the PTO is turned on you need a soft PTO engagement.

 

[cartod]

I don't know what a 3 point logging winch is. I will say though that anytime your lifting and pulling from the 3 point, you run the risk of flipping the tractor over backwards on its axle.

 

[Leejohn]

I don't know what a 3 point logging winch is..

Me eather, maybe it's used to skid the logs up so you can hook on to it or to lift the log off the ground but should pull it from the draw bar.

 

[billdiesel]

Always winch straight behind the tractor. Anything over 20 degrees to either side will roll(tip) your tractor. A self releasing snatchblock comes in handy to re-direct your pulls.
What brand of winch?

 

[Hamor]

Is this hydraulicly powered or gear to gear powered from the PTO? If gear to gear and winch drum turns as soon as the PTO is turned on you need a soft PTO engagement.

My winch is a pto 2ooo Fransguard v2800 but really I just was looking for any advice with either Hyd. or pto driven winches.

 

[brown40]

Put a slip clutch in to protect the driveline... watch where you have you fingers set... don't stand in a straight line with the cable pull direction... if you have a screen/cable snapback guard, keep it in place... grade 70 5/16 chain with a slip hook is easier to store & use than a cable & slide for each log... check cable condition regularly... don't run your bare hand down the wire to check it for burrs & breaks... don't try and "whip" the cable free when it snags... keep pulls straight... the winch is safer & better at pulling than the tractor... be careful winching or towing downhill.

 

[CobyRupert]

Don't forget to put the tractor in park, especially on the snow/ice. Else when you winch and are looking away from the tractor you never see it coming. Don't ask me how I know.
My winch has a lower pulley that takes stress off upper 3pth link and makes pull from below tractors center of gravity where it's more stable. But, if safe I won't use this so that cable pulls from high and helps log butt more easily go over brush and stumps.
As others have said, be very careful when pulling at any angle so you don't pull over tractor.
Sometimes to unlock holding latch when logs are pulling on cable I have to engage winch to take stress off latch while reaching to release locking latch at the same time. Probably the most dangerous move as PTO shaft is spinning, watch fingers and loose clothing.

 

[Tor Arne]

Make it a habit to lower the the winch so the blade rests on the ground if the winch is equipped with one when winching. Then you will move the center of gravity so the tractor is more stable and the blade will take much of the load of the parking brake. Is the winch is made so you can operate the winch with rope on the clutch lever? If you can so sit in the seat or stand so that the mesh on the winch protect you.