Hill Climbing Primer

[LJH]

I'd go with the snatch block if at all possible, but then, I'm a big sissy. Just be really careful, 'K?

Oh yeah, and get some pictures for us!

 

[SPYDERLK]

The loader will lift a good bit more than its full height capacity. Carrying the load has big advantages with 4wd FEL ... More traction, no work wasted due to friction, very little damage to ground surface. It is the best method if you can go straight up and dont need to lift it much to clear some obstacle. Be sure to use a gear that will pull the hill. An oops need to downshift presents needless risk.

I have carried up slopes as steep as 28 degrees with AG tires and theres no indication of a near limit situation if its good ground. 18 degrees should present no traction problem to any tire as long as its not muddy or marbley. If your brakes are marginal you will need to take special care; beyond the work "package'', factor in the added load of the carry. The brakes on the 12K# Mahindra package become marginal above 20 degrees, so I have some reality on this.
larry

 

[square1]

A good rain yesterday has put conditions back to marginal. That's good, it will give more time to take in the advice here. Thanks, as I said time isn't an issue, I'll add that I don't want my ignorance to become an issue either.

Here's a pic from the Landing across the south end to the other side with a stack of smaller logs in the bottom.



Here's looking from that 1st pile of logs back up to the landing. That's a 36" dia. oak circled right on the edge of the landing.



The entrance into to low area from the top looking down on a 2nd pile of small logs. I'll start with these in small loads and gradually increase the number of logs per load to get a feel for the task.



From the 2nd pile of logs back out the exit opening.



The biggest tree I measured today that will have to come out is 20" DBH x 16' 4" black walnut log @ 700 pounds max. Rechecked the specs on the 770 FEL actually has 1600 lb. break out & 700 lb lift to full height @ pin.

It looks like my equipment is up to the task, so as long as the operator pays attention this should work.

Going to adjust up the brakes before starting just for good measure.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Are the pics labeled correctly? Im having trouble following.
larry

 

[Code54]

Just a thought - after looking at the photos, can you cut the hill down some. Sort of pull some of the top of the hill down and lower the angle. Several spots on our land were similar so I ended up cutting the grade down to make things easier. Or time it made some nice "roads" or easy access points.
Good luck

 

[square1]

Are the pics labeled correctly? Im having trouble following.

I can't figure out how to get rid of the last pic, the tree in the center is the 20" Walnut, but the pic doesn't help show the lay-out of the land.

The entrance to / exit from low area and 2nd log pile in the North East corner are no where near the landing (West side) or the first log pile (South end). Due to the bridge location at the North end (not pictured) it's a long way around to the Landing on the west central side of the valley.

1st pic is looking East South East across the south end of the valley, 2nd pick is looking West out of the bottom at the south end, 3rd is looking SW from the NE corner, 4th is looking NE from the bottom of the valley

Here's a pic from the 1st log pile (South end in valley) out the Entrance / exit point (North East) end of valley.

can you cut the hill down some. Sort of pull some of the top of the hill down and lower the angle.

I had not considered that option, but I will. Biggest concern would be getting equipment heavy enough (I'm thinking even a small dozer probably weights several ton?) to do that work across the old bridge over the creek.

 

[Looking4new]

Can you run your tractor over the bridge? IF yes, then just do the reshaping with the tractor.

 

[Code54]

Can you run your tractor over the bridge? IF yes, then just do the reshaping with the tractor.

Using a box blade (if available) will help a lot if you can drive down the hill and drop the blade at the top. Also you can do a good job with a front bucket with some care. If you can get the tractor over there just give it a shot. Also if the ground is moist (not wet) it seems to make things easier, at least where we live.
Good luck

 

[ovrszd]

I carry heavy loads in my Grapple Bucket in steep timber all the time. Experience yourself slowly, increasing the tasks until you understand the capability of the tractor.


Avoid backing up a hill with a load in the bucket if at all possible for obvious reasons.


It's okay to engage the diff lock when moving. It's not recommended to engage it with one wheel spinning and the other not. You'll learn to think forward and prepare yourself for the task at hand. I only use my diff lock when needed. And that's rare. Actually it will do you little good going straight up a hill.

Avoid dragging the logs if at all possible. You'll really regret that when it comes time to saw them. Dulls the snot outta your chainsaw.

Weather permitting, attack this project. I think you'll be surprised what your tractor can accomplish.

 

[Gordon Gould]

The biggest tree I measured today that will have to come out is 20" DBH x 16' 4" black walnut log @ 700 pounds max. Rechecked the specs on the 770 FEL actually has 1600 lb. break out & 700 lb lift to full height @ pin.

It looks like my equipment is up to the task, so as long as the operator pays attention this should work.

.

I think you might want to recheck the weight of that walnut butt log. I am thinking a 16 foot black walnut log that is green and has an average diameter of 18" will weigh over 1600 lbs. Closer to 1700 probably. Even dry it will be quite a bit over the 700 you are predicting. I have a log weight calculator that I use. It could be wrong but it is usually right on.

Just thought you should check again.