beenthere
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I-match with logging tongs
- Thread starter beenthere
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Gary_in_Indiana
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Boy could I use those logging tongs...even without an I-match (though I'd love to have one like yours). The combination looks like a really great set-up. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
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beenthere
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em14
Platinum Member
I'm looking for some tongs like yours ... where can I find some good ones ...
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beenthere
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<font color=blue>http://www.baileys-online.com/store/USA.htm<font color=black>
Baileys is one place to get them. I don't have the ones with the grab hook at the top, but just the ring. Also, I don't have the swivel, although that might be good to have. I am careful that I don't hook the tongs up with a twist in it, such as can happen if backing up to the end of a log at a sharp angle. Sometimes I use a chain between the tongs and the 3pt hook to get the log in a better position to use just the tongs.
Forestry Suppliers <font color=blue>http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/<font color=black> is another place, as well as
<font color=blue>Ben Meadows <font color=black>
that you can find the tongs.
Baileys is one place to get them. I don't have the ones with the grab hook at the top, but just the ring. Also, I don't have the swivel, although that might be good to have. I am careful that I don't hook the tongs up with a twist in it, such as can happen if backing up to the end of a log at a sharp angle. Sometimes I use a chain between the tongs and the 3pt hook to get the log in a better position to use just the tongs.
Forestry Suppliers <font color=blue>http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/<font color=black> is another place, as well as
<font color=blue>Ben Meadows <font color=black>
that you can find the tongs.
Gary_in_Indiana
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For the cut and paste challenged, just click <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.baileys-online.com/store/USA.htm>Bailey's</A> or or <A target="_blank" HREF=https://www.benmeadows.com/> Ben Meadows to get to those sites. I hope this helps. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Steven
Gold Member
Here is the link to NORTHERNS page. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&catalogId=4006970&langId=-1&PHOTOS=on&KEYWORDS=skidding+tongs&kw_fmt=skidding+tong>http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&catalogId=4006970&langId=-1&PHOTOS=on&KEYWORDS=skidding+tongs&kw_fmt=skidding+tong</A>
em14
Platinum Member
Thanks ... I'll check them out ... Personally, I want to allow the tongs to be able to rotate some so that the log doesn't try to "twist" the tongs and therefore the tractor ... at lease I think that's what I want ... and I would be happy with chain conecting the tongs to the tractor as you have the tongs ... I have snaked logs with a chain and let them roll around some and it seemed to do just fine ...
BrettW
Platinum Member
OK, sorry for this, but never heard of an I Max. It must be the square attachment with the tongs on it. Used for gaining more lift on the log? Also, any chance of the front end coming up when lifting and pulling big logs like that? I was thinking of doing it backing up so that the front end couldn't come up as I'll generally be pulling my logs up hill. Sound logical? thanks for helping me BEFORE I try it. bw
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beenthere
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The I-match (not I-Max) is the quick hitch (yes, the square attachment on the 3pt) that Deere sells. There are others such as LandPride, that have similar attachments. I used to have just a welded 'arch' with a big hook that I sold when I bought the I-match. The old arch wasn't for quick 'taching 3pt attachments, only logging and occasionally pulling out big trucks that were stuck in my driveway in the winter. The truckers usual comments were of the effect "You are not going to move this truck with that little tractor". They never had to call anyone else for help!
Their is "the possibility" of the front end coming up, but with this log that is attached, and with FEL on, there was not even a hint (when you can't steer the tractor and have to use the individual wheel brakes to steer) of the front end being light. That was coming up a pretty steep slope and with a good size log (elm). If the front end would get light, then lowering the 3pt a bit will take the load off the 3pt and put more weight back on the front end. This has worked very well for me for years, starting with an 8N Ford in the early 60's, to a TO30 Ferguson, a 420U (2cyl) John Deere (none with a FEL), and now my JD 4300.
<font color=blue>
I was thinking of doing it backing up so that the front end couldn't come up as I'll generally be pulling
my logs up hill. Sound logical?<font color=black>
As far as backing up, I would think that would be much more cumbersome, as one would have to steer awkwardly around obstacles with the log weight on the front steering wheels. Also, the FEL arms would be raised (assuming you are talking of hooking the log to the bucket) and instability comes more easily with that situation. If you try it, let us know how it works. I prefer the control I have with the log on the 3pt.
Their is "the possibility" of the front end coming up, but with this log that is attached, and with FEL on, there was not even a hint (when you can't steer the tractor and have to use the individual wheel brakes to steer) of the front end being light. That was coming up a pretty steep slope and with a good size log (elm). If the front end would get light, then lowering the 3pt a bit will take the load off the 3pt and put more weight back on the front end. This has worked very well for me for years, starting with an 8N Ford in the early 60's, to a TO30 Ferguson, a 420U (2cyl) John Deere (none with a FEL), and now my JD 4300.
<font color=blue>
I was thinking of doing it backing up so that the front end couldn't come up as I'll generally be pulling
my logs up hill. Sound logical?<font color=black>
As far as backing up, I would think that would be much more cumbersome, as one would have to steer awkwardly around obstacles with the log weight on the front steering wheels. Also, the FEL arms would be raised (assuming you are talking of hooking the log to the bucket) and instability comes more easily with that situation. If you try it, let us know how it works. I prefer the control I have with the log on the 3pt.
Gary_in_Indiana
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For what it's worth (and I'm guessing not too much, here), I dragged some dead trees in the 30'-40' range out with just a chain attached to my front bumper on my 4200 MFWD. Going in reverse wasn't a problem at all. Neither was steering. In fact, it was actually a little easier to put the load where I wanted it by doing it that way. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
