Log skidder plate....?

[foggy1111]

I read somewhere...and saw pictures of a "Log Skidder Plate". I would like to find the post so I can make one this winter.

The Plate was a curved piece of steel (maybe 3/8" thick) and about 16" wide by 2 feet long. Attached at the front was a pulling chain....at the back about a 2" x 90 degree lip to bite into the log and chains at either side in the back to grab onto the log. Thus when pulled from the front.....the plate raises the log a few inches to ride over obstructions. Seems like a good low cost plan to me.

I cant remember if it was being used with a cut or a 4 wheeler...but either would work depending on the log size / weight.

Anybody seen a post or an add on what I am describing? Better yet...anyone used one of these?

I would like to get some dimensions and find my curved steel.

 

[F.L. Jennings]

A lot depends on how much you will be using this "bullet nosed plate weldment." If I were going to make one of these I would head for the scrap yard and see if I could find a salvage tank of some dimensions that had been rolled from maybe 1/4" plate. You could cut it up into geometric shapes to make your "log nose." After using it for a while bolster plating can always be added to the original weldment. These are made commercially for sale and I have seen photos on an arborist website.

1. What are you going to be pulling with

2. What is largest diameter or envelope of wood at the forward end of the group of wood being towed.

3. you'll need a chain tie down built in to fix the wood to the nose.

4. A portion of flat on the bottom would be nice to keep the load from rolling over during turns. Some factory models are made of plastic......

Just a few thoughts that come immediately to mind.

You could also consider a log arch or skidding tongs and 3pt. hitch on your tractor.

Personally, I don't like to skid the logs (firewood ) since so much, grit, dirt, sand, pebbles embed into the bark fissures. This makes it awfully tough on the chain saw chain and means more wear/frequent sharpenings. When I had my circle sawmill I had to skid, but now I split the wood where it falls with my backhoe splitter.

This youtube shows a simple sled. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhipAABXR9U

Skidding cone sites; http://www.drpower.com/prdSell.aspx?p1Name=WoodHarvestingTools&Name=SkidCone&BC=0:Home&LinkType=3

http://www.bapequipment.com/large/cone.html




Frank

 

[foggy1111]

The one I saw in a pic somewhere wasn't a bullet shaped design.....rather it was a flat plate that was one dimensionally curved (Think of a 15" wide chair rocker). Thus when pulled from the front it lifted the log (maybe 6 to 8" or so) at the nose end. I will hunt for some scrap...maybe a section of an old wheel with the bead removed...if it would be stout enough.

I am not too interested in the firewood aspect of it, its mostly wind-fallen red pine I need to move....I just want to move em to a burn pile. Mostly some 8 to 14" diameter logs....figure I would skid em with the 4 wheeler...and the bigger ones with the tractor below. Just want something to keep the ends outta the dirt and roots and such.

That first illustration on the you tube video is pretty close to what I have in mind....if it was a bit shorter it may "rock up" a little more when pulling a log. A little change in the geometry would make this lift a bit more.

Thanks...gives me something to go on.

 

[L3650]

Montana Jacks QuadSkidder w/Chain Kit - QS-2000

ATV Log Skidder - Log Skidding Equipment - Log Sled, LLC

Try these.

 

[foggy1111]

Yep...those are the ones I saw. I think I may "borrow" a few ideas from each of these. Now...if I can find a pre-bent plate...all is good. Thanks for the posts.

 

[johnk]

Here is the one you were thinking of..

http://www.montanajacks.com/video/quadskidder_download.zip

 

[L3650]

Something else that works well is a skidding cone. I made one from a 30 gallon barrel.

Find a plastic barrel that has a rounded bottom. The bottom is what you will be using. Cut the barrel in half or less. Then cut a 5 inch hole in the bottom of the barrel. This is where the chain will go.

Hook the chain to the tow vehicle, run chain through the cone, wrap chain around the log, go. Total cost $0.00.

I made one for the hunting cabin. It works great. The Honda 400 ATV can pull really large logs easily.

 

[studor]

And the ever famous redneck solution -- car doors and hoods ( some hoods seem to work the best -- don't ask me how I know)

 

[foggy1111]

Something else that works well is a skidding cone. I made one from a 30 gallon barrel.

Find a plastic barrel that has a rounded bottom. The bottom is what you will be using. Cut the barrel in half or less. Then cut a 5 inch hole in the bottom of the barrel. This is where the chain will go.

Hook the chain to the tow vehicle, run chain through the cone, wrap chain around the log, go. Total cost $0.00.

I made one for the hunting cabin. It works great. The Honda 400 ATV can pull really large logs easily.

Where do you find this kind of barrel? (or...what are they used for?) The hole goes in the center of the bottom with the chain threaded through? Sounds like a good alternative if I can find such a barrel. A pic would be good.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Mornin Foggy,
Her is a couple of pics of one that i used to move a 4x4 chunk of concrete about 3/4 of a mile. Its about 2 ft by 5 ft with two flame cut holes through it for the chain and about 1/4" thk. It works well for what we do with it !


BTW, I meant to add that you obviously would need to make some bends on the front of the plate, possibly some welded tabs to hook your chain to, to be able to hook up to your 3 pt hitch. I have also seen some log grapples advertised that may be of help also !