Log Skidder

[Anonymous Poster]

Does anyone have any experience with a small tow-behind-tractor log skidder? I have seen ads for one called "SkidMate" by Norwood. It seems like a handy design for pulling out moderate sizewd logs using a tractor or ATV. Do these things work well? Know of any other brands or models which do the same thing?

 

[Boondox]

I used a homemade type on my ATV for a while. Pretty much anything that gets the end off the ground will help you get things going. The problem, especially on slopes, is when the load gets to rolling and it outweighs your conveyance. Tends to want to move/topple the tractor/atv.

Pete

 

[DFB]

Here's a link to that. Skidmate

How about using a boompole on the 3-point. Sort of a poorman's log skidder.

DFB

 

[DVerbarg]

Boom poles are great tools. First implement that I bought years ago with my old 9N. Do many of you have one of these? Now that I have a front loader I don't use it near as often but it is great for reaching into or over something that the loader cannot quite do.

DaveV

 

[Boondox]

Boompole..? Picture, anyone?

Pete

 

[Rowski]

See attachment from DFB in this thread

Derek

 

[DFB]

Here's a closeup of the business end. Eye style grab hooks attached with hammerlocks.

DFB

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I've seen those boom poles but never used one. When using the boom pole for hauling one end of a log, do you have a potential problem with that lifted end of the log swaying side to side, maybe when you make turns? I could see the log maybe swinging to one side, changing the tractor's balance & rolling you. Is that a problem? Or could you somehow use chains or cables to keep it from swaying?

 

[DFB]

Yea, the log can sway side to side using a boompole. I'm sure you could minimize the sway by chaining it. Lots of things factor in like how high you lift it, how much chain lead your using, how long your log is, how many your pulling at once. Really all one needs is to get the front of log up enough to clear any obstructions. Can also make the front end light too. I got to point out the one in the picture has been shortened to bring the load in closer to the tractor. Seen a lot of use too.

BTW. Do you have any prices on the skidmate? Thats sure a good size log that ATV is hitched up to in the ad.

DFB

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I saw it listed in Forestry Suppliers, Inc. (www.forestry-suppliers.com) catalogue for $495 (plus shipping).

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have one of those booms also, but haven't used it to haul logs, might be a good idea to weld on a chain attachment near the front to help keep all four tires at least occasionally on the ground/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Thomas]

DFB,
Maybe you seen them before but I can't recall the name./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
Single axle w/tires and it built like a arch,and in the middle of the arch there a pully in which the winch calbe goes thru {from the tractor or dozer}and one makes the hitch than pulls the tree or trees butt end upon the axle,also I seem the big eye loop instead of the pully where one can us a come along or chain falls.
They were mostly used in small logging operations.

Starting to sprinkle rain over here w/a temp of 31...looks like more ice coming. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[DFB]

Thomas, I know what your talking about. That skidmate being a scaled down version.

Take a look at this photo. Every time my wifes grandfather used come up to the property and see the mountain, he'd always talk about drawing logs down from there with horses years ago.

BTW, raining now but still above freezing./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

DFB

 

[Thomas]

DFB,
I bet that mountain range sure pretty w/the autumn leaves turning.

Like others I enjoy listen for hours of yesterday loggers and farmers when they tell there stories...and now where taking there place.

Looks like you have some fire wood to pick up from the clear cutting,also more area to mowe.

I guess mother nature going to pay us an visit w/a mix bag of weather starting Friday, /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif and I hope they deliver my 7 yards of sand mix w/ gravel today...going to get icy.

Sign of spring around....in Concord,NH a big m/c swap early next month....better check the chairs and couches for coins.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[TexasJeff]

here is a pic of my 25 hp IH tractor with a boom pole. I use it a lot for log handling/skidding the trick is just lift the log high enough to clear the ground tighten the side arm adjustments tight to prevent sway and go slow. But do not forget is is flat swamp land where I live so I have no experience with logging on Hills 35-19499-International254resize.jpg

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by TexasJeff on 02/16/01 09:38 AM (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[markcg2000]

How much weight do you feel safe hanging off the end of that? I like the idea and it is already on my be-on-the-lookout-for list when I go to auctions /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

the picture as a link...

mark

 

[TexasJeff]

the beams for my carport weigh 265 lbs a piece and it comfortably handles them at the tip. At midpoint an empty 250 gal propane tank is too much to steer with but the hydraulics has no problem picking it up. 55 gal drum of diesel at mid point is no problem lifting or steering.

 

[Glenn McBride]

I found that log skidding is also easy with one of those rear mounted scoops. You just back up to the log, sliding the scoop under the end of the log. 3pt lifts the scoop and log making it easy to chain up. It sometimes can be dificult to get a chain around a log on the ground. This solves that problem. These are cheaper than the skidmate price and appear like they would be a lot easier to manuever and otherwise use. Boompoles are even cheaper but it would seem with a big log that the weight can make skidding it a lot trickier.

 

[DFB]

Sounds good using a 3-point scoop as a skid pan. Especially for a big log. Close to the tractor and low center of gravity too. Good reason to consider a scoop. Then you always have it for other jobs too.

I have skidding tongs for those times its a problem getting a chain around a log.

DFB

 

[HR_Mutt]

Great idea using the scoop. I use a drawbar mounted (with clevis hook)between my lower lift arms and let the 3ph do the lifting.Only pick up high enough to clear ground with leading edge of log. Also keep the chain as short as possible for control.