Looking for input on buying Farmi or Uniforest winch.

[Deerherd]

I have been looking for a used winch to no avail and have decided to go new. (Trees are coming down already)

I looked at the Farmi JL61 and it seems like a nice winch. Talking with the distributer folks, due to the height of my PTO they recommended that size unit.

They also said even though the next lower unit was rated for a 40-60 hp tractor, it would work fine on my larger tractor on flat ground. (77 PTO HP) But the angle of the PTO shaft could be problematic when winching uphill and since I live on a slope don't want to have problems.

I'm fortunate that both the Farmi and Uniforest Distributers are in driving distance and tomorrow I am looking at the Uniforest at Hud-Son. The model they recommend is the 65H or 65M.

The Farmi is on a boat and should arrive in 4-5 weeks and the Uniforest is in stock.

Spec wise the the Uniforest pulls 14,300 lbs and comes with 220' of 1/2 inch cable, the Farmi pulls 13,488 and comes with 165' of 9/16 inch cable. I do like the longer cable on the Uniforest, both would pull plenty.

Price wise the Uniforest 65M lists for $6995 and the 65H is $8995. The Farmi is the same retail price as the 65H and adding the hydraulics and remote for that one runs another $4200. (Not going to do that!!)

Does anyone have any experience with the Uniforest 65? I know a couple people with Farmi's who really like them and I have read a lot of good about them on here.

Also is getting the hydraulic model and remote (65H) worth the extra cost? Having the ability to walk with the log back to the tractor noting problems seems like it makes sense. When talking to Farmi, they said it was safer to be next to the tractor if the log hung up you would notice before you pulled the tractor over. Anyone with any real life experience using a remote?

I'll post some pictures tomorrow after I visit Uniforest. Thanks in advance!

 

[CalG]

Comments, but only from "shopping".

The Farmi line seems to get the most from the least. That is, the parts count on the entire winch has about the fewest pieces and still provides "all the features".
Simplicity refined to achieve function.

The Fransgard line follows a similar design philosphy, but puts roller bearings at the key points (like the cable drum) The Farmi has replaceable bushings and the Wallenstein has nothing (at least so the comments go)

The Tajfun and the Uniforest have LOT"S of parts. <Lots of features too, like multi band brakes etc.

Perhaps best termed "sophistication". Might be good, might be more to go wrong.

Fortunately, all the dealers are a good hike from here, or I'm sure one or the other would be loading the back wheels now ;-)

I'm no advocate for electronics in the cold or the woods, but it sound like your application is now, and in familiar territory.

Have fun making your selection!

PS

I'm sure the various design features can differ from model to model withing a particular line. Just a heads up to ask questions if that stuff is important to you.
I like to do my own service, so simplicity is it's own reward.

cheers

 

[Grandad4]

I've had a Uniforest for several years now, although it's a smaller one than you're looking at. Well-made, good working unit, so far has been trouble-free. The longer cable is an advantage at my place. We use one of the Farmi self-releasing snatch-blocks that has been very handy for snaking logs through the woods. Have also been considering a logging cone to allow logs to slide by stumps, etc. instead of getting hung up.

For us, those things seem to be more useful than remotes for the winch itself, but every situation is different so you'll need to decide for yourself. What the Farmi folks said is true, though. When you're near the tractor, it's really obvious when a log gets hung up, and you don't need to be walking beside the log to notice. You want to set up your pulls so the winch is pulling as near to straight back from the tractor as possible. It's when you pull to port or starboard that you increase the risk of tipping the tractor.

 

[Deerherd]

Thanks for the replies. Went to Hud-Sons today and looked at the Uniforest. Terrible place to go for an attachment junky as myself. Now I want a firewood processor, portable saw mill and a really neat swivel Uniforest grapple that fits the 3 pt and front Quick attach to start!

The skidding winch looked great. Comparing the 65M and 65H I really liked the H version. The Manual version was nice but the ropes to engage/disengage the clutch looked a little hokey compared to the hydraulic version controls.

The hydraulic version comes with the wired control and a wireless remote. There was a plug in the back of the unit that the hand control plugs into or if you want to use the wireless you plug that in. I took a picture of the wireless box on a unit in the showroom, they hadn't installed them on the outside units yet.

For power there was a 7 prong plug that goes into the back of the tractor, so that was pretty slick. Also there was a chainsaw scabbard on one side and a place to hold an ax/pick on the other. All in all I was pretty impressed and I think a 65H is in my near future!

 

[Gordon Gould]

I am not familiar with the uniforest hydraulic winch. So my comment may well be off base but here goes.
I have been looking at hydraulic winches to put on my small dozer. From my research it seems most (not all) are very very slow. It all depends on the hydraulic flow and pressure you have available from your tractor. My suggestion to you is to make sure you understand exactly how your tractor and winch system will work.

Look up the formula for converting hydraulic flow and pressure to hp. Calculate it for your tractor, you may be surprised. My 75 hp dozer has a 13.5 gal/min flow at 2000 psi. That will only produce 17 hp when driving a hydraulic motor. Not much drive for a winch. No wonder they are geared down so much and are so slow. And I would need to run WOT to get the 17. At half throttle it is only 8.5 hp.

Just make sure you understand so you aren't disappointed. If you have very high flow and good pressure like a skidsteer you might be OK.

Again this warning may not be warrented.

 

[Deerherd]

The hydraulic aspect of the winch only deals with the clutch, it's powered by the PTO.

 

[Gordon Gould]

The hydraulic aspect of the winch only deals with the clutch, it's powered by the PTO.

Oh - Thanks. I did not understand that.

Is the hydraulic clutch full on/off with no feathering?? With a manual clutch you can have just enough clutch pressure to move the log w/o slipping the clutch. That way you go into a snag and stop softly and feel what is happening rather than jamming it to a hard stop and making it harder to free and giving your tractor a sharp tug. Just something to consider.

I have to say that at times a remote would be handy and save a lot of walking especially if you winch with a long line often. When I first started using my winch I didn't really appreciate how important the initial set up was, ( which trees to cut when, which direction to fall them, where to use snatch blocks, the value of a releasing snatch block, etc ). A good set up and some experience in knowing what to look for allows you to avoid troubles that would make you walk back with your peavy and free a stuck log or roll it into a better path. So, I think, after some experience the usefulnes of a remote for those things is far diminished. Still nice to have though. I think I would use it more to improve my view rather than following the log and guiding it with a peavy along the way.

 

[Deerherd]

Gordon thanks for your reply and since this will be my first time owning a skidding winch I really appreciate the help. I don't want to over spend but I also don't want to not get the right winch trying to save a little money either.

I was unaware of the feathering aspect, I was under the impression the clutch was engaged or not. The Salesperson showed me both styles and said he sold more of the manual type over the hydraulic, but mainly based on cost. He also said that he sold the hydraulic units to places where there would be more than one operator, less chance of burning out the clutch.

I pulled the ropes on a manual winch to engage/disengage the clutch, but not on a running unit. I can see how you could feather/slip the clutch but have no idea how abruptly the hydraulic unit engages. The salesperson did mention about "bumping" the control on the hydraulic unit but I wasn't paying too close attention at the time, I was enamored by all the shiny paint! I will talk to him on Monday.

I guess I was thinking that the hydraulic version with hard wired control would be more "user friendly" and the remote was a "bonus feature" that may be nice to have at certain times.

Thanks again for your time.

 

[UpNorth1]

I have been looking for one as well. Don't forget to check out Tajfun, Norse and Fransgard winches:
Fransgard:
Woodhouse Fransgard Winch
Tajfun:
Tajfun Logging Winches
Norse:
Norse Skidding Winch
Norse 3 Point Hitch Winches

 

[Deerherd]

I have been looking for one as well. Don't forget to check out Tajfun, Norse and Fransgard winches:
Fransgard:
Woodhouse Fransgard Winch
Tajfun:
Tajfun Logging Winches
Norse:
Norse Skidding Winch
Norse 3 Point Hitch Winches

Thanks for the links and confusing me further! :laughing:

Part of the problem I'm having is finding people that own these things for advice. The second aspect is other than a importer/distributer nobody carries them in stock. Farmi won't have any in the country in the size I need for 4-5 weeks and there has been an "update" to the new version in that it uses bands. The regional rep said he wasn't sure if he liked this update and I'm so clueless I don't even know what "bands" he's talking about!

I have been unable to find the "Five winch shootout" article where somebody compares Farmi, Uniforest, Fransgard, Tajfun and Norse skidding winches. The pluses and minuses of each and oh yeah, the benefits of hydraulic versus manual winches in the size I want to buy. Can somebody point me to that article?!

And my local "dealers" are more than willing to order up what I want but I know more than they do, which isn't very much. And no, they don 't actually stock anything to gaze at prior to purchase.

I think I'm going with the Uniforest because I have been to the Importer and they seemed like they were knowledgeable, they have them in stock and a full array of parts, should I need them.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Thanks for the links and confusing me further! :laughing:

Part of the problem I'm having is finding people that own these things for advice. The second aspect is other than a importer/distributer nobody carries them in stock. Farmi won't have any in the country in the size I need for 4-5 weeks and there has been an "update" to the new version in that it uses bands. The regional rep said he wasn't sure if he liked this update and I'm so clueless I don't even know what "bands" he's talking about!

I have been unable to find the "Five winch shootout" article where somebody compares Farmi, Uniforest, Fransgard, Tajfun and Norse skidding winches. The pluses and minuses of each and oh yeah, the benefits of hydraulic versus manual winches in the size I want to buy. Can somebody point me to that article?!

I think I'm going with the Uniforest because I have been to the Importer and they seemed like they were knowledgeable, they have them in stock and a full array of parts, should I need them.

You may be worrying to much. I can understand though. They are expensive and they are not a commonly used impliment like a box blade. While there are some minor differences a "shootout article" would be very boring because all the standard units are all so similar in functionality and quality.

You can rest assured that all of the major winch manufacturers make a product that is well up to the task at hand and they will all last a long long time. They are very simple brute force devices. I have had mine for 15 years. It has outlasted the dealer I bought it from and never had a problem. And I use it a lot.

I would especially not worry about a Farmi design change. Farmi has a very long track record of setting the standard for winch quality.

I would welcome you or anyone else interested to come try mine. I am in the St. Johnsbury, VT area.

 

[CalG]

Gordon, Have you any thoughts on the band brakes fitted to the uni Forest?

Lots of additional parts compared to a pawl.

 

[motownbrowne]

How do you adjust the clutch on the hydraulic unit? The manual clutch on my farmi is super simple. I ask because you're using a winch with a lot of pull likely enough pull to move your tractor pretty easily. If that clutch is set to slip at the wrong tension, things could get ugly fast.

I think the bands you're talking about is the braking system. Band brakes are considered an advantage, but as pointed out, are more complicated. If I were you, and about to drop that kinda cash, I'd be pretty insistent on running both kinds the dealer has, manual and hydraulic. Personally, I think manual works great for me, and it's super simple to work on and understand. If you're using it a lot, and doing lots of long pulls, and not afraid of the electronics, hydraulic might be better, but I'd want to be sure before I bought it

Good luck.

 

[UpNorth1]

Yeah, I don't think you are going to find a lot of differences, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them really...Here's some reading from the forestry forum on this: http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=70820.0
The hinged butt plate on the Norse is one feature I don't think any others have. If I ever have the extra $ for one of these it will probably be the Norse simply because Labonville's is the closest to me compared to other dealers...

 

[Gordon Gould]

Gordon, Have you any thoughts on the band brakes fitted to the uni Forest?

Lots of additional parts compared to a pawl.

I am not familiar with how they did it so I can't say much. If it is just on/off like the pawl brake it might be a little more positive than the pawl brake when there is no load on the cable. The pawl can unlatch when there is no tension on the cable. The pawl needs tension to lock in. The pawl is fine with some tension on the cable. The anti lash-back friction brake will hold the cable from playing out on it's own if the pawl comes unlatched with a free cable. But if they made the band brake so that you can control the let down of a load with variable braking action that would be a definite plus in my mind. It would make things like loading a trailer with a boom pole much safer and easier.

There must be a reason they changed to the band brake. I you find out what it is let us know.

 

[GMIslander]

TR80H | Les distributions Payeur
In Quebec right next to VT and NH

 

[exiled cheesehead]

Hi Deerherd.

I don't see in the above thread if you bought a winch or not? I can tell you that if you get the Uniforest 65H, you won't be disappointed. I have had one for a number of years and it is a very low maintenance piece of equipment and as one of my relatives said "when it pulls, the whole woods appears to be moved". It is a beast for pulling trees. Most of the time I pull trees of all sizes just with my 91 hp JD idling very quietly. I have not come across a tree of any size on our farm that it wouldn't get out of the woods. You definitely want to go with the hydraulic option. I have the tethered hydraulic (no remote) and it is great to run from the tractor seat or just off to the side. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[1026mrg]

Thanks for the links and confusing me further! :laughing:

Part of the problem I'm having is finding people that own these things for advice. The second aspect is other than a importer/distributer nobody carries them in stock. Farmi won't have any in the country in the size I need for 4-5 weeks and there has been an "update" to the new version in that it uses bands. The regional rep said he wasn't sure if he liked this update and I'm so clueless I don't even know what "bands" he's talking about!

I have been unable to find the "Five winch shootout" article where somebody compares Farmi, Uniforest, Fransgard, Tajfun and Norse skidding winches. The pluses and minuses of each and oh yeah, the benefits of hydraulic versus manual winches in the size I want to buy. Can somebody point me to that article?!

And my local "dealers" are more than willing to order up what I want but I know more than they do, which isn't very much. And no, they don 't actually stock anything to gaze at prior to purchase.

I think I'm going with the Uniforest because I have been to the Importer and they seemed like they were knowledgeable, they have them in stock and a full array of parts, should I need them.

It may be worth checking out Wallenstein as well. Good winches. Made just north in Canada. There is at least one dealer in the 315 area code, likely more. Even if they have to have one shipped in, will likely be shorter from Canada than across the pond.

We have an FX90. Has done great for us so far... just over 4 years old. If I am not mistaken the Wallensteins may be less expensive than some of the others. Pretty sure that they are less $$ than the Uniforest. At the same time, they are very solid units.

 

[Coyote machine]

I have an Igland model #4001, made in Norway. It is an AWESOME winch, and with a clamshell snatch-block will pull 8000#s. No hydraulics, no remote; though one is available.
The line cord to set the brake and activate the clutch is easy to use and one can apply the amount of pressure needed on the clutch very easily. I usually work with a man to hook up multiple logs at once and I operate the winch from near the tractor. I use my winch a lot, and it has performed flawlessly. I also have one of their log grapples and it amazing too. With the two of them I can move any tree on planet Earth!
I bought both here in VT. Here's Igland's site:Igland AS