Moving cut tree branches & logs

[Aggie66]

I have a large oak tree that the wind blew down along our creek. It’s probably 50 ft or so tall and trunk diameter of near 36 inches. I plan on piecing it out with a chain saw and using my MX5400 to drag the cut pieces out. My question is:due to working along the creek bank I’ll have to use chains to drag the cut pieces out. I don’t have front weights so I don’t feel comfortable using the drawbar but I’m not sure how much lifting/pulling I should do with the hooks on my FEL bucket. Anyone who does a bit of “logging” comments appreciated. Thanks

 

[2manyrocks]

I have a MX5200 which will move a surprising amount of log. I think the main issue will be the log sections not getting hung up on something during the pull that could cause any tractor to flip.

One thought that comes to mind is to buy a length of cable, a tree strap, and a couple of pulleys that would enable you to rig a pulley to a nearby tree and use mechanical advantage to lift up and pull the log sections out of the creek if needed?

I would use the drawbar rather than bend the FEL.

 

[thclimer]

100% pull from your drawbar before yanking on it with your FEL.

I don't think you'll need any front weights, but if you think you do just take a scoop of something like dirt or sand to fill your bucket, that will give you plenty of ballast up front.

 

[Chewwy]

Your 3 pt is capable of lifting well over 2000 lbs. If you have a rear blade, you can use chains to then use the 3 pt to lift one end of the cut pieces to facilitate it dragging out.

 

[bdhsfz6]

The FEL's on these CUT tractors are designed to lift & push, not pull. It's fairly easy to bend something while dragging too heavy a load. This is especially true if you pull at an angle.

I'm not sure why you aren't comfortable pulling with the drawbar. That's what it's designed for. If you can't get enough traction, cut the logs into smaller sections.

A grapple on the FEL is ideal for moving logs, limbs & brush if you can rent or borrow one. When lifting with the grapple, the weight of the log acts as ballast and can increase traction.

 

[2manyrocks]

Much of this depends on whether the creek is deep and has steep banks.

I'd be very, very careful about operating near a creek bank that could give way or somehow end up with your tractor tipping over. This is partly why I suggested using a nearby tree as anchor point for a pulley to both lift and pull the tree sections out of the creek using the drawbar. A long enough cable should enable you to operate your tractor a safe distance from the creek bank. Premade cables with hook ends, tree straps and a pulley can be had on Amazon affordably.

 

[JWR]

Like everyone else I say pull using the drawbar in rear. DO NOT HESITATE to use that drawbar. By design the drawbar is BELOW the rear axle level so when you put a lot of force in pulling on the drawbar you are adding weight to the front wheels, not lifting them. You cannot tip the tractor if hooked up like that, as it should be. We can't see your creek bank or details of the pulling situation...just try a few and see how it goes.

 

[big bubba]

agree w/above, draw bar, not 3ph

 

[CalG]

agree w/above, draw bar, not 3ph

Double that! NOT the 3ph tool bar!

The draw bar will actually force the front end down on an over load. (to an extent)

I have land that is a series of terraces.

I also have a 50 foot length of 1/2 inch cable with eyes at each end, a 15 foot cable choker, and about 80 feet of stout chain.

Stay away from any land that can tip the tractor over. Penny wise, pound foolish is not the way to go.

You can always make a couple of extra cuts and a couple of additional pulls.

I run one of these on all my tractors.

 

[Chewwy]

There is always more than one way to skin a cat!

 

[jyoutz]

Buy an actual logging choker cable. Attach to your drawbar (not 3ph), drive forward and skid the log. Your MX will handle it. Choker cables are so nice to work with because they self tighten (choke) the log as you start skidding, then easily release. The bell of the choker easily slips under the log to attach.

1/2" MEDIUM DUTY Cat Choker w/ Eye

1/2" MEDIUM DUTY Cat Choker w/ Eye | Buy Logging Supplies Online | Lifting.com

lifting.com

 

[Aggie66]

Thanks for all the comments. Good ideas. I was concerned that using the FEL would possibly damage something. I was concerned about using the drawbar because years ago (novice tractor operator) I nearly tipped a tractor back while trying to pull out a stuck drilling rig. Thanks again.

 

[thclimer]

Take some pictures of before and after, we always like to see how others are using their tractors to make their lives easier.

 

[D&D]

Buy an actual logging choker cable. Attach to your drawbar (not 3ph), drive forward and skid the log. Your MX will handle it. Choker cables are so nice to work with because they self tighten (choke) the log as you start skidding, then easily release. The bell of the choker easily slips under the log to attach.

1/2" MEDIUM DUTY Cat Choker w/ Eye

1/2" MEDIUM DUTY Cat Choker w/ Eye | Buy Logging Supplies Online | Lifting.com

lifting.com

I dont like using cable. I just added a choker hook to my chain

3/8" Chain Choker Hook

CHAIN CHOKER HOOK 3/8" W/ BOLT

www.riggingwarehouse.com

 

[ArlyA]

I used choker chains with utv's for years. Liked them much and carry one in the 6x6 we have today. Not sure of its weight but might be 5/16 or 3/8 chain. Lighter than most used with tractors or trucks.

 

[bsekf]

We got a set of log tongs and it works fine. Hang in on the middle hook on the bucket and the only trick is getting it centered on the log. Helper can guide the log if it is not perfectly centered. Only hook it on the middle of the bucket! Or you can use pallet forks to carry the log, just don't raise it and roll the log back onto the tractor. Be careful, especially if you have a light weight compact tractor. I hate to drag them and get them covered in mud, dulls the chainsaw.

 

[jyoutz]

I dont like using cable. I just added a choker hook to my chain

3/8" Chain Choker Hook

CHAIN CHOKER HOOK 3/8" W/ BOLT

www.riggingwarehouse.com

Cable is what loggers use.

 

[Tinhack]

Looks like everyone covered the meat of the subject but I'll throw in another suggestion. Just another wood clearing tip: Watch your valve stems!

 

[JeepHead]

I pull some very large trees using the draw bar on my L2502. You will be just fine with your MX, go slow and watch for the end of the log catching on something.

 

[5030]

I have a large oak tree that the wind blew down along our creek. It’s probably 50 ft or so tall and trunk diameter of near 36 inches. I plan on piecing it out with a chain saw and using my MX5400 to drag the cut pieces out. My question is:due to working along the creek bank I’ll have to use chains to drag the cut pieces out. I don’t have front weights so I don’t feel comfortable using the drawbar but I’m not sure how much lifting/pulling I should do with the hooks on my FEL bucket. Anyone who does a bit of “logging” comments appreciated. Thanks

Your drawbar 'pulls' from lower than the centerline of the rear axle so any force exerted on the drawbar equates to a 'downward' force on the front axle of the tractor. Why drawbars are located where they are in relationship to the rear axle.

People that buy a crossbar to attach to the 3 point lower arm balls are pulling ABOVE the centerline of the rear axle and extreme pulls will cause the front axle to come up.

I always pull from the drawbar, always.