Norwood Log Hog 3PT Skidder vs boom

[Maynah13]

I'm trying to decide if I can safely skid logs with a boom pole, or should I go the extra $$$ for a 3PT skidder attachment called the Log Hog

Anyone have experience with one of these? I've read some posts where people have used a boom pole without a problem, yet others have warned it might be unsafe, due to the high center of gravity. I only have a little JD 750, so I don't plan on skidding giant sequoias.

Thanks

 

[Ductape]

I'm going to advise against the boom pole. Its length causes it to act as a huge lever, increasing the weight (theoretically) of the logs you are moving, and, as you have stated , raising the center of gravity. Your tractor will be wanting to flip over backwards as it is..... nevermind having the logs hook up higher and farther out off the back of the tractor. The Northern Tool attachment actually looks fairly affordable to me.

 

[Maynah13]

My thoughts exactly. The Norwood unit is about $100 more than a boom pole ($200 more than I could build one for), which is worth the piece of mind, assuming it doesn't have a similar problem.

 

[Bentwrench]

Both of these guys are right. Center of gravity and then pulling makes the boom pole wrong. This unit would work better, always keeping it as low as possible. Somewhere I saw a pull behind 2 wheel cradle for skidding logs with smaller tractors and ATV's. Right now I can't remember where, old age working! But it would always be pulling the load from the drawbar. If I can find it I will post, maybe someone else knows what I'm thinking of.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

A quick hitch makes a pretty good skidding attachment. I use a short chain and attach a set of tongs to the center hook.
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[Window Geek]

Yep. The Harbor freight quick hitch will help keep the log low. Just hang the chain from the top hook for the lifting. Drop a drawbar (or rebar) in the lower hooks to keep the end of the log from bashing your PTO guard.
You can chain to the drawbar for the pulling, thereby reducing your chance of rollover.

God I love this web community!

 

[Maynah13]

A quick hitch? Ya know, it kind of resembles the log hog but a lot cheaper. Good idea worth considering!

With the price of oil, a lot more people are turning to firewood. Unfortunately, this will mean more accidents. I don't plan to be one of them.

 

[Slacker]

Here is my old JD750 set up to skid logs off my lot. Tongs, 2" receiver with D ring and 3pt 2" receiver. Worked well.

 

[Maynah13]

Did you have to add any front weights? Looks pretty efficient.

 

[Slacker]

Did you have to add any front weights? Looks pretty efficient.

My 750 had a front end loader so I didn't add any weights. Mine was 4wd/FWD also, so the front axle added some weight.