Pulling a tree with L35

[Telstar2112]

I need to pull a large tree that fell over a stream. I have cut it a bit but there are some areas I can't get to with the chainsaw. I have a 5/16 Grade 70 chain. Where is the best place to attach a chain to an L35 to pull from? It does not have the optional hitch. I would like to know a good place to pull from both with and without the backhoe attached if anyone has any recomendations.

Or is the best bet to buy the optional hitch mount that seems to bolt on underneath somewhere.

Thanks,
Steve.

 

[gwdixon]

On my L48 there is a 3/8" grab hook welded to the back of the bucket. I'd prefer 3/8" grade 70 chain but 5/16" should work if it is not a gigantically large tree (like over 2' in diameter).

My technique is to chain the end of the log with a double wrap and a slide hook. The other end of the chain goes into the grab hook on the bucket of the extended BH boom. Then lift the end of the log to keep it from digging in and slide it up to the backhoe. Then reposition as many times as it takes to get the tree where you want it.

Pulling by the hitch alone leads to the end of the log digging in and progress coming to a halt. I have used a 3 PH on another tractor to chain to and to lift the end of the log. But you have to be able to back right up to the log to make that work.

One last thought. A FEL works the same as the BH but the advantage is that you can lift the end and then just back up in a continuous path until the log is where you want it. There is a lot of weight on the front tires in that situation so don't go too close to the stream or get in a muddy, soft area.

OK, one more last thought. Make one of these.

 

[Grandad4]

I've found you usually have to limb the branches out of a larger tree or they will anchor the trunk and make it very hard to pull. That's a messy and often dangerous job... use caution! With really large trees, you may need to jockey the tree around so you can cut it into sizes that can be pulled to another location. I prefer to cut a large tree into sections that are easier for the tractor to pull... maybe not as macho as pulling one monster log the tractor can barely move, but it's easier and safer.

As for how to pull, for me there's no single best way and a variety of techniques are sometimes used. Prior to getting our logging winch, I'd pull in reverse with the hooks on the FEL... not the best approach because you risk damaging the FEL cylinders if something gets hung up; pulling from the drawbar... see GWDixon's comments above; pulling with a logging clamp from the 3pt... pretty good method; and pulling from the backhoe bucket as also mentioned above. What I didn't like about the backhoe method was that it also put extreme loads on the backhoe cylinders and a really heavy pull could put the front wheels in the air. I wouldn't claim to be any kind of expert, but those are my experiences, whatever they may be worth.

 

[andrehoude123]

I pull from the backhoe and cat walk the trees out put some excitement in your day!! I have and l45 with a hook on the bucket and I sling the tree and either bring it to me with the back hoe or drive it out of the woods

 

[LD1]

Whatever you do, dont chain it to the hoe and then drive. You can easily blow hydraulic lines or bend cylinders. The tractor will have more pulling force by driving, than the hoe does under its own power. So by pulling with it attached to the BH, you are basically reverse-powering the hydraulics with more force than they were designed.

You need to get the optional 3PH if you plan on doing much pulling the the hoe off.

With the hoe on, its hard to say without looking at it. On my fullsized BH, If I want to pull anything, I attach to the out-rigger mount. IT is like 3/4" steel and very solid. I have no issues breaking 3/8" g70 chain if I am not carefull.

So I would say whatever looks solid. Perhaps a picture of where the hoe mounts to the tractor??

 

[Telstar2112]

Chain it to the hoe and drive, is probably what I was going to do. I will find another place to attach the chain. I guess I'll try to find and order the optional hitch that I think bolts up underneath and I may still be able to use it even with the brush hog in place.

 

[LD1]

Chain it to the hoe and drive, is probably what I was going to do.

That is the last thing you want to do.

Even if it is a small tree and no real danger of damaging anything, what happens if you catch another tree, stump, or dig in the ground.

I know most valves have pressure relief to prevent over pressurization and damaging things in such incident, But I highly doubt it will allow enough fluid to relieve if you are moving at any speed at all.

Like snowplow angle cylinders. They have a cross-over relief incase you bump a curb, or push into a snow bank and arent square. BUT.......do it with any speed at all, and pop goes the hose. Seen it several times...

 

[mguitas]

I agree with LD1, the hoe is not for towing.

 

[big bubba]

do you have the hitch underneath the trannie? would be my best bet. i would definitely not pull w/fell or hoe on a tractor that small. or use the 3pt if you can avoid it. if you must use the bucket and have welded hooks, center & equalize the load! but i thought that tractor would have the drawbar (or towbar, whatever) although kubotas are light on their feet, they do bend material under load! i've ruined a 2 bottom plow & a single chisel pt. hanging them up under load w/ my larger rig. best!