skidding logs

[Jrasband]

I really like Boom Poles, you can move a pretty big log and only have the the back tip of it on the ground. There is only two things you have to watch out for but not really on flat ground lol.

Don't lift your 3 pt all the way up when skidding unless you are not driving. If the log starts coming at you drop the load on the ground.

 

[Quebecguy]

If you only have a few logs to do on a flat surface, can't you just chain one end of the log to the bucket and back the tractor out?

 

[square1]

Thats what your PTO shaft is for. Log Stopper.

The drawbar works nicely

 

[2manyrocks]

Drawbar would be the lowest center of gravity, but you can't raise the butt of the log to keep it from digging in unlike the rear 3pt. Have to be cautious with the 3pt not to get in a situation where the tractor can tip backwards. FEL might get tweaked trying to pull a large log.

Dragging trees out of clearing, best method?

20 years ago, farm was (selectively) timbered. Behind the house, are some old trees with tons of little trees and scrub trees. Looking to clear a section behind the house and take it all down. "Trees" are anywhere from say, 2" diameter to several at 24". I'm debating on getting several burn...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[ericm979]

What would be ideal would be to lift the butt of the log with the 3pt but pull from the drawbar.

 

[Jstpssng]

That seems like it would work well. Both tractors have some weight which will help you stay in control. Start out slow until you learn the limitations of your tractor, and how big of a log you feel comfortable working with.
If you do hit a spot that's dicey you can always drop the load and hook on with a chain. That just will meam more filing when you start cutting them up.

There have been a lot of logs dragged out using a chain and drawbar.

 

[CobyRupert]

It will work.

Remember, once the “pulling point” connection is above the rear axle, the load pulling back wants to lift the front tires and rotate (flip) the tractor around the rear axle.. below the axle you may still get a standing wheelie before forces “equalize” and you can steer with tractor brakes, but you likely won’t flip.

Have weight, or a loaded bucket, on the front of tractor if needed.
It’s a catch22, you want to lift the log so it slides easier, doesn’t hang up on roots and rocks or get muddy and dull chains saws. For sizable logs (compared to tractor), I keep log raised a low as possible to be just enough.

But know: too low and catching the log on a rock or root can cause the front end of tractor VERY quickly. Quicker than many people can react. Many people have been injured when a load hooked high on the tractor comes to a quick stop and front tires do a quick rise.

If would have to be a steep slick hill you’re going down before the log outruns the tractor.., but you can get a “pendulum effect” when the log’s drag friction suddenly decreases and the log/chain suddenly swings from being pulled “up and back”, and goes “down and forward”.

 

[2manyrocks]

What would be ideal would be to lift the butt of the log with the 3pt but pull from the drawbar.

I suppose you could lift with the 3pt, but drop the log onto a sled to pull from the drawbar. Some guys used to use car hoods to skid things around. Not sure if the current car hoods would stand up very long to that use. Or look for a good sized piece of steel plate you could weld a lip on so it doesn't dig into the dirt. Or take a 55 gallon plastic drum and reshape it into a logging cone.

 

[WranglerX]

On could put a section of pipe or steel bar across lower hooks on 3PH to keep log away for rear of tractor IF that is a worry........

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

If you drag a log down a hill, what are the odds that it will try to buck up against the back of your tractor with nothing to stop it? I only mention this because the tractor tree winches seem to be designed so that the butt of the log is secured against the winch for towing.

We haul ours on the cable. Drop them, drive forward, then winch back to the tractor. Logs don't slide by themselves.