Skidding winch-- to skid, or not to skid?

[plowhog]

The consensus about how to clean up 6-8 acres of downed logs and debris was a 50+hp tractor, grapple, and skidding winch. (Assuming a tractor, not a telehandler!) I am looking at a Kubota Grand L6060 cab tractor, grapple, and Wallenstein skidding winch. Grab the debris with the grapple and move it to a burn pile. Use the winch for the big stuff.

I have some resistance about buying the skidding winch. This is mostly because I have never used one and am unsure of its capabilities, but also because I would probably rarely use it after this one time cleanup was complete. And, it seems labor intensive to constantly be off the tractor pulling out cable and hooking onto logs to skid. I also have a Massey GC1710 SCUT with a backhoe and mechanical thumb. In lieu of skidding logs out, do you think it is feasible that I could use the Massey backhoe to lift one end of a log, cut it in sections, then haul the sections away with the Kubota grapple? Or maybe lift the log using the Massey loader with a chain?

I do have some logs two feet in diameter. Obviously too big for a SCUT. These were decked up by my contractor who felled the diseased trees. But most of the cleanup logs are eight inch diameter on average. They are in a whole tangle of debris that makes up the 6-8 acres. Some logs are smaller, some larger. It seems many were wary of taking a shiny new cab tractor into such a mess, but if I have two tractors to clear some lanes to work with, along with some patience and caution, I'm guessing I could get it done without a winch.

Considering these circumstances, would you spend the $$$ to purchase a skidding winch?

 

[Rustyiron]

I would imagine that in NV, firewood might be scarce (permits on federal land), never been there and my "mental image" may be way off base. There are a lot of wood burners that "scrounge" for any free firewood. They don't expect you to cut it for them, all they want is permission, and here in Maine, if you don't charge them for it, you are not liable in any way for their safety. A quick c/l ad will cost you nothing.

Around here, used winches are pretty scarce. If you have a market there, you could use it for maybe for only a couple hundred bucks lost at re-sale. As for their use and capabilities, You Tube them.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

All I can say is, once I bought my winch, I've used it for a LOT more than skidding logs!

VERY handy to have around!

SR

 

[roadhunter]

Does the terrain prevent you from getting close to the trees you are wanting to drag out?

That is the mein benefit to the skidding winch. If you can get close with the tractor you may be able to get by without the winch.

 

[Citydude]

If the winch isn't a need to have and just a nice to have, then I think you have your answer. Sounds like you can get your tasks done without one. If I remember correctly, the area your cleaning up is relatively flat. I have a winch because of the steep terrain I pull bug killed trees out of as well as clearing out overgrowth.

 

[Grandad4]

I have some resistance about buying the skidding winch. This is mostly because I have never used one and am unsure of its capabilities, but also because I would probably rarely use it after this one time cleanup was complete. And, it seems labor intensive to constantly be off the tractor pulling out cable and hooking onto logs to skid. I also have a Massey GC1710 SCUT with a backhoe and mechanical thumb. In lieu of skidding logs out, do you think it is feasible that I could use the Massey backhoe to lift one end of a log, cut it in sections, then haul the sections away with the Kubota grapple? Or maybe lift the log using the Massey loader with a chain?

I do have some logs two feet in diameter. Obviously too big for a SCUT. These were decked up by my contractor who felled the diseased trees. But most of the cleanup logs are eight inch diameter on average. They are in a whole tangle of debris that makes up the 6-8 acres. Some logs are smaller, some larger. It seems many were wary of taking a shiny new cab tractor into such a mess, but if I have two tractors to clear some lanes to work with, along with some patience and caution, I'm guessing I could get it done without a winch.

Considering these circumstances, would you spend the $$$ to purchase a skidding winch?

I pulled logs out of my woods for several years using chains, a chainsaw and forks on the front of my tractor. Now that's "labor intensive"! Some issues: First, securely picking up logs with the forks was problematic in the woods because of slopes and the need to make a perpendicular approach to the log, which is not always possible. Beyond that, transporting the logs crossways was limited in how much could be carried by the loader and the width of the trail... at my place, that's about 8 feet. That really killed my productivity, since it meant lots bucking and jockeying in the woods followed by lots of trips back and forth to the processing area. A grapple would have been marginally better at handling the material but wouldn't have helped with the width problem or the number of trips needed.

Eventually I got the PTO winch, and it at least tripled my productivity. Since everything was pulled lengthwise behind the tractor, the width problem went away. Even more significantly, entire trees could be removed, often 2, 3 or 4 on each trip, and even with the larger trees, pulling 20 or 30 ft sections was not a big deal. With 260 ft of cable on the winch, the tractor seldom had to go off the trail.

In general, getting your timber up to a flat, open area before breaking it down into smaller lengths is the most efficient approach to processing. You'll consume a lot of time cutting your logs into smaller lengths while they are still in the woods (or former woods!) because your equipment can't maneuver efficiently in close quarters.

Finally, winches hold their value. Bought mine new, used it 5 years and sold it for 80% of original purchase price.

This has been my experience; maybe others will have additional or different thoughts.

One final, final opinion: Keep the SCUT away from the logs. It was never meant to be wrangling heavy stuff like that. The potential for hurting you or the equipment is too great.

 

[MossRoad]

I've been having very good success with logging tongs on a chain hanging on a hitch on my front end loader arms (no bucket). But my machine's a little different. Anyhow, the FEL arms allow me to go fast and pick the logs off the ground so they skid easier. But, I have a little machine and am pulling skinny logs no larger than 14" diameter. But it was CHEAP and quick. Very cost effective since I can drive right up to everything on our land. A winch would be handy for me in few applications, so I can't justify it yet, and it isn't near the top of my tool wish list for the tractor. I would like a winch on my trailer to load logs when the tractor isn't around. That is high up on my wish list.

Anyhow, tongs are something to consider.

Here's a couple videos of mine. For $29.00, its definitely worth attempting. :thumbsup:

Pardon the video quality, its an iPhone and I'm doing all this one-handed. For 10 years, I'd been driving to the log, getting off the machine, slipping a chain around the log, getting back on the machine, dragging it out of the woods to the log landing, getting off the machine, unhooking the chain, stow the chain, get back on the machine..... your knees ache after 4 hours of that. Now, I don't get off the machine ever, never, ever!

 

[MossRoad]

Second video...

 

[jeff9366]

For less than $50 you can buy 20' X 5/16" of Grade 70 transport chain at Home Depot or Lowe's. This is in the HARDWARE/TOWING section, in a bag. Chain will have grab hooks on both ends. Replace one grab hook with a Grade 70 slip hook ((think CINCH)) and you are ready to drag out logs from the center drawbar on your heavy L6060.

Tractors are designed to PULL. With low, low gears, big rear wheels for mechanical advantage and 4-WD you will be able to drag 85% of your tree trunks whole, after limbing them. The heaviest 15% may require limbing then one trunk cut to reduce weight.

Use only Grade 70 chain, which is much stronger than lower grades.
5/16" chain in Grade 70 is amply strong. 3/8" is much heavier/tiring to drag around.

You will want a clevis grab hook attached to the tractor center drawbar for securing the chain "easy on/easy off" on the tractor end.

LINK: CountyLine Drawbar Hook - For Life Out Here

If this $70 investment does not prove efficient, consider buying a logging winch as Plan 'B'.

(( However, you need to consider the fragility of your cab. "With 260 ft of cable on the winch, the tractor seldom had to go off the trail." ))


I am with GRANDAD4: Keep the SCUT away from the logs. It was never meant to wrangle heavy stuff. The potential for hurting you or the equipment is too great.


Tractor in two pictures is a Kubota B3300SU/HST, 1,950 pounds, less than half the weight of an L6060.

 

[motownbrowne]

If you haven't already, look at the Norse brand winches. They're quite a bit cheaper than the main brands. Personally, I'd be lost without my winch, but whether you need one or not is hard to answer.

They don't lose much value, though, that's for sure.