Skidding winch

[carlhwv]

Looking at winches and weighing out the cost/benefits of manual versus hydrolic. I have the steeps slopes of a hollow and large +24" hardwoods. Leaning toward a Mahindra 6530, 65/57 hp, with EA grapple. Looking at the Hudson 55 series winch. Comments?

 

[dickfoster]

I suppose you're using the winch to access the hollow as it's too steep for the tractor to negotiate. Can't imagine trying to hand winch very many 24" logs. I thought most 3pt skidding winches were PTO driven.

 

[Rustyiron]

If you can afford it, go hyd. This usually gives the operator remote control well away from the tractor. This would be very handy while limbing/topping and allow you to limb a little, then drag the log without a bunch of trips back to the tractor. Cut & drag, cut & drag…. keeping you out of all those limbs & mess, prolly adding a little safety factor, and spreading it out on the forest floor rather than a big pile in one spot.
Tajfun makes a hyd winch also. Winches Tajfun

 

[Greenland South]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/340891-skidding-winches.html

Lots of info here. A winch will make you happy.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

There is NO way I'd trade my pto winch for a hydraulic model...NO way NO how...

I've used them both and like the pto winch much better...

I had wireless available for my pto winch when I bought it, I didn't think that option was worth what it cost, and I used the money saved, to buy a bigger winch... Now THAT was money well spent!

SR

 

[BIKER BOB]

I bought a PTO driven Igland winch for my tractor (Mahindra 3215), it has to be the best attachment so far!!

 

[carlhwv]

There is NO way I'd trade my pto winch for a hydraulic model...NO way NO how...

I've used them both and like the pto winch much better...

I had wireless available for my pto winch when I bought it, I didn't think that option was worth what it cost, and I used the money saved, to buy a bigger winch... Now THAT was money well spent!

SR

Trying to size it right. Guess as big as I can go makes sense. Been watching YouTube videos and I like the Uniforest. The 85 looks like a beast....much more than I need. I'm thinking the 55 is right sized...the 65 would be max. Both are rated over 12k. I'm guessing thanks plenty of power.