Which boom pole for L2800?

[familyman]

There have been several occasions where I have had to skid trees across a property and cut them up, and in the past I've simply used chain . My friend has the opportunity to clear a fair number of big (60-80') trees off someones yard and I'd like to use my tractor to help (and obtain alot of free firewood in the process). I've seen posts from members using a boom pole for this purpose, and would like to get some recommendations. I prefer to buy better quality/heavier built attachments.

 

[Soundguy]

The size of your tractor will likely be the limiting factor.. not the boom pole. I have a cheap 49$ TSC boom pole.. A the end of it I could make a 33hp diesel front end come up if I had enough load weight... even thought the pole was rated for 1000# only..

Soundguy

 

[familyman]

The one TSC lists now is more expensive and only rated for 500lbs. I'll have to find another.

 

[Soundguy]

You do realize that you can always lift from the mid point.. some have a hook mid way up for just that..

Be carefull skidding logs... SCUT and UT weren't specifically designed for that.. keep your whits about you.

Soundguy

 

[familyman]

I've never used a boom pole before, thanks for the info about the mid-point. (Now to find some whits)

 

[mjfox6]

Try these threads:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/96760-tsc-boom-pole.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/98162-logging-tongs.html

I had to cut out a little firewood when I was skidding to fill up the bucket, that helped keep the front end down. I still had to use the brakes to steer a couple of times on the side of hills. HST is real nice for skidding, you can just take your foot off the pedal if the front end comes up.

 

[familyman]

Thanks for those. I'm going to look at a Mahindra pole next week, it looks to be more substantial than the TSC unit. That tool could be real handy.

 

[familyman]

Maybe, this boom pole!!

Got it from local fabricator and trailer builder, Ringo Hill Utility Trailers, Farm Equipment, and Truck Bodies.
1,000 lb. version, $99.00. The online catalogue hasn't been updated for prices (this item is listed online for $70, which is no longer correct), but compared to the boom pole at TSC (500 lbs. rated, $150+) this is a real bargain.
I tested it by lifting my 800 lb. boxblade, which was apparently not a challenge.

 

[crbr]

Very nice. Thanks for the pics. I may have to look into this. What do you use as the front ballast?

 

[familyman]

The front-end loader didn't show in the pic, but you bring up a good point. I know I'll need weights in the near future, but haven't looked into it yet.