Skidding Logs

bambam31 · Aug 3, 2018

We had some property cleared last year. I need to pull the logs that didn't burn out of the burn pile and move them across the property a few hundred yards. My plan is to use a set of log tongs like the one in the link. Am I on the right track or should I consider a different tool or implement? Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/Timber-Tuff-TMW-02-Swivel-Skidding/dp/B001MWS9Y4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1533329641&sr=8-4&keywords=log+grapple+tongs

North Idaho Wolfman · Aug 3, 2018

I bought that same set 5 years ago...they still sit on the wall with all the paint intact.
That design is a pain to use as any slack happens in the pull chain and they fall off, either at the hooks on the log or at the hook for the chain.

You far better off just wrapping a chain around the log and dragging it.
Or way way better idea... it's a excellent excuse to get a grapple!

Once you go grapple you'll never go back!

bcp · Aug 3, 2018

I usually use a chain for just one log or two, as it is always with me.

I have similar tongs that are really useful when there are more logs. It hangs on the top hook of the quick hitch, or on the rear of my rear blade. Then I can hook up a log without getting off the tractor, and usually drop it, too.

No chains to go slack and let it fall off.

Bruce

twomany · Aug 3, 2018

I'm with Bruce

I have a similar set (Tractor Supply sells them)

They never go on the end of a length of chain. A few links from the lift point only. The tongs are used to lift the log first, then haul it.
You must be careful turning corners so as not to reef on the tongs too much though. Those pincers will go deep and be hard to get out.

edritchey · Aug 4, 2018

These aren't cheap but they work pretty good and it keeps the end of the log off the ground which helps a lot when dragging over rough terrain.

HERE IS A LINK

skeets · Aug 4, 2018

Way back in the day an old fella way down the road skidded out logs with his truck. he had an old car hood blew a hole in the front and ran the chain through it and chained to the log ... when he pulled away the log slid on to the hood and the hood slid over the ground and wouldnt hang up on ruts and such. I have seen things made like that on line
Here is one
https://youtu.be/fr6BezPxuYI?t=5

edritchey · Aug 4, 2018

WOW Log Toboggans Awesome idea!

skeets said:
Way back in the day an old fella way down the road skidded out logs with his truck. he had an old car hood blew a hole in the front and ran the chain through it and chained to the log ... when he pulled away the log slid on to the hood and the hood slid over the ground and wouldnt hang up on ruts and such. I have seen things made like that on line
Here is one
https://youtu.be/fr6BezPxuYI?t=5

SRG · Aug 4, 2018

Use a chain and tie a Timber Hitch around the log....

Tongs are for picking vertical. They can be used to drag things but they are not ideal, it will be a hassle, unless you can lift the log with the tongs.

427cjackson · Aug 4, 2018

I use my forks that have a clevis hook mounted to the backstop and a chain with a slip hook on the other. I can easily move the logs around to stack the butts (3 or 4) and then wrap the chain around them. Then drag all the logs to the same spot...use the forks to stack them...sometime lift a few out of the dirt so I'm not bending over so much...then start cutting.

bambam31 · Aug 4, 2018

As always, thanks for the replies.

North Idaho Wolfman · Aug 4, 2018

SRG said:
Use a chain and tie a Timber Hitch around the log....

Tongs are for picking vertical. They can be used to drag things but they are not ideal, it will be a hassle, unless you can lift the log with the tongs.

Link no worky!

SRG · Aug 4, 2018

North Idaho Wolfman said:
Link no worky!

Weird, it shows up embedded in my end.

How to tie a timber hitch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtJZgBduGg0

Probably one of the simplest choking type knots, there is.

Tim Horton · Aug 5, 2018

I've skidded a fair amount of timber with my compact tractor.
Some of this timber has been as much as 75-80cm in diameter. Easily weighing as much as the tractor.

What worked best for me was to use two chains. One to pull with on the draw bar of the tractor. The other to lift one end using a trailer mover adapter on the 3pt and a chain at the top link end of the adapter.

Seems you can pull so much more weight with the front end of the log even just a little off the ground. Again pulling with the draw bar, lifting with the 3pt.

Believe me you do NOT want to take a chance of doing a wheelie pulling from high up on the 3pt lift.

The skidding was on an established trail, reasonably flat with no big pot holes or tight turns or other obsticles to handle. I was using 4 wheel drive, low range, and loaded turf tires with no issues.

One problem with this is dirt in the tree bark. I use an old chain saw bar and chains that are on there last resharpen to cut dirty wood like this. It is worth taking the time to change bars and chains depending if you are felling, trimming limbs, bucking clean wood, or dirty wood. I always seem to have a number of old chains on there last use. This small bit of extra time to change parts saves money on equipment.

North Idaho Wolfman · Aug 5, 2018

SRG said:
Weird, it shows up embedded in my end.

How to tie a timber hitch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtJZgBduGg0

Probably one of the simplest choking type knots, there is.

It always will because it's in your cache memory.

SRG · Aug 5, 2018

North Idaho Wolfman said:
It always will because it's in your cache memory.

Of course. Derp. haha

Does OTT have Youtube code enabled? I did it just like i would on any other message forum.

North Idaho Wolfman · Aug 5, 2018

SRG said:
Of course. Derp. haha

Does OTT have Youtube code enabled? I did it just like i would on any other message forum.

Nadda, there really isn't much of that fancy stuff going on here!

JackJ · Aug 6, 2018

Tim Horton said:
What worked best for me was to use two chains. One to pull with on the draw bar of the tractor. The other to lift one end using a trailer mover adapter on the 3pt and a chain at the top link end of the adapter.

{...}

Believe me you do NOT want to take a chance of doing a wheelie pulling from high up on the 3pt lift.

Can you explain a little more how this works? I agree that it's best to get the front of the log off the ground, and I too use a 3ph trailer mover to do this. Not only does it keep the wood cleaner, but makes it less likely to catch on a rock, stump, etc., increasing the safety while, as you say, decreasing the resistance.

But once it's lifted, how is that chain to the top of the trailer mover not the primary pull point? I.e., how do you keep the chain to the drawbar doing the work?

I'm probably missing something obvious here, but I just can't see it.

twomany · Aug 6, 2018

JackJ said:
Can you explain a little more how this works? I agree that it's best to get the front of the log off the ground, and I too use a 3ph trailer mover to do this. Not only does it keep the wood cleaner, but makes it less likely to catch on a rock, stump, etc., increasing the safety while, as you say, decreasing the resistance.

But once it's lifted, how is that chain to the top of the trailer mover not the primary pull point? I.e., how do you keep the chain to the drawbar doing the work?

I'm probably missing something obvious here, but I just can't see it.

The chain to the top carrying the log weight will swing in an arc.
The chain attached to a drawbar (not the 3pt spreader bar) is short enough to snub the arc of the lifting chain.

To be the safest, the draw bar should be below the rear axle height, and the longer the better. Think of it as a wheelie bar if the front does lift. ;-)

Tim Horton · Aug 6, 2018

JackJ said:
Can you explain a little more how this works? I agree that it's best to get the front of the log off the ground, and I too use a 3ph trailer mover to do this. Not only does it keep the wood cleaner, but makes it less likely to catch on a rock, stump, etc., increasing the safety while, as you say, decreasing the resistance.

But once it's lifted, how is that chain to the top of the trailer mover not the primary pull point? I.e., how do you keep the chain to the drawbar doing the work?

I'm probably missing something obvious here, but I just can't see it.

CCCCCC

It takes a bit of extra time many times, but worth the trouble. Put a chain on the log near the end, raise the log enough with the 3pt hitch to fit another chain behind the lift chain, lower down on the log or on the bottom of the log. Let the log down. Attach 2nd chain to the draw bar, take out slack, then raise the 3pt. A little raise is better than none, but it doesn't have to be as high as the 3pt will go. That way the draw bar is doing the majority of the pulling in the lowest line possible.

Yes. The 3pt (ark) can in effect raise the point you are pulling from a bit higher than not lifting the log end. Usually it is not enough to make a substantial change in the angle of the hook up.

Your experience may be different.

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Skidding Logs

bambam31

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North Idaho Wolfman

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bcp

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twomany

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edritchey

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skeets

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edritchey

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SRG

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bambam31

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North Idaho Wolfman

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Tim Horton

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