Something to lift logs to cut into fire wood

skeets

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OK that didnt come out right, but here is my thought. Yes I use the grapple for lifting logs to cut and that works Ok. However I was thinking , and that is always dangerous , Something for the 3point, something I could roll the log onto, secure it on the tractor end and lift the 3 point, thus I could cut the whole log to size. Think how a hay bale spear looks, that would the the log instead of a steel rod. Im sorry if I am saying it so it cannot be understood. But I dont weld and dont know how to draw it on here so I am at a double loss.
 
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Henro

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When I first read your post, I thought from what you described, you were saying that action was dangerous.

But on the second read, I see that what you were saying was that it’s actually the thinking that is dangerous!

Probably true!

Solution might be to stop thinking! Just advice from a western PA brother! 🤣

Where’s Hagrid when you need him???
 
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GreensvilleJay

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3PH forklift will work.
grab a log
add a strap to secure log on forks
raise to comfortable height
cut left end, right end, repeat until at forks
cut down the middle
try NOT to cut the strap though !

did this with my forklift a lot...
 
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D.jFarm78

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I use the BH with a thumb
Seams t o work good for me
Prior to that it was as said by others forks and a strap
 
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William1

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I use logger tongs, though I have a BH with a hook. It lets me lift logs with minimal tractor positioning and grabbing the log with tongs could not be easier.
 

JimmyJazz

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I have cut a lot of trees into firewood over that last few years with not having any previous experience.I just cut them where they fall. If you keep the chain out of the dirt it works great. I have forks for my Kubota but for the most part with the time spent fiddling with positioning it I find I am better off just attacking the log on the ground. Good luck. Be safe.
 
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chim

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Think I understand, but don't know how much of a log you can hang without lifting the front end of the tractor.
 

SAR Tracker

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Forks would work, keeping the blades relatively close together.
Backhoe with a standard bucket and a thumb would work better.
Backhoe with a mechanical thumb and a BXPanded ripper tooth is what I currently use - works OUTSTANDING!
 

FTG-05

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Why not just use the grapple?







 
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skeets

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Why not just use the grapple?







I'll tell you why,,,,, cause I never thought of doing it that way with the grapple ! Picking them up and cutting yep but then you have a 5 foot hunk that has be cut with out hitting the grapple . I am going to try this and see how many tines I bend up,,, thanks for all the ideas!
 
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D2Cat

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Skeets, you have to think outside the box. Use propane! Much easier on your body, heat easier to regulate.
 
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Gaspasser

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You can build a bucking deck. Plenty of ideas on YouTube. Basically an elevated "table" with only joists" and no flat surface. Think patio deck with no deck boards. Chainsaw cuts into log between spaces in joists. I'm building one now. BH bucket with thumb works great. I am spoiled as I have a mini ex. I use for this. JimmyJazz bucks up on the ground but I find it fatiguing and hard on my knees and back. Plus one hit in dirt or a rock and have to sharpen/change chain. Also, saw binding is an issue. When elevated, there is no binding. Another discovery I made recently.... get a more powerful saw. I got a 90 cc Husqvarna with 24 inch bar. Faster cutting and longer lasting chain saves time and my back. Yes, more expensive but more than makes up for in efficiency. Please let us know how you make out.
 
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Runs With Scissors

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Forks would work, keeping the blades relatively close together.
Backhoe with a standard bucket and a thumb would work better.
Backhoe with a mechanical thumb and a BXPanded ripper tooth is what I currently use - works OUTSTANDING!
I just used #3 as well.

I found using the bucket works, however to get 16 inch cuts, you have to be a little lucky grabbing in the right spot, and cut too close to the bucket.

Using the the ripper tooth and thumb gives you a lot more room to work with and a better chance of getting 16' cuts. (y)
 

Gaspasser

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I just used #3 as well.

I found using the bucket works, however to get 16 inch cuts, you have to be a little lucky grabbing in the right spot, and cut too close to the bucket.

Using the the ripper tooth and thumb gives you a lot more room to work with and a better chance of getting 16' cuts. (y)
Great idea. With the ripper being thin, plenty of room to cut around instead of bucket. You are a genius sir!! I chalk mark my cuts so it us easier to pick up in a convenient spot for cutting.
 

GeoHorn

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I used Pallet Forks to lift the trunk off the ground…cut it with an electric chainsaw powered by a portable generator….

Of course, …Then you need to GET ANOTHER ORANGE THING….to haul the firewood home…..
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mikester

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I've used my grapple and BH thumb. If you are impatient like I am and try cutting up close to the grapple you will also need new chainsaw chains after you accidentally knick the grapple with the saw. Grapple always comes out better off than the saw chain.
 
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skeets

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Good ideas all, Im just trying to keep from bending over as much,, this old body dont bend as well as it once did :)
 
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