Is The 3 Point Hitch *Really Made* For Pulling Trees ?

[TheKubotaKing]

Hi everyone !
Been watching a few YouTube videos where guys are pulling trees with their tractors, using the 3 point hitch ( 3ph)
and it made me start to wonder if this is the best practice... ? I realize the 3 point hitch is used to pull implements all the time, but these would usually be giving little force to the tractor, and were made for the tractor to use. That said, when pulling big logs, that will be creating huge amounts of friction as you pull, would it not be smarter to use the real hitch area on the tractor ? Or am I 100% wrong in my thinking and pulling logs with the 3 point hitch is 100% OK to do ( ? ) Seems to me, there is way less stress on your tractor if you had your chain hooked to the chassis of the tractor vs the 3 point hitch. Looking for your thoughts, opinion and help. Thank you very much ! I really appreciate your time ! ( P.S. - I am interested in the stress being put on the 3 point hitch ), I'm aware that pulling anything with the 3 point hitch that is too high up can be very dangerous, and if you do so, you should have that 3ph very low, so center of gravity is low low low as possible.

 

[Bisleybob]

I don't see skidding logs with the 3ph as a problem, if you stay within the limits of the machine being used. Using the 3ph allows you to lift the leading edge of the log , letting it skid a lot easier. Many impliments will cause much more resistance, ie, subsoiler, middle buster, disc, back blade etc.

 

[i7win7]

A lot less friction when front of log off the ground, look at skidding wenches where they pull 2 or 3 logs at once

 

[GreensvilleJay]

As long as you're within the 'spec' for whatever 'attachment point' of your tractor, you're OK. doesn't matter be it the drawbar or 3 point. This kinda makes reading the owners manual important....as not all tractors are created equal. For pulling very heavy loads , I use my D-14. it's carryall will lift/carry 3,000# easily though I need some front end weight to keep front on the road !)

 

[GeoHorn]

Hi everyone !
Been watching a few YouTube videos where guys are pulling trees with their tractors, using the 3 point hitch ( 3ph)
and it made me start to wonder if this is the best practice... ? I realize the 3 point hitch is used to pull implements all the time, but these would usually be giving little force to the tractor, and were made for the tractor to use. That said, when pulling big logs, that will be creating huge amounts of friction as you pull, would it not be smarter to use the real hitch area on the tractor ? Or am I 100% wrong in my thinking and pulling logs with the 3 point hitch is 100% OK to do ( ? ) Seems to me, there is way less stress on your tractor if you had your chain hooked to the chassis of the tractor vs the 3 point hitch. Looking for your thoughts, opinion and help. Thank you very much ! I really appreciate your time ! ( P.S. - I am interested in the stress being put on the 3 point hitch ), I'm aware that pulling anything with the 3 point hitch that is too high up can be very dangerous, and if you do so, you should have that 3ph very low, so center of gravity is low low low as possible.

Having that 3-pt “very low” will not resolve the roll-over problem because the 3-pt has no DOWN-force. Anything pulling UP (such as jerking a stump) will allow the pull-force to lift the 3-pt to a dangerously high position.

YES.... instead of the 3-pt ... you should use the lower hitch (drawbar) Which will keep the pulling forces low AND also lower the risk to tractor damage.

 

[sdk1968]

if im "skidding".... sure. i'll use the 3 point & get the front of the log off teh ground...

if im PULLING? nope. i do that from the solid mount on the bottom of the tractor.

 

[SDT]

Hi everyone !
Been watching a few YouTube videos where guys are pulling trees with their tractors, using the 3 point hitch ( 3ph)
and it made me start to wonder if this is the best practice... ? I realize the 3 point hitch is used to pull implements all the time, but these would usually be giving little force to the tractor, and were made for the tractor to use. That said, when pulling big logs, that will be creating huge amounts of friction as you pull, would it not be smarter to use the real hitch area on the tractor ? Or am I 100% wrong in my thinking and pulling logs with the 3 point hitch is 100% OK to do ( ? ) Seems to me, there is way less stress on your tractor if you had your chain hooked to the chassis of the tractor vs the 3 point hitch. Looking for your thoughts, opinion and help. Thank you very much ! I really appreciate your time ! ( P.S. - I am interested in the stress being put on the 3 point hitch ), I'm aware that pulling anything with the 3 point hitch that is too high up can be very dangerous, and if you do so, you should have that 3ph very low, so center of gravity is low low low as possible.

No.

Neither are tractors.

Before the trolls become ballistic, there are, of course, exceptions, and I did not read prior posts.

SDT

 

[mikester]

Are you talking about dragging already downed trees or pulling trees and roots out of the ground?

The answer is yes and no. If yanking, use the draw bar.

 

[Magicman]

Even though I routinely do it, tractors are not designed to be skidders. Be sure to always use the seat's lap belt because the unexpected can happen very quickly !!!

That entire receiver hitch is quickly removed. The logging winch blade will prevent a rear tip over.

This is a 28" butt X 18' White Oak log. The heavier butt end is dragging the ground and the top end is lifted a couple of inches off of the ground to prevent it from digging in.

 

[TheKubotaKing]

if im "skidding".... sure. i'll use the 3 point & get the front of the log off teh ground...

if im PULLING? nope. i do that from the solid mount on the bottom of the tractor.

Here is one of the videos I was watching. Granted this tractor is big, but this I would consider "pulling", skidding I believe means you have some sort or device under the front of the log so it doesn't touch the ground ( ? ) or maybe I"m wrong on my terms and thoughts about the process. The video is long so I've linked to where he pulls one of the logs, but there are many more examples in the video: