Pulling logs

[texican]

Can anyone tell me the what I need to rig up for the best way to pull logs to the burn pile?

 

[Mustard Tiger]

I’m not sure what the “ best way” would be, but with my BX I just wrap a chain around the log and then run the free end through a shackle on the back of the tractor (installed in the middle where you could put a hitch ball) and skid them out.

 

[mikester]

I use my grapple

 

[BT3101]

You may want to add a 3 point hitch adapter and pull off that. This way you can raise the front end of said log(s) to keep them from digging into the ground as you drag them.

 

[old and tired]

Boom pole, some chain and log tongs... better if you build the boom pole yourself (ain't nothing cheap anymore). You can substitute a 3 point trailer hitch (cheaper) for the boom pole.

 

[NCL4701]

Several ways to do it already mentioned work swell. However you do it, do try to get the tractor end of the log lifted if possible. 2” is as good as 2’, just needs to be off the ground. Much easier on your tractor and your ground that way.

 

[Flintknapper]

Any number of ways you might pull/skid logs with your tractor.

But first and foremost....consider the 'safety' factor.

Just how big are these 'Logs' and over what type of terrain will you be moving them?

Can you drive right up to each of them and lift the butt end (slightly) or do some need to be skidded out first?

Hitch Point: IF you elect to connect a chain/cable/rope to your tractor at any point above the centerline of the rear axle be forewarned:

If a log snags on something and you have suffcient traction at the rear tires, the tractor will rotate about the axis of the axle shaft(s). This results in the front of the tractor lifting and in some cases the tractor going completely over backwards.

So keep your loads light enough for the tractor to easily handle and go SLOW!

Without a description of the logs you plan to move...it is difficult to suggest the 'BEST' way to it. Please be careful.

 

[Shawn T. W]

Maybe something like this? (I've never used one) https://www.portablewinch.com/products/skidding-cone-for-logs

Be aware that if you hook to the three point somehow, that it has a float feature, as in it can raise on its own, but not go lower than you set it, if your worried about it rising too much, you can chain the arms down so it wouldn't come up on you ...

 

[Hoserman]

However you decide to do the job, keep in the back of your mind that the term speed kills should be first and foremost. If you are skidding rather fast and the log gets hung up on something you won't have but a split second to get stopped before the tractor would flip over on you. I've seen those YouTube videos where they are using a standard farm tractor to pull a heavy load and there are three idiots hanging off the front of the tractor as counterweight.

 

[JimmyJazz]

Consider investing in a set of loader mounted forks. You can thank me later.

 

[g_man]

Like others have said - it is easier and safer if you can get the end of the log off the ground. Do you have an implement with a grab hook on it. Or you could bolt one on (Ken's Bolt on Hooks) maybe or weld one on. Like a box blade or rear blade.

You could also get a cross-draw-bar at TSC and make a rig to lift the logs. This is one I made but you could use it w/o the A-frame to keep it simple.

If you end up just dragging the logs on the ground from your draw bar wrap the chain on the log as close to the end as possible. If you have a lot of log in front of the chain and the log snags on something it is possible that the log will stand upright and come over on you especially if it is a small log. That is why they all said go slow and easy.

gg

 

[g_man]

To add to the above ^^^^ If you go with the cross-draw-bar you use a tractor hook with it also available at TSC. Or you can put it on your lower draw bar.

gg

 

[Hoserman]

I don't know if it would help or be applicable for this, but if you are pulling very large logs there may be an easier tool to use that may make it safer and a lot less stress on your tractor. When I was a power lineman, we had a pole changeout that was in a swampy area in Michigan's upper peninsula. Dragging these 70-80' cedar transmission poles a chore to say the least. What we came up with is a small chain on two-wheel dolly on the far end of the pole like a tail wheel on a plane. we had a Bombardier track for skidding. Once we put the "tail wheel" on the far end and picked up the butt end with the tracks winch it made moving those poles so much easier. Doing this where there is a lot of stumps or other things that could catch the dolly may not be a good choice. Just a thought.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

'best way' ? Put sign up 'free firewood logs'. they'll all be gone in a day and YOU won't have to haul them and burn them.

 

[skeets]

Well maybe the easiest way would to take a 30 or 55 gal plastic drum, cut it in half so the big bung is on the bottom , then run a chain through the bunghole,,, ( OK you pervs ) and toss the chain around the log, the other end to your draw bar as you pull forward the log will pulling to the half barrel and you can drive away with out worrying the end will dig in the ground. The plastic barrel will slid over the ground. Back in the day we used an old car hood same way.
Or do like this guy did