Towing heavy logs with the rear bucket BH 92 backhoe, l4701

[jbbepic]

I towed an estimated 4500lb oak log out of the woods using the bucket of the backhoe and chain. I was a little worried that I could damage something being that the manual states... not to tow anything without using the drawbar. Does anyone have any experience with this or any better suggestions? I would like to know. It did pull out of woods pretty easily.


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[Billdog350]

You are risking damage to your hydraulic cylinders (bending) or possibly bending your backhoe boom or dipper, as well as potential damage to the pins.

The damage often occurs when the tractor is moving and the thing you are towing is not. For instance you're moving along and the log becomes wedged against a stump or rock....or you have good traction and you start moving forward but the log is wedged or stuck.

When you're operating your valves to move the backhoe, there are pressure reliefs which prevent you from damaging the pistons or frame elements, however when the joysticks are "neutral", all of the hydraulic fluid is "locked" in your cylinders. The reliefs do not apply. If the log gets stuck, and the tractor is moving, there is nothing to "give" except either the chain, your hydraulic cylinders, hoses, or the frame/pins.

You got away with it this time, but I wouldn't suggest making a habit of it.

I've attached a picture of what will happen when the log you're towing gets stuck.....

 

[jbbepic]

Wow! That makes a lot of sense. You know, I admit I am a rookie with the machine, and it worked but something deep down kept saying, this could be wrong. Any suggestions on how to tow without taking the 3pt backhoe off? It's nice to use to move log around if need be with backhoe. Thanks for the advice.


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[North Idaho Wolfman]

Put a clevis on the draw bar and a short heavy rope on it that extends out past the BH and use a short chain to link the log to the tractor via the rope.

The reason for rope and not chain is that it won't drive you buggy from the chain clanking around on the BH when to in use.

It works well because you can use the BH to help hook up the chain to the log, and still not damage the BH.

 

[jbbepic]

I had a little trouble steering when I had to make a turn out of the woods up to the field. But I think it was because I had in 4 wheel, it was pretty swampy. To use the log arch I would need to remove the backhoe. I like the rope and Clevis on the drawbar idea but how do suggest to keep the front of log off the ground a little to be dragged easier? Unless I get one of them metal plate skidders for front of log. I appreciate the ideas though. This Is really a helpful forum


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[bcp]

Unless I get one of them metal plate skidders for front of log.

Get one of the plastic barrels that is tapered on the ends and use it as a skidding cone.

Here's one style.

Bruce

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I had a little trouble steering when I had to make a turn out of the woods up to the field. But I think it was because I had in 4 wheel, it was pretty swampy. To use the log arch I would need to remove the backhoe. I like the rope and Clevis on the drawbar idea but how do suggest to keep the front of log off the ground a little to be dragged easier? Unless I get one of them metal plate skidders for front of log. I appreciate the ideas though. This Is really a helpful forum


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Another Idea is use the bottom rope to pull and use a rope attached to the top of the boom joint to sling it off the ground and let it swing side to side, that eliminates the rear pull on the BH yet gives you the benefit of it being off the ground.
Now as far as not being able to steer, it's not being in 4wd that's hurting you it's probably the lack of front weight, you may need to either put weight in the bucket if FEL equipped or put weights on the front bumper.

 

[scdeerslayer]

On my tractor the backhoe won't fit with the drawbar on, however there are two tie down points on the rear of the backhoe frame. If I needed to pull something heavy with the backhoe on I would use those. I have grabbed a couple of large piles of vines and brush with the backhoe & thumb and dragged them off.

 

[Greenhead]

I have thumb on the backhoe and we just cut and carry two or three 5' in the front bucket and one with the backhoe thumb and out we go.

Disregard if you need the 100" for lumber.
We just move firewood.

 

[jbbepic]

I really like all the ideas! thanks everyone!! There are two slots underneath the BH92 frame just as the last post said. One located on each side that appears you can run a chain thru. I originally tried this, but the log.. being that it was not lifted a little off ground, dug in pretty good. I do not plan to drag a tree in one piece that size again. That oak tree was like 22 inches diameter and 31 ft long. My son and I are using for riding mountain bikes down it, so he can learn with his friends too. don't laugh!!! my 77 year old neighbor that helped me thought I was nuts!! Things we do for our kids, and I guess myself, being a kid also as my wife says. LOL