Pullstart 60,564 #1 Posted March 4, 2015 does anyone have experience skidding logs with their GT? I found a woodlot that I have access to cut dead and down wood but it's too tight for the owner's big tractor. I was thinking the weighed down 502 might be able to lend a hand when the weather breaks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremi3210 688 #2 Posted March 4, 2015 I've done it with my c121 and it works good. Your 502 will probably need a weight in the front but it should work good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 60,564 #3 Posted March 4, 2015 thanks for the input, did you drag the logs or use any type of arch or lift? I have ags on the rear and tri ribs up front, all four are loaded and my front "bumper" is filled with concrete too. it made a huge difference pulling stuff around in the garden last fall. it's also got an 8 horse Kohler under the hood for a little more go power. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alswagg 128 #4 Posted March 4, 2015 I logged alot with my D last summer. Many were oaks 12" to 18" dia. I precut the trunks to around 12' long. This made it easier to pull than the whole tree. I have weighted ags in the rear and used a 3 point hitch. A short chain helps I found out the log pull great about 4' behind the tractor. Good luck Al Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,043 #5 Posted March 4, 2015 I would put dual ags on the back if you can afford the extra width. They give you a little more floatation and traction in the soft stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,160 #6 Posted March 4, 2015 This is practically a permanent fixture on my D ... that smallish tractor constantly amazes me at what it will do As Al says, you'll probably have to experiment a bit with sizes/length that you can pull, but I bet your gonna be surprised at what you can accomplish! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,213 #7 Posted March 4, 2015 Anyone have experience with the skidplate (can't remember the trade name) being sold as an alternative to a log arch. Unless you have a 3-point, the log you're dragging is in the dirt.It still retails for about half of a log arch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 60,564 #8 Posted March 4, 2015 thanks guys! I was thinking about a set of those skidding tongs from northern tool and maybe even cutting some lead in each log to act like a ski. the land I've got access to is rolling hard ground, a tall timberland with no sight of swamp. I just want to make sure that whatever I come up with works in the woods as I don't want to run back and forth from home for trial and error sessions if I can help it. I sure am excited for the weather to let me get Put Put out of the shed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-101plowerpower 1,605 #9 Posted March 4, 2015 (edited) maybe something like this can be made for a WH nevermind, just found out what a log arch is Edited March 4, 2015 by C-101plowerpower Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 60,564 #10 Posted March 4, 2015 I was thinking about something like that... a pivot style arch that could lift the leading end of the log up over a shortened trailer axle or the like. if push comes to shove and all. I like seeing that it's been done in a way. thanks for the video! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,213 #11 Posted March 4, 2015 (edited) Here is the skidding plate that I was referring to. The butt end of the log digs in to the ground so that is why a logging arch is preferred. The one that Northern sells has bad reviews. This may be a decent compromise. http://www.timbertufftools.com/product3-logging-tongs-log-skidding-plate.php Edited March 4, 2015 by shallowwatersailor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 60,564 #12 Posted March 4, 2015 http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=272.0 here's a cool one about halfway down the page. I like the idea of no winches and minimal moving parts. pull on the tool, the tool lifts the load, the load pulls easy. I have seen where draft horses and oxen have pulled wooden ski type skidders. not like used tires and hubs are hard to come by, but I wonder how some 3" wide 3/8" thick bar stock skis would pull through the woods?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mels 174 #13 Posted March 4, 2015 Find yourself an old stone boat. Used to skid a lot of wood out using an OC-3 Oliver crawler with a stone boat. Did it when there was snow on the ground so as not to load up the bark with dirt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremi3210 688 #14 Posted March 5, 2015 I just wrapped a chain around them and pull. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #15 Posted March 5, 2015 It's all going to depend on the size and species. Pine no problem. Oak, ash, etc are really going to give you a hard time. Your best bet with a 500-600lb GT is a skidding arch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 991 #16 Posted March 7, 2015 as just mentioned when you drag them they get full of dirt,this makes your chain saw go dull much faster,i would use a decent sized trailer and cut the logs to fit and trailer them,this leaves a lot of the mess in the bush,and the trailer can be used for other things not just a logging tool 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oe espo 32 #17 Posted March 7, 2015 I made one similar to the timber tuff and Montana jacks. I really like it albeit I usually use my atv, which is only a 2WD but it won't budge the same log without the skidded digs in too much. Also no tires to go flat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Austin860 82 #18 Posted March 9, 2015 Thinking about building a logging arch using my hydro lift and the axel bracket as the pivot point. This would be on my electro 12. Anyone every built one before. ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites