Getting the logs out

[Nomoregears]

Let me start by saying I am not a logger, just a wood lot owner. We have had a deep freeze here in NY and I have a chance to skid a bunch of logs over a swamp & frozen terrain with a 40hp tractor and a frame attachment on the 3pt hitch. Tires are loaded. Distance is roughly 500-600 yds. Nothing bigger than 20" , lots of dead ash and elm. i am doing this myself so I am bunchng them over a chain then snugging the chain up raising them off the ground a bit and hauling up hill. Tractor doesn't seem to be working too hard, skidding on frozen ground is good. Would a cable choker be better? Trying to get as much dead timber out as possible.

 

[Alan]

Be careful on that swamp and frozen terrain. It can look solid until it is not. Keep the load low, go slow on the downhill, and avoid sudden jerks. I would also avoid pulling from high points on the 3pt where it can raise the nose. If you have a drawbar or a proper skidding arch, that is safer. A choker is fine, just inspect cable for broken strands and wear gloves.

 

[Nomoregears]

Be careful on that swamp and frozen terrain. It can look solid until it is not. Keep the load low, go slow on the downhill, and avoid sudden jerks. I would also avoid pulling from high points on the 3pt where it can raise the nose. If you have a drawbar or a proper skidding arch, that is safer. A choker is fine, just inspect cable for broken strands and wear gloves.

I did few trips yesterday. No issues. Leaving logs on high ground as long as we have frozen ground. Put the forks on the tractor to bundle logs. Having 18" of snow slows me down.

 

[CommanderVangarre]

I’d lean choker if you’re solo because it tends to bite and stay put, less chance of a log walking loose mid pull.

 

[Nomoregears]

It was slow going for me. Damn snow was the biggest hurdle. I plowed a landing but really should have made it 3x bigger. Lesson to self, when tractor tire tracks melt and freeze, watch yourself . Will definitely set up for chokers in the future.

 

[What]

Cable chokers for sure, don't try going too slow, or fast, find that happy medium speed. Going downhill, if things start going a little Squirrelly, drop your drag.