Looking for a good winch for smaller tractor

[derrickimi_24]

I'm in northern Vermont and just getting into logging my own woodlot more seriously. I have a 35hp Kubota L3301 that I've been using for firewood but it's becoming increasingly difficult to skid logs by hand. I'd like to add a winch but I don't know which brands or setups are best for a tractor this size. Do I need to worry about overloading the 3 point hitch if I go with something heavier duty?

 

[Marco_Gambler]

Don't stick a monster winch on that 35hp Kubota. You'll end up dragging your tractor instead of the logs. Stick to something rated for small compacts... Farmi or Wallenstein both have models that won't overload your 3-point.

 

[lgf3rr]

I'm in northern Vermont and just getting into logging my own woodlot more seriously. I have a 35hp Kubota L3301 that I've been using for firewood but it's becoming increasingly difficult to skid logs by hand. I'd like to add a winch but I don't know which brands or setups are best for a tractor this size. Do I need to worry about overloading the 3 point hitch if I go with something heavier duty?

I' second @Marco_Gambler's suggestions and I'd check with Farmi, Wallenstein, and also Fransgard. Look for a winch with pulling capacity of around 6,000-8,000 lbs. That gives you plenty of power without being an overkill! You won't overload your 3-point hitch, but be sure to use your front loader or blade for stability when you're pulling a heavy log to avoid tipping!

 

[RootyRuth]

I' second @Marco_Gambler's suggestions and I'd check with Farmi, Wallenstein, and also Fransgard. Look for a winch with pulling capacity of around 6,000-8,000 lbs. That gives you plenty of power without being an overkill! You won't overload your 3-point hitch, but be sure to use your front loader or blade for stability when you're pulling a heavy log to avoid tipping!

The L3301 is a great machine but I think a 6k-8k lb winch might be a little too much and could test the limits of a 3-point and the tractor's stability, especially if pulling uphill or on uneven ground.. @derrickimi_24 I'd personally look at something in the 4k-5k lb class, and Farmi and Wallenstein both make solid winches in that range that would be a much better match. A smaller winch will still do all the work you need for firewood and sawlogs without putting unnecessary stress on your machine, plus they're a lot lighter and easier to handle when you're hooking up. A good rule of thumb is to look for a winch with a pulling capacity no more than 2x your tractor's operating weight! And yes, a front loader or even some suitcase weights on the front is a smart idea to keep you planted.

 

[derrickimi_24]

Thanks! I see a consensus forming around the Farmi and Wallenstein brands, which is a good starting point for me. There's some disagreement on pulling capacity between the 4k-5k lb and 6k-8k lb range. Is the main safety concern with a larger winch about the pulling force itself or the physical weight hanging off the 3-point hitch? I'll look into the specific models mentioned over the next couple of weeks.