Do you see any way I could improve upon my gathering technique?

[jaoneill]

If you are handy with welding, making a skidding arch is nice option http://www.baileysonline.com/Forest...ATV-Skidding-Arches/LogRite-Fetching-Arch.axd

It get most of the wood off the ground except for the butt end and makes hauling a lot safer as the front butt is up off the ground so its far less likely to get caught on something. My brother has a similar rig and its surprising the size of the log he can haul.

This was to be my suggestion as well. I have often thought of making a larger version to use behind the little tractor you see in my sig. It doesn't have a 3- point hitch but is small, fun to use, and awfully handy in the woods.

 

[jwfirebird]

nice tractor.

i think though it depends on your woods,if its dry and open you might be able to. i have tight woods and its always wet, always seemed like trailer and cutting it up there is the best option because i am not towing a log though. you would be able to turn and it requires more traction than any machine i have. i have industrial tires on my tc30, 4wd and lockers and its all it can do to get out there by itself on years like this where it didnt freeze. i have to use my rhino and do a hundred loads. when its froze i might be able to get the trailer back there too but i wouldnt be able to drag a long tree over ice, my trails are the width of a truck and have a bunch of turns. the PO of my house used the same trailer and a 8n

 

[jaoneill]

nice tractor.

i think though it depends on your woods,if its dry and open you might be able to. i have tight woods and its always wet, always seemed like trailer and cutting it up there is the best option because i am not towing a log though. you would be able to turn and it requires more traction than any machine i have. i have industrial tires on my tc30, 4wd and lockers and its all it can do to get out there by itself on years like this where it didnt freeze. i have to use my rhino and do a hundred loads. when its froze i might be able to get the trailer back there too but i wouldnt be able to drag a long tree over ice, my trails are the width of a truck and have a bunch of turns. the PO of my house used the same trailer and a 8n

Thanks,
I have a bit over 100 acres of woodlot, little of which would be what you might call open, 20 acres or so that are wet, all defined/devided by 3 rock ridges/hills that are completely inaccessible with any type of machine. Over the 45 years that I've been here we have developed a network of roadways, the main ones being usable with our bigger 70-80 hp tractors. The "M" is my go to; although the little 25hp 4x4 Mitsubitch is a bit more maneuverable and better where it's wet or hilly, I am an old guy and kinda favor old, tired iron.... This year I am cutting in a more open area than usual and have been using "Ivan", a 45hp Zetor, with the trailer, and the vertical 3pt splitter, giving me more options when I get to the woodlot.