Bucking logs with a Caterpillar and grapple

[Kool_hand_Looke]

My cousin helping me buck logs using the track loader with a root grapple attachment.

 

[Kool_hand_Looke]

My cousin helping me buck logs using the track loader with a root grapple attachment.

I should add...this was a pretty big oak. It was blown over as a standing dead and the top was mangled in other trees. I had the tree bucked into 10 foot sections, and the top completely untangled from the others it dangerously smashed with it...and moved to bucking the logs in an hour. The grapple attachment is a must. We flew through this tree.

Only downfall is the tracked loader is cabbed, so I can't open the door with the quick attach plate anywhere in front of the door - as it blocks the clearance for the door.

 

[duramaxman05]

I like using our mini excavator with a hydraulic thumb we have a work. Anything to pick up the big stuff and it is always awesome bucking up logs at waist height. Much easier on the back. Remember, think smarter not harder

 

[Kool_hand_Looke]

I like using our mini excavator with a hydraulic thumb we have a work. Anything to pick up the big stuff and it is always awesome bucking up logs at waist height. Much easier on the back. Remember, think smarter not harder

Mini ex with a thumb sure would be nice, kicked the idea of a mini ex around but have more use for a track loader.

 

[jeff_t]

Used an old front end loader with a grapple a lot. It's really nice to hold the logs over the trailer, stand in it with a saw, and drop rounds right in it. I also used it to load 4'+ red oak rounds. Set them down super easy, and rolled them off at home with a cant hook.

Friends and relatives with heavy equipment are the best.

 

[Kool_hand_Looke]

Used an old front end loader with a grapple a lot. It's really nice to hold the logs over the trailer, stand in it with a saw, and drop rounds right in it. I also used it to load 4'+ red oak rounds. Set them down super easy, and rolled them off at home with a cant hook.

Friends and relatives with heavy equipment are the best.

Luckily, I'm the friend/relative with the heavy equipment. Lol. It's made my life significantly less sore. Cousin was running the saw. This is the first cutting season we've had the track loader and a grapple...I can't believe how fast the tree was cut up.

 

[D8Chumley]

I like using our mini excavator with a hydraulic thumb we have a work. Anything to pick up the big stuff and it is always awesome bucking up logs at waist height. Much easier on the back. Remember, think smarter not harder

Work smarter not harder?
OP let's see some pics of this track loader. I ran a 973/963 for a few years before I started running dozer and hoe

 

[711mhw]

973's a "bigun"!

 

[D8Chumley]

Yes it is. Almost as big as a D 8 You don't see many 973s around any more. We moved to 963s many years ago, and moreso wheel loaders when conditions allow

 

[711mhw]

I liked the little '43's. Not sure why they quit making them. Like a giant CTL.