Grapple handling?

[bluedogz]

Pursuant to this thread: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/score.129836/

I'm about to learn what to do with a quantity of wood commonly know as a metric butt-ton.

Wood will be dropped behind my barn, oriented so I can access it from one end.

I have my JD GT245 tractor, a 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor, and motivation.

What's the right tool set to drag logs out one-by-one?

 

[TreePointer]

Simplest is a logging chain with grab hook on one end and slip hook on the other. Note that all precautions for pulling with chains need to be followed.

That tractor may not be heavy enough to get some logs moving.

 

[bluedogz]

Is it best to pull logs off the pile lengthwise? Or side-wise?

Also, is this the type of chain you're referring to? http://www.baileysonline.com/Forest...s/Timber-Tuff-TMW-20-12-Log-Grabber-Chain.axd

 

[velvetfoot]

I don't have a tractor. The logs are piled on three log stringers and I use a peavy to roll a log or two or three down to the stringers and work on them there. The peavy is very useful. It usually doesn't take much to get it rolling, but I think it's wise to stand off to the side when it comes rolling down. I don't know how strong you are, but I'm 62 and weak, and I can do it. Could you pull on the peavy with both arms?

 

[bluedogz]

Um... That's a no to both hands... Check the avatar.

 

[TreePointer]

This is the chain to which I was referring --> Log Chain. The tighter hook is secured to another chain or onto its own chain to make a loop to go around your hitch ball or towing bar. The more opened hook allows the chain to slip through it and "choke" the log. Lowes and other places around here keep them in stock; they are prepackaged on a shelf near the bulk chain and rope. You can also bolt your own hooks onto a chain length from a farm store like Tractor Supply.

A 48" or longer peavey could roll a decent sized log with one hand.

 

[velvetfoot]

That's why I asked. I thought maybe you could pull on it some. You might get by with one arm on a peavy. If you use the tractor, just thinking it though and no practical experience, you're just looking to get some down from the pile. Maybe you could wrap your chains or nylon tow rope or whatever around the ends of several candidates at a time, but then I wonder if you'd have to do that again to the other end. Maybe there's something, like the Husky timber tongs only made for the purpose, that you could snag onto the middle of a log. It might be hard it though when the logs come down. Rolling them off is nice.

 

[velvetfoot]

That's true-mine is only 3' or so.

 

[velvetfoot]

What you don't want to do is wander around on top of the log pile sawing things up. I did that on one grapple load because of where it was.

 

[TreePointer]

I'd pull logs off a pile any way that I could as long it doesn't damage me or my equipment.

More on the chain: Instead of that slip hook that's often seen on chains, I prefer the more rounded choker hook found here: G70 Logging Chain Chokers. The chain seems to slip more easily through the round choker hook. The pin on the other end of the chain helps to feed the chain around the log.

 

[velvetfoot]

How about putting something like this in the middle of a log and pulling with a rope or chain?
https://www.shforestrysupplies.com/...LastStraightCategory=Outdoor Tools&SBCatPage=

 

[paul bunion]

In the future, getting it laid out flat if you have the space is the way to go. Up on stringers with at most with one log nested on top of the adjacent logs. It eliminates a lot of the danger of working on a pile of unstable logs. They are easy to peel off with a peavy so long as they are willing to roll. Having the tree guy put the ugliest unrollable log into the cutting position to start with helps also. That way you don't deal with moving it all. A 6' pry/digging bar can be useful on them also.

 

[BrotherBart]

Yank'em off sideways. Lil tractor can handle that. Gonna end up with a few ends on the ground and their butts up on the stack, but just deal with it. You wood rich #%$ard.

 

[bluedogz]

I agree with everyone that caution is the watchword here... my barn is also on top of a hill, so if one of the pictured logs gets a-rollin', it's gonna KEEP rollin'.

This coming weekend will be the test... pull one sideways with the GT and see how she goes.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Pursuant to this thread: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/score.129836/

I'm about to learn what to do with a quantity of wood commonly know as a metric butt-ton.

Wood will be dropped behind my barn, oriented so I can access it from one end.

I have my JD GT245 tractor, a 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor, and motivation.

What's the right tool set to drag logs out one-by-one?

Why drag them instead of bucking them where they lay?

EDIT: Or are talking about just getting a log off a pile so it can be bucked?

 

[BoiledOver]

Hey Bluedogz, Is that you in your avatar? If so can ya rig a chain saw right to your arm?

My procedure is to crib some logs at one end and roll the logs to that work station, maybe half dozen or 8 at a time. Mostly downhill ya see. Build to a height ya like. Align the ends and mark the buck lengths and start dicing. About half way through, move the work station closer and continue. But, if I had the equipment as you do, I may very well do something different.

 

[bluedogz]

EDIT: Or are talking about just getting a log off a pile so it can be bucked?

You got it. If you peek at the photo you'll see it's all a big pile of pick-up sticks...

 

[Fifelaker]

I hate playing with chain. I have a 6' choker made out of 5/8" wire rope/cable. Just get it under a log slip one end through the other end then a snatch strap through that end and pull your log where ever you want. This is not mine but the same design.

 

[velvetfoot]

No love for the log tongs link I put up earlier? No wrapping of anything around the end of the log, and it won't as likely come down crooked.

 

[tsquini]

Skidding tongs and a good chain. I only use these occasionally. For the most part I'm just careful the logs from top to bottom.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

You got it. If you peek at the photo you'll see it's all a big pile of pick-up sticks...

Ahhh. . . In my mind I pictured you dragging a log from a pile across your property for no particular reason.


Carry on

 

[velvetfoot]

Yeah, it is a little tight.

 

[bluedogz]

Hey Bluedogz, Is that you in your avatar? If so can ya rig a chain saw right to your arm?
.

Yes, that's me... You're not the first to ask. Getting any hardware at all out of an insurance company is an exercise... TBH, it'd be easiest to rig a pulp hook to my right arm.

Since I'm left-handed anyway, I find it much easier to work with the MS192TC and be wicked careful to avoid kickback.

 

[Fifelaker]

No love for the log tongs link I put up earlier? No wrapping of anything around the end of the log, and it won't as likely come down crooked.

I have seen tongs break out and turn into a missile. I have seen more chains break than cable. Neither is fun, exciting but not fun.

 

[Highbeam]

I have seen tongs break out and turn into a missile. I have seen more chains break than cable. Neither is fun, exciting but not fun.

I broke a 1" nylon rope while pulling a tree over with a bulldozer. Boy was I glad for the cage on the rear of that dozer which was of course put there for just this reason but still, that rope slammed into the dozer like a missle and it was loud!

I pull with heavy chains and have never broken one. I would like to think that they are the best thing to have break on you.