Dragging logs

I have dragged logs for many years on the farm with a variety of tractors, from 25 to 65 hp, light and heavy. A couple were tricycle JDs. Never have I had one offer to flip, but I was warned about the problem by my Dad and the thought was always on my mind. The tractor would always spin out before the front end would get light if reasonable care was taken. I have found it best to use a low gear and not too much throttle(maybe close to full on the 2cyl JDs but they ran low RPMs anyway) Don't jerk the load at all since this is the most likely cause of flipping backward IMO. If the tractor is spinning out, it is rare that jerking the load will help. A large log is a big load for a tractor and the cut end of the log will dig in and plow about as good as a bottom plow when it comes to a hump in the ground. Other reasons for stopping the tractor are: First, the log will bump against a tree or stump. Sometimes you can shift the chain or roll the log to one side. You may have to cut the offending tree. Second, the ground may be uneven and front of the log will dig in the ground. Then you may have to cut the log into shorter lengths. If you have room you can back the tractor up and pull briefly in a different direction. Just don't get in a hurry.

Never owned an 8n Ford, but in times past a working logger used used the to skid logs. In one case BIL's father had an 8n with tracks on it for more traction. Track was made of heavy rubberized belting with steel cross pieces which went around the rear tire to a small idler wheel about half way between the front and rear wheels.
Don't think he use it long. Much later, another logger used short chains with hooks on the end that he drove into the logs and lifter the end of the log up off the ground, making it easier to pull. This is the only way you should pull logs with the 3ph hitch elevated. I have always used the drawbar to pull with. Also, my present tractor is a 65 hp Zetor with a cab and heavy Great Bend FEL so it is not likely to have the front end get off the ground.

The tractor on the Stuck and Troubled page illustrates another problem with dragging logs. Looks like was going along the side of a hill and the log rolled down the hill, pulling the tractor with it. You need a tractor that is at least as heavy as the log and if possible go up and down hills.

Hope this helps someone. Remember, go slow with logs.

KEH

http://www.norwoodindustries.com/skidmate.htm

By 1975 We were no longer operating the tractor ourselves and govt. workplase safety regulations were very unfavourable to this operation. We then went to a John Deere 540A forestry skidder. Having gone through this, one must ask himself why he risked doing it with a tractor.

If you must do this with a tractor get one of the 3 point logging winches, they give all the same protection as Fred's blade, plus the blade will ancohor the tractor on heavy pulls with the winch. When you drop that blade to do winching, unlike a drawbar pull causing front of tractor to lift, the winch with bottom blade cause the pull to lift on whole tractor rather than just the front. Also add ROPS protection with screening on back. I say ROPS with screening as my closest calls over the years have been flying wood from the skidding process. Make the seat belt a must.