Author Topic: logging tractor (Read 4775 times)

tyb525 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 21, 2009, 08:55:07 pm »

Mine's gas, but it still runs great somehow.

woodmills1 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2009, 04:45:27 pm »

4wd with chains on rears

John Woodworth · « **Reply #22 on:** February 25, 2009, 02:26:56 am »

I personaly wouldn't think of logging with a tractor but to each his own, here on the west coast the terrain would tear them up, skidders are probably the most abused piece of machinery in the woods yet they always get the job done and with reasonable operator safety. Too many thing on a tractor un shielded to be damaged and the frames and running gear were designed for a whole different job, if your a weekend logger you will probably be fine but JD builds both skidders for logging and tractors for logging.

OneWithWood · « **Reply #23 on:** February 25, 2009, 11:12:58 am »

What is the terrain like?

I use a JD4520 with a logrite arch to pull logs out once I get the logs to the access road. My terrain is severe and I use an old JD450C crawler/loader with a monster timber winch on the back to get the logs to the road.

Widen the stance of the tractor by extending your tires and put chains on the back if the terrain is rugged.

Dom · « **Reply #24 on:** February 25, 2009, 03:55:40 pm »

I guess it would all depend on the type of logging you plan on doing.
If you use the tractor for your own firewood lets say a max of 10 cords a year, the 4720 should be able to do the task if you are careful and attentive to your surroundings. If you plan to log heavier then buy a proper machine.

We had a 4720 at home for a while, and settled on a L5740 (Kubota's version). Neither are tractors I would use much in the forest (only for my own firewood). They have the power, but lack weight. we use ours for brush cutting, and other light work, and for this its perfect. At 60 HP, we haven't ran out of power yet. For heavier work, a real farm tractor would be better (bigger frame, heavier, able to handle some tough times).

debushau · « **Reply #25 on:** February 25, 2009, 05:28:47 pm »

I also use an L5740 with a Farmi to do some light firewood logging. I used to own a JD 3520 but I found that it lacked ground clearance and had too high of a center of gravity. The JD 4000 series is better in that respect but still lacks ground clearance compared to the Kubota and is somewhat more "electronic". The JD has a nicer cab though.

I looked also at an M6040 which is about the same HP as the L5740 but is a larger frame and more weight. I felt that the L was a better choice in this application because HST and a shorter length make it easier to navigate through tight trails. On the weight issue, once you put a loader on it, fill the tires, and slap a Farmi on the back, you are getting up to 6,000 lb in weight. If that's not enough, you can get wheel weights, put on a belly pan, etc.

Maineloggerkid · « **Reply #26 on:** February 25, 2009, 06:25:53 pm »

I use a 4120 full time for logging. My best was 21 cords in 2 1/2 days. The average is about 6-7 cords a day, and I get my wood hauled by a 9 cord truck.( 8 cord legally, but he always overloads) I usually cut tree length because it is quicker, but I like to cut logs in the woods. It seems much better, the lot looks nicer, and you pay more attention to details. My setup is better suited to selective cutting where the emphasis is on quality, not quantity of wood produced.

mike_van · « **Reply #27 on:** February 25, 2009, 06:28:37 pm »

My limited 2 cents - Steep ground, lots of rocks, skidder country. The rest of it I think depends on the operator, how careful they are. Some will cut off a 4" tree, some want to push it over & mush on - A guy trying to fill a quota with a tractor is probably going to push it right to the max & beyond all the time. Someone doing their own stuff on their own lands going to be a lot easier.

sparky · « **Reply #28 on:** March 01, 2009, 06:47:48 pm »

Selecting a tractor is like eating a watermellon. "Go for the red and throw the green away".

Sparky

thedeeredude · « **Reply #29 on:** March 01, 2009, 07:46:02 pm »

Self loathing, are we?

woodmills1 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 01, 2009, 08:17:52 pm »

the other orange has treated me well.

cilley · « **Reply #31 on:** March 03, 2009, 01:57:50 pm »

Hi everyone...........what you have usually depends on what your needs are........small operation, smaller tractor.........not in a hurry, same thing........and of course the number one concern.....what we can afford.........I just bought a 1963 Ford 4000 this weekend.........its not pretty.....but i know it will do what I want it to do..........price was right and paint is cheap....getting ready to mill some wood in the next 2 weeks........take care all.......Alan

sparky · « **Reply #32 on:** March 03, 2009, 03:40:29 pm »

Deer Dude,

I have two green tractors, but my other colors outnumber them about 12 to 2. I am into antique tractors and most of mine start by crank. The John Deere and Oliver were bought because of price and the fact they have FELs. I have used both of them to skid and load.

Sparky

thedeeredude · « **Reply #33 on:** March 03, 2009, 08:09:01 pm »

Any pictures sparky? I love antique tractors in all colors.

Dave Shepard · « **Reply #34 on:** March 03, 2009, 09:41:06 pm »

I've got a few, there all red but one. I-14 electric, SW6-TA, I-4, F-12 Waukesha, are a couple of the neater ones.

sparky · « **Reply #35 on:** March 06, 2009, 04:49:11 pm »

Deer Dude,

I need to learn the procedure for posting photos. I will post a few when I discover how to do it. My pride and joy is a 1925 Minneapolis Threshing Machine, Model 17-30. It has a 2 speed tranny and 2nd is 3.25 MPH. It is a cross motor designed for belt work with 30 belt HP. The manifold has a selector to switch between distillate fuel and gasoline. It is stuck in the distillate position so I can't work it hard. I would like to belt it up to our tractor club's circular sawmill just for a cheap thrill.

Sparky

Polly · « **Reply #36 on:** March 06, 2009, 07:41:06 pm »

how about the log wench that fits on the 3 point hitch and runs off the pto has anyone got one,are they any good $:-\$ $:-\$

Dave Shepard · « **Reply #37 on:** March 06, 2009, 07:50:12 pm »

I've got an older Farmi winch, and it's great. If you are logging with a tractor, it makes a big difference. Not only is it good for pulling logs out of weird places, but it keeps the butts off the ground, keeping things a little cleaner, and makes them easier to pull. Also, you can drop the logs and navigate around small obstacles, and then winch the logs back to the machine. Go back to the first page to see my logging setup, post #17

Reddog · « **Reply #38 on:** March 06, 2009, 09:13:07 pm »

Yes, as Dave pointed out they work well.
I have a 601 Farmi.

Banjo picker · « **Reply #39 on:** March 06, 2009, 09:28:34 pm »

What would be the speed and capasity of the farmi, I have a M7040 Kubota with a front end loader. Tim

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Author Topic: logging tractor (Read 4775 times)