Logging with Farmi winch

[RoundMountainLogger]

Is a kubota m9540 to big for logging with a farmi winch?
I'm obviously in the market for a tractor.
I have been struggling with my kioti ck 25 for years!
So I'm trying to find the perfect sized tractor and winch for small scale logging.

[wfcjr]

Not if Farmi has a winch that is right sized to your PTO power.

We have a JD 5095M on which we use a Wallenstein skidding winch.   Just make sure that the winch is matched pretty well to your PTO.

If Farmi does not have a big enough unit, look at some of the other brands like Wallenstein.

[thecfarm]

RoundMountainLogger,welcome to the forum. I've done a lot with a 40 hp NH. BUT that was on my own land too. So I got all the money. How many hp is a m9540? I hauled out ALOT of white pine 3 feet across with that tractor. But bigger would of been much better. No matter what get a 4 wd. Planning to just cut on your land?

[Dave Shepard]

Farmi, and others, make winches big enough for that tractor. I think a JL501 should do it.

[wfcjr]

How many hp is a m9540?  No matter what get a 4 wd. Planning to just cut on your land?

Kubotat is 9540 is rated at 95hp, with 84hp at PTO very similar to our JD 5095, that's why I chimed in.

Second the motion on the 4wd.  Also, don't forget chains.  Proper pattern & studded chains, not ladder style chains.

[Ed_K]

BIL is running a walinstein 12k on a JD 4440. I ran a fransguard 6k on my MF 30 52hp for 7yrs with no problems.

[David-L]

Just sold a 501 Farmi and that was used on a 90hp tractor. Fit well, the 601 is a beast and alot more money. If I was going to get another winch for the woods it would have the electronic controls if it was an every day use item.  part time use the pull cord is fine. the butt plate on the farmi is very handy for decking and road work. Good luck

[timberlinetree]

I like/wish ours had the 2" reciver  for a trailer. I think some do.

 

[furltech]

I  have been running the farmi 501 for a couple of weeks now .I wish i had of done it sooner for sure

[repmma]

I like/wish ours had the 2" reciver  for a trailer. I think some do.

 

I second that, Norse doesn't have them... at least mine doesn't.

[ahlkey]

I have the fx120 Wallenstein on my Agroplus 87 hp tractor with the 1/2" cable going out 165 ft max.  Previously, I had the smaller JL351 Farmi on my smaller 45 hp tractor and with its 3/8 cable was great but with really big timber I needed a larger pull.   Something in the range of the fx 120 or Farmi JL 501 should work well for you on that sized Kubota.  The Farmi JL 61 seems a beast but with its 9/16 cable I would imagine it would be a chore pulling that large of cable all day long.

Agree a 4wd is a must but would also suggest fluid in your tires for traction or chains.  I have fluid in my front tires given the winch on the back and no loader.   

 

[wfcjr]

...
Agree a 4wd is a must but would also suggest fluid in your tires for traction or chains.  I have fluid in my front tires given the winch on the back and no loader.... 

 

Agree mostly... loaded tires make a big difference... but would still want some weight on the front end as well as chains in winter.   Tires of course are loaded all year long.  Run chains in winter on all four.  But also always have grapple on front end when using winch.  First of all it comes in real handy.  Second it provides better balance and counterweight... even with loaded tires.

[thecfarm]

@repmma,just winch it up like I do.  ;D


 
  Norse has 2 styles with the butt plate that pivots now,model 350 and the 450.
I have loaded tires too. Get the ag tires. These are the wide with the deep narrow cleats. Not the ones with the short wide so called cleats. I've had both kinds and those wide ones are not much good. I use to have not much problems with the ag type. A little bit of mud and they like to spin.
Another idea I got from billm.



 

The holes in the floor boards holds a chain wrench. I have one on both sides.

And than on the other side is my gas and oil.



 

[whitepine2]

I got a 501 on a 62 H P Zitor,seems like a good match. I find you don't need much over an idle to run wench this will pull tractor over
if not careful.Had mine about 2 years should have had it 20 years ago. Hangups not a problem and can pull whole tree out in open to limb in most cases,if too big cut off and come back for top. Can pull
4 or 5 out at a time nice on this old body.

[repmma]

@repmma,just winch it up like I do.  ;D


 
  Norse has 2 styles with the butt plate that pivots now,model 350 and the 450.
I have loaded tires too. Get the ag tires. These are the wide with the deep narrow cleats. Not the ones with the short wide so called cleats. I've had both kinds and those wide ones are not much good. I use to have not much problems with the ag type. A little bit of mud and they like to spin.
Another idea I got from billm.



 

The holes in the floor boards holds a chain wrench. I have one on both sides.

And than on the other side is my gas and oil.



 

Haha talk about being slow, I have been fixed on using the 3pt to move the trailer I couldn't see that as the solution!  I've been meaning to set my trailer to run off the drawbar, I realize it's better suited then hauling with the 3pt, but I really totally missed the possibility of what you showed me!  Thanks, I'm now going to hide under a rock on account of how STUPID I  am! :new_year:

[Puffergas]

I like/wish ours had the 2" reciver  for a trailer. I think some do.

 

Installed one on this Farmi:



 

It's nice because I can back under the trailer tongue and raise it up and away I go.

:new_year:

[Dave Shepard]

I added a receiver hitch to my old Farmi winch. I bought a bunch of receiver blanks that had the hole and a reinforcement welded around one end. I put one on my box blade, as well.

[Reddog]

the 601 is a beast . If I was going to get another winch for the woods it would have the electronic controls if it was an every day use item.  part time use the pull cord is fine. the butt plate on the farmi is very handy for decking and road work. Good luck

This.

I am running a 601 on a M6800 4x4 Kubota with FEL. The only changes I would make if doing again would possible be a M9000 and electric controls on the winch.

If you don't put a FEL on, try it without front weights but don't be surprised with a 601 sized winch if you need them on it.

[Puffergas]

With the hitch on the blade/winch it's like having another parking brake. If used as an E-brake I would go into float control so not to tip over.



 

:new_year:

[RoundMountainLogger]

Update.
Bought the kubota m 9540 and uniforest 55m
Take delivery on Tuesday. (Winch shipping from hud-son)
Tractor is used with @800 hours.

This is replacing my current kioti ck 25 and wallenstein fx65.
(Now for sale )

Hoping to be more productive with this new setup.
Started researching new setup back in November.
Can't wait to run the kubota.

[thecfarm]

How many hp was that Kioti?

[milkie62]

the 601 is a beast . If I was going to get another winch for the woods it would have the electronic controls if it was an every day use item.  part time use the pull cord is fine. the butt plate on the farmi is very handy for decking and road work. Good luck

This.

I am running a 601 on a M6800 4x4 Kubota with FEL. The only changes I would make if doing again would possible be a M9000 and electric controls on the winch.

If you don't put a FEL on, try it without front weights but don't be surprised with a 601 sized winch if you need them on it.

I have an M6800 that I want to put a Farmi 501 on.Are you happy with the 6800 tractor for pulling ?

[Reddog]

I have an M6800 that I want to put a Farmi 501 on.Are you happy with the 6800 tractor for pulling ?

Yes, It can be a little light depending on what you are doing.
The 501 should help some there with the 3p lift limits, as it will take some of the weight off the rear. But still has good winching power.

Up too 24" 18' logs are fine.
For thinning or hazard removals it fits the bill well for me. It allows me to log small parcels that might only have atv trail access.
I do chain the front up at times for steering in the winter if we get a ice storm.



 

[milkie62]

Mine would only be used on my property or possibly my uncles,no commercial work.Mostly it is to get the log to my logging trail where I can cut it up.Right now with selective cutting,I have to buck it and hump out each piece.I have 3 nice cherries uprooted so they are still alive.It would be nice to beable to skid them the 75' or so in one piece. Are your front tires loaded ?

[Reddog]

No to the fronts loaded question.

I have a FEL so have plenty of ballast for the most part with the loader up there.

[RoundMountainLogger]

How many hp was that Kioti?

Kioti Ck 25 is a 25 hp I still have it and it is for sale on Craigslist maine.

[thecfarm]

You will notice a BIG diffeance on what you can do now!!!

[rick f]

Round Mountain where you located to? I'm in Columbia Falls

[lirachamo51]

i have the work master 55 with the farmi 501, loaded tires and diamond studded ice chains on all 4 and it works great in northern ny,but still have to be careful on steep and side slopes,its not a skidder,but i still love the work it can do !

[RoundMountainLogger]

Tractor arrived today and I got to use it for the first time.   Nice to be able to actually move through the woods without getting stuck

[wfcjr]

Tractor arrived today and I got to use it for the first time.   Nice to be able to actually move through the woods without getting stuck

Congratulations... enjoy the tractor.

Are you running chains?

[RoundMountainLogger]

Are you running chains?

No chains yet.  I am just so excited I can go places my little 25 Hp could not go without a struggle.

[thecfarm]

I had a small kubota,it was the wife's tractor. A BIG difference between that one and my 40hp. Just like there is a BIG difference between my 40 and your 95 hp? tractor. I am glad you like it. Pictures?

[wfcjr]

Are you running chains?

No chains yet.  I am just so excited I can go places my little 25 Hp could not go without a struggle.

Good for you... enjoy & be safe....

[milkie62]

I missed on a complete set of chains for my 6800 Kubota.Super deal but would have been a pain putting on and off.

[John Mc]

I missed on a complete set of chains for my 6800 Kubota.Super deal but would have been a pain putting on and off.

There are some good tricks for getting chains on with little muscle power required. I lay mine out behind the rear wheel, pass a small rope through a hole in the wheel and tie the ends to the center of one end of the chain. Drive forward to pull the chains up and over the tire (if I'm not lucky, I've got to stop when the end reaches the 12:00 position and spread it out over the tire). keep driving until the tied end of the chain travels about 3/4 of the way around the tire (so the end is at the 3:00 position, pointing towards the rear when looking at the left rear tire). Clip the inside ends together, untie the rope and clip the outside ends together. Usually this gets the chains on and tightened appropriately on the first try.

I used to mount my chains by driving on to them and trying to lift or wrap them onto the tire as I drove over them. It was a lot of struggling, and even after I got them connected, I usually had to drive around a bit, then re-adjust to try to pull some of the slop out. Now, I can do both wheels in just a few minutes, working by myself.

I heard this method here on FF. It didn't SOUND like much of a difference, but it was night and day to how I used to do them. Once I tried it, I never went back.

[milkie62]

I missed on a complete set of chains for my 6800 Kubota.Super deal but would have been a pain putting on and off.

There are some good tricks for getting chains on with little muscle power required. I lay mine out behind the rear wheel, pass a small rope through a hole in the wheel and tie the ends to the center of one end of the chain. Drive forward to pull the chains up and over the tire (if I'm not lucky, I've got to stop when the end reaches the 12:00 position and spread it out over the tire). keep driving until the tied end of the chain travels about 3/4 of the way around the tire (so the end is at the 3:00 position, pointing towards the rear when looking at the left rear tire). Clip the inside ends together, untie the rope and clip the outside ends together. Usually this gets the chains on and tightened appropriately on the first try.

I used to mount my chains by driving on to them and trying to lift or wrap them onto the tire as I drove over them. It was a lot of struggling, and even after I got them connected, I usually had to drive around a bit, then re-adjust to try to pull some of the slop out. Now, I can do both wheels in just a few minutes, working by myself.

I heard this method here on FF. It didn't SOUND like much of a difference, but it was night and day to how I used to do them. Once I tried it, I never went back.

OK stop by and show me. ;D ;D

[beenthere]

Here is a video showing the a rope trick to load the tire chains on a tractor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alM_AlysXHQ

[wfcjr]

Here is a video showing the a rope trick to load the tire chains on a tractor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alM_AlysXHQ

Ditto, the method show there & here is the way to go.  I used to struggle mightily.  Now it is pretty easy to put chains on
singlehandedly.  Also, the Trygg chains are outstanding.  Run them on all four tires, all winter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKbxYUR_U4w

[beenthere]

wfcjr
Looks to be the same video.. 

[Ed_K]

If you don't have a hole in the rim, use extra rope and go over the top of the tire and put a bunched up hand full under the front of the tire then just drive over it.This will do the same as going thru the rim.

[beenthere]

Good trick, and think it will even be quicker.

[RoundMountainLogger]

After spending the first two days on my new to me used kubota m9540 I think I'm ok without chains but we will see how it goes when snow gets deeper.  Right now there's about a foot snow in the woods.

I skid wood all weekend and really enjoy the new setup with uniforest 55m winch.

Defiantly think of skid plate and making a cage and roof on Rops.
Also want to make risers from front brush guard to roof.  I got hit in the face with a branch today and it was so cold it actually stung a little.

[beenthere]

Just figure out how deep into the woods you might be when getting stuck without chains, and whether you have a good solution for getting out.. or walking out and getting the chains.

I've been caught before, as there was a 2" layer of solid ice under the snow. Had to use the pick and break it up and then shovel to get to dry leaves before the tractor would make it out. Don't go now without the chains. ;)

[thecfarm]

I try to stay about in the same place sin the woods. Most times I just play around,for myself. Not like I am trying to get a load of logs out a week. With the winch on the back,that will get you out of alot of bad spots. Most times I can get what I need with 100 feet of cable just by staying on my main roads. Those 3pt winches are really nice to have. They do cost,but I've had my since '93 and that have seen some wood behind it. It's just as handy as the loader on the tractor.
Is this your land you log on? I have no desire to put a skid plate under my tractor. BUT I don't run it through the brush either AND I just cut on my land. Anything that I leave in the woods gets cut up into pieces 2-3 feet long. The 2 foot is better. I run the saw up and down the branches to get the brush on the ground. I can and have run the tractor right through a place that I have just limbed a tree out. I try not to,but I have. One reason I am fussy is that I just can't go anywheres I want on my land,due to rocks or uneven places,or knolls. Seem like if there is brush in the way,that is the best place to go.

[Reddog]

With that Skidwinch you wont find your self stuck in to many places.

I have redirected off the bottom of the blade and skidded the tractor 90 deg to get out of a spot.



Here are some pics of a brush cab I put on a smaller Kubota for a friend.




 



 

[RoundMountainLogger]

Yea that's what I'm talking about

[wfcjr]

After spending the first two days on my new to me used kubota m9540 I think I'm ok without chains but we will see how it goes when snow gets deeper.  Right now there's about a foot snow in the woods.

Chains are a beautiful thing.... the traction is unsurpassed.  In addition to not getting stuck, they will also increase your pulling capability and decrease the work & force required to pull.  Crucial not only in snow, but perhaps more importantly on ice, also in the spring as the snow & ground soften.

You have a great new piece of equipment and the attachments that go with it.  Think of all the $$ you have wrapped up on your new rig.   The incremental cost of chains really isn't that much in the scheme of things.  Also, if they prevent one accident from slipping or skidding on snow/ice, they have paid for themselves... not to mention the safety factor to the operator (you) with better traction.  There are very good reasons why so many folks run their tractors with chains.

Just one guy's thoughts... I am sure that there are others.

[Reddog]

Get a good brush cab with screens on before you start running chains in low snow cover.

They like to pick up all sorts of junk and hit you with it.

[RoundMountainLogger]

Ok I'm convinced.... You guys talked me into it... I'm searching for chains, roof , risers, and skid plates.

I was skidding three big oaks straight up hill today and lost traction.  Had to freespoll to the top of hill and cable the logs to the top.
At the bottom of hill I kinda thought I'd loose traction but wanted to try.... I knew the tractor would make it up alone.

[wfcjr]

Ok I'm convinced.... You guys talked me into it... I'm searching for chains, roof , risers, and skid plates.

I was skidding three big oaks straight up hill today and lost traction.  Had to freespoll to the top of hill and cable the logs to the top.
At the bottom of hill I kinda thought I'd loose traction but wanted to try.... I knew the tractor would make it up alone.

Yeh, I forgot about skid plates.  Ordered our JD with skid plates.  They come in real handy in the woods....  Also brush guard on the front grill of the tractor.

Chains.. check out these guys... they handle made-in-USA chains as well as Trygg.
Trygg Flexi are great chains for your size tractor & they have very good prices on them.

http://canadianchainsusa.com/farm.aspx

[petefrom bearswamp]

Started with my Farmi, I think a 501 in 1993 with a JD 4020 95hp.
now have an 8540 Kubota w/ fel that dynoed at 89 HP when in for a warrantee repair.
I was told Same tractor as 9540 except for the fuel pump and maybe injectors.
Rear tires loaded with beet juice no loading in the fronts.
No issues in the snow w/o chains.
HOWEVER I am now spending the winters in FL so wont be working in the cold and snow no more.
Yippee!

[lirachamo51]

i would suggest getting a diamond pattern, always chain on the snow or ice, i have diamond pattern ice chains on my nhwm 55 on all 4 and no slipping even on glare ice, they are well worth the cost!!

[John Mc]

Wish I could get diamond pattern chains, but no one makes them to fit my tire size. I ended up going with ladder-style with V-bars. The bars do pretty well on ice, but lateral traction is not as good as with the diamond-pattern chains.

[beenthere]

I'd like to find a JL 351 Farmi or something similar on the used market... but seem to not exist much, if at all.

[John Mc]

I'd like to find a JL 351 Farmi or something similar on the used market... but seem to not exist much, if at all.

I looked for 3 years before I finally gave up and bought one new. It seems once people have a winch, they never let it go.

[lirachamo51]

i can understand why no used ones on the market they are truly invaluable,it seem like at least half of all trees i cut are hangers in the thick woods and they are pulled free with no problems. my diamond chains were from maine i know the back were ones they had in stock and the front they made for me ill try and find the companies name they were very accommodating.

[lirachamo51]

just found the site americanchain.com they make all sorts for tractors hope they can help you!

[John Mc]

Thanks for the lead, Lirachamo51

I bought my last chains from tirechains.com. Decent pricing, but they could not come up with anything like a diamond pattern to fit my tires.  The tractor dealer also said no one makes anything standard for this size tire (R4 tire, size 15-19.5). A custom build might be the only way to go, and even then I'm told the fit may be a bit off - the pattern just doesn't work out evenly on this size tire.

[milkie62]

The winch is my next thing on my list.My wife does not understand why I need it but will not go into the woods with me to see why.It would be invaluble accessing some aceage across an old beaver swamp.I could wait till freeze up cut the trees and winch across the swamp instead of leaving the trees there to rot away.(200 foot) pull but would not be a problem on smooth ice and cattails.Can't wait.......

[beenthere]

wife does not understand why I need it

Tell the dear wife you didn't "need" to get married, but you wanted to.

[thecfarm]

Bring out 2-3-4  chains into the woods and you stay on the tractor and just have your wife hook and unhook the chains for a day.  ;D We use to cut firewood with 3-4-5, 16 foot chains. I was the chain boy and my Father drove the tractor. Just takes alot of time and hard to bring out 6 logs at one time. Those winches will last forever I think.

[John Mc]

just found the site americanchain.com they make all sorts for tractors hope they can help you!

I can't get www.americanchain.com to work. I just keep getting the error "server not found"

[beenthere]

Because it is http://www.americanchains.com/

With an s after chain

Found it by google'n "American Chains"

[wfcjr]

just found the site americanchain.com they make all sorts for tractors hope they can help you!

I can't get www.americanchain.com to work. I just keep getting the error "server not found"

Those are some pretty stout chains and studs.  I looked hard at them when looking for chains to buy.

One caution that I am sure you are probably aware of....   If you are looking for tractor chains, depending upon your tractor model, tire size and tire style, some of the chains with the very large studs, bear paw rings, etc. can be too high to work properly on a tractor. 

The forestry style chains are great for skidders, etc, but can be too stout or have features that are too high for use with tractors.  They create clearance issues.  So you may want to chat with the folks to ensure that a particular style chain will work properly with your equipment, tire size and style. 

[John Mc]

Thanks, wfcjr. I've got ladder style chains with v-bars now, bu they are not nearly as heavy as the stuff used on skidders. I've also got a subframe under the tractor that my backhoe attaches to. This might make side clearance an issue as well, though it has not been a problem with my existing chains.

I'm definitely looking for compact tractor chains, not skidder chains. I'd just like to get better lateral traction, and a bit of protection for the tires.

[bill m]

When I bought my first NH tractor I didn't think I could put chains on it because of the closeness of the fenders. Most of the chain specs. said you needed a minimum of 4 inches of clearance. I bought the chains anyway and have not had a problem. They are at least 10 years old, have been on 2 tractors and never come off.

 
As you can see they are close.

[wfcjr]

I'm definitely looking for compact tractor chains, not skidder chains. I'd just like to get better lateral traction, and a bit of protection for the tires.

Check out the Trygg SMT Flexi

http://www.trygg.no/us/tractor,dc74.html

[lirachamo51]

just got back from 5days of cutting at my property for next years firewood and cleaning site for pole barn. the studded chains i bought from americanchains were studded diamond pattern,and are made for tractors, i also have the nhwm55 and haven't had any clearance issues with fenders or my or my bradco backhoe frame that is on bottom of frame. once and a while i will catch the lid on the small tool box on rt side of frame when tires are turned to max and tag ends will lift the lid on tool box.they are truly worth every cent i paid for them. the property i own is steep and icy and would not be accessible without them. fire wood is finished for next year!!!!! 8)

[lirachamo51]

tried to add pictures into gallery...not successful, computers are not my thing!  I was able to add a picture on my profile though...took a picture of my tractor, the chains, and...my buddy.

[kensfarm]

Randy those chains look pretty beefy.. can I ask what they cost..  I have a TN65.  Thankyou!  Ken

[beenthere]

tried to add pictures into gallery...not successful, computers are not my thing!  I was able to add a picture on my profile though...took a picture of my tractor, the chains, and...my buddy.

You have pictures in your gallery. So you are successful. Four to be exact.

Now go to the post where you want to tell about the pics, do the "Click here to add Photos to post" and a gallery window pops up. At the top are menu tabs, and likely you have used the "upload pics" tab, but now want to click on the "My gallery" tab.

Select the pic you want, click it, and the when it enlarges, scroll down below the pic a page or two and you will see the button to insert it into your post.

Scrolling down is the tricky part as it isn't real apparent that there are things going on further down the page. Give it a shot. You are closer than you think.  8)

[lirachamo51]

I've had them for 3 years, so don't remember exact cost but around 700 front and 1000 for back. NH dealer put the back on when they loaded the rear tires and i put the front ones on myself as front end was pushing and slipping on ice and snow, easy to do. i also bought the chain tension springs on all 4 when you put them on close off spring ends with pair of pliers so when you drive through debris it won't pull them off. I'll try the pics again tonight when i have some time!!

[gaproperty]

With the hitch on the blade/winch it's like having another parking brake. If used as an E-brake I would go into float control so not to tip over.



 

:new_year:

How much more wood can you haul with the help of your trailer as opposed to just the logging winch.  Lets say a haul of 800 feet. I am looking at getting a trailer with a loader and I am hoping it would pay for itself. Guess at least the wood would be clean when I arrived at the landing.  So could you get an extra 3 or 4 cords a day out with the use of the trailer?

[woodrat]

wife does not understand why I need it

Tell the dear wife you didn't "need" to get married, but you wanted to.

+1!  :D