Its so much easier when one side can be lifted up - off the ground, but all i have is my pickup truck. Thankyou for the time making this information video. Joe - Buffalo NY
I've personally skidded many logs with 'standard' hook chains, and yes you can make chokers with them. Here's how. Wrap around your log like normal, but instead of hooking a link, leave yourself extra slack and loop it once around the chain, and then hook it back to itself on the 'end' side, rather than the 'tow' side. Basically you're going to make about a 12" loop on one end of your chain with the other end pulling through the loop. Now you have a choker that you dont have to fight with to get unhooked, and more importantly, you already have it. No extra purchases required.
I've always used a slip hook. I've always had times when the hook fell off the chain. Since I need to replace my chains I'll make sure they have the choker hook on one end. Thanks for the info. Dave
You CAN use a grab hook like a slip hook. I've done it many times. The trick is one wrap around the log. The lay it back over the opposite way and link it up. Fastening it in this way to a log the chain functions like a slipknot. It works great.
Thank you for the video. Exactly the information I was looking for! What size is your choker hook? I haven’t skidded logs with my tractor yet but would it work work just as well if the log wasn’t in contact with the hitch and I give it 5” to swing below the hitch while keeping the front of the log off of the ground? I was thinking the additional play could be beneficial maneuvering.
I normally like to get the log right under or behind the skid plate so it's not dangling and wobbling around. Main thing to watch is that the front of the log is high enough that it can't get hung up on something (stump, root, etc) since it could make the tractor pop a wheelie and become unsafe. More of a risk on a gear tractor than HST. You can run a second short chain down to the drawbar (below the axle line) to counter the tendency and add more safety margin if needed.
You hook as close to the log as possible and only raise the butt of the log a few inches off the ground. Only raise more if needed for traction, just watch front end don’t raise up and let it back down when you don’t need as much traction. They key is having just enough weight for traction without the front end raising up. the reason three point drawbars get such a bad rap is because everyone wants to raise them all the way up and take off in high gear, they start up an incline and the front raises faster than they can react because the geometry can change quickly.
Standard 3-pt hitch that comes with the Kubota L3200, but I added a hydraulic top link in place of the mechanical top link and added telescopic sway stabilizers in place of the turnbuckles.
Its so much easier when one side can be lifted up - off the ground, but all i have is my pickup truck. Thankyou for the time making this information video.
Joe - Buffalo NY
I've personally skidded many logs with 'standard' hook chains, and yes you can make chokers with them.
Here's how.
Wrap around your log like normal, but instead of hooking a link, leave yourself extra slack and loop it once around the chain, and then hook it back to itself on the 'end' side, rather than the 'tow' side. Basically you're going to make about a 12" loop on one end of your chain with the other end pulling through the loop. Now you have a choker that you dont have to fight with to get unhooked, and more importantly, you already have it. No extra purchases required.
I've always used a slip hook. I've always had times when the hook fell off the chain. Since I need to replace my chains I'll make sure they have the choker hook on one end.
Thanks for the info.
Dave
Very interesting. You have a great channel. Thanks! 😀
Great video, and even better Mill !, thank you.
Love this channel! Thanks so much for all the videos.
get choker chains w/ the metal rod on the other end, easier to feed under the log. bonus points if you bang it into a curve
I keep a curved piece of rod in my tractor toolbox for just that!
Quick and informative, thank you.
You CAN use a grab hook like a slip hook. I've done it many times. The trick is one wrap around the log. The lay it back over the opposite way and link it up. Fastening it in this way to a log the chain functions like a slipknot. It works great.
Yup, acts like a sliding noose. Almost like tying a half hitch, except you hook onto the chain
I'll try this method, thanks!
@ethanheitz4489 I'll be waiting for the video boss. Much love and luck your way. God bless.
Cool. Never seen one of those before.
Solid video, thank you.
I have c hooks made from harft shafts and work good
What part o Va are you in and did I hear hounds in the background ?
Thank you for the video. Exactly the information I was looking for! What size is your choker hook? I haven’t skidded logs with my tractor yet but would it work work just as well if the log wasn’t in contact with the hitch and I give it 5” to swing below the hitch while keeping the front of the log off of the ground? I was thinking the additional play could be beneficial maneuvering.
I normally like to get the log right under or behind the skid plate so it's not dangling and wobbling around. Main thing to watch is that the front of the log is high enough that it can't get hung up on something (stump, root, etc) since it could make the tractor pop a wheelie and become unsafe. More of a risk on a gear tractor than HST. You can run a second short chain down to the drawbar (below the axle line) to counter the tendency and add more safety margin if needed.
@@Lumber_Jack Great point. I don’t want to do any wheelies. Have a great day. I’ll be watching
You hook as close to the log as possible and only raise the butt of the log a few inches off the ground. Only raise more if needed for traction, just watch front end don’t raise up and let it back down when you don’t need as much traction. They key is having just enough weight for traction without the front end raising up. the reason three point drawbars get such a bad rap is because everyone wants to raise them all the way up and take off in high gear, they start up an incline and the front raises faster than they can react because the geometry can change quickly.
What kind of 3 point hitch is that? Thanks
Standard 3-pt hitch that comes with the Kubota L3200, but I added a hydraulic top link in place of the mechanical top link and added telescopic sway stabilizers in place of the turnbuckles.
Do you use a log arch?
Come out of the stone age and try a cable choke.