#66 Logging Winch Trial

This is the trial of a basic logging winch mounted onto the concrete ballast on my Case 430. The idea of the winch is to reduce damage in the forest by rolling over vegetation with studded chains. It makes it easier to grab all the logs at the same spot with the grapple later.
The improvements to do are to get the winch aligned with the pull, so the wire does not rub against the ballast.

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Nice video! Nothing like a winch to help with those hard to reach spots. Stay safe, Jason.

[@FromSteelToWood]

I'd prefer having a winch like yours!!!

[@TractorTech]

That eagle hitch was a heck of an idea for back in the day.

[@FromSteelToWood]

That was a good idea, but the fixed width arms was limitating. Then pulling sideways is not so good on the machine for the arms... Thanks for tuning in Roger!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

@@FromSteelToWood I had a 1949 Case SC that I sold last March. It didn't have the eagle hitch but I always thought that I wanted one. They were not a simple add on feature either, as I recall. You would have to change out the whole main housing.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Nice work Joe. I like all the fabricated work and the winch idea. Nice video action.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Thanks!

[@ItsaboutMakingnotBuying]

Thank's for the mention. I like your set up with the winch on the ballast of concrete and a great brake. I was going to say that's a new way to dig up a rock. LOL Good video

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Very nice job Joe. I like that ballast and the winch. Thanks for sharing.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Thanks!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Love the sound of your Case!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Nice sound indeed! Thanks Gary!

[@GPOutdoors]

Joe, the nice weather brings out lots of chores.LOL. Great idea to make the winch removal. It feels nice to work in the warmth now. So many things to catch up on. Hope you had a good Mother's Day weekend. Cheers!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Yes, this is a very short time slot where I can access the forest (dry enough), and still no leaf hiding the dead limbs on the ground. Thanks!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Love your tire chains.

[@FromSteelToWood]

I love them! Tryggs chains change a 2wd drive tractor into a beast! I also put studded tire chains on my small Bolens HT23 for snow clearing and I sincerely think it can beat a 4WD compact tractor without chains. That being said, when a 4wd tractor is fitted with those chains, everything is then possible! Thanks!

[@edwilliams9028]

Great effort ,keep up the great job!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Thanks Ed!

[@billfischer6464]

This is my second watch. That ballast really does anchor the tractor well. I just bought a winch for various tasks, and looking for more ideas for setting it up on my tractor. I was worried about the battery and alternator keeping up, but by other comments it seems it hasn't been a problem for you. As always I enjoy and appreciate your videos.

[@FromSteelToWood]

This is not an issue for the battery, as this is a fairly large battery, sized for a car/SUV. The alternator is a Delco-Remy, which I assume is producing 45 amps or so. The winch might take 100 amps at its full capacity. I just make sure the tractor will be running above idle and it will run for a while after a pull. Then I take my time between the pulls. So the winch cools down too.

[@billfischer6464]

@@FromSteelToWood I know it isn't about this video, but did you get the links I sent in regards to the reprint operator's manual for your tractor? Just checking.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Bill, I did not receive anything recently... Did you send it to [e-mail] ?

[@billfischer6464]

@@FromSteelToWood no sir. I left a link in a reply to one of daveknowshow videos. I will get that to you asap. Thanks for replying.

[@dhenschel4]

Nice work - I'm over from GP Outdoors. I'm amazed the load the winch puts on the alternator - one would think the winch would take the battery power and the alternator will recharge it as the engine run. I will have to look at some auto's (trucks) to see if their winch's also put the alt under load.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Yes, the alternator takes all it can when the winch is operating, assuming in my case around 45 amps. The remaining is drawn from the battery. Thanks!

[@dhenschel4]

@@FromSteelToWood Thanks for getting back - some of these auto winches pull 300 amps under load, but they all seem to pull 20 amps under no load. I'm not sure how that works as a typical home circuit is 15-20 ams and should be more than enough to run these small winches. I wasn't able to find how this system works this way, but I will look into it. Seems the battery is able to delivery 700 amps for short periods. BTW - they have wireless remotes for some winches on the market, but that would require you to buy a new winch - seems like a great way to run a winch though.

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Well done!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Useful too! Thanks for watching!

[@anesthesiadreamin]

That winch is no joke! But it looks like you could benefit from some quick connects for that Winch cable. I know, I know, it's only more time and money :-) But I could really use a "parking brake" like that (for ballast)... did you make a video on building that?

[@FromSteelToWood]

Hello, I did not make any video of the making. I am currently thinking of revisiting this project to fit on another machine. Especially with a wireless remote. Thanks!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Nice set up for the winch Joe. And like you say, it's not comfortable to stand near the cable when winching. I'm sure your solution will be a safe one!!! Take care!!!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Yes, I had the remote installed on a magnetic support. So I can stay away from the winch, then when I am done, put it back near the winch. Thanks Mike!

[@1dogpobo]

Your set up is best for dragging your logs out of places that you cant get to w your tractor.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Exactly! Let say this winch is not for continuous use, but it helps a lot for those remote logs out of the trail.

[@kubotaman3440]

You're logging winch it's too slow you'll be there all day just to take out a couple of cord of wood

[@FromSteelToWood]

You are right, it's very slow. But I use it only where I can't access with the Case, which is very seldom places. But hey, if I do 2 cords of wood in a day, I would be very happy! I am not a professional logger! I'm just an office worker with a weekend hobby! Thanks for your comment!

[@alberteinstein9045]

That wooded area looked wide open compared to some precarious places I've taken my tractor too. Only time I use a winch is getting logs up out of a ravine.

[@FromSteelToWood]

You are right. This was a sugar bush before, so this is very "clean" forest. So my goal is to protect the smallest trees as much as possible, especially if they are worth keeping AND not a maple tree!!! So the winch is not to save the tractor, but rather some smaller trees. Thanks for your comment!

[@coypatton3160]

I would suggest a couple of sets of quick connects for your wiring setup. Not sure what you have under the hood. Leave a foot give or take of wire on the winch semi permanently connected via the contact post and then just do a single plug connection. They are available in several colors and I believe that represents amperage ratings. I have a red set for my winch on my trailer. I would also suggest a pulley or snatch block or both to redirect your winch line for a lower pull point as attached as you did here will often cause the lower forks of the tree to dig into softer soil. Nice design for s combo counter weight and multi function 3 ph frame!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Thanks Coy! Good idea! I like the idea to use a pulley. I have a good hook near the base of the ballast. Thanks for your comment!

[@lowercherty]

From the starter it sounds like the tractor is 12 volt. I don't know if you've installed an alternator in place of the generator. If not, it might be a good idea. That winch can drag the battery down faster than many of the old generators can keep up with. GM one wire and two wire alternators are available at any parts store and are usually a pretty easy conversion.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Thanks for the heads up. The tractor is converted to a Delco Remy one wire alternator. And I keep the engine running after I pull logs. So the battery can regain it's charge. Thank!

[@littletractorbigjob255]

Thanks for sharing all your inventions I made a log grapple to would like to show you just not sure how lol

[@FromSteelToWood]

Uploading a video on KZbin is easy. There is plenty of video on KZbin that can show you how to do so. Many people think you need a very expensive camera to make a good quality video. This is not necessary. I do most of my video with an Iphone5... I'd like to see how you made your grapple. Thanks for watching!

[@MrThenry1988]

I'd like to see it.

[@MrThenry1988]

Like that hitch.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Thanks!

[@DesertDigger1]

That steel pan seat has to be cold without a cushion Joe.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Not too bad, because I wear clothing accordingly. The worst case in winter, freezing rain accumulating and having to sit on it... Lol!

[@lowercherty]

You may want to look at a fair lead on the end of the boom pole to keep the cable tamed.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Yes, I was even thinking of a pulley. Then have the whole winch and pulley mounted on a pivot, so it can rotate in the pull direction along with the pulley. Then the pulley would alow to pull the log up to the ballast and even lift the end of the log, without damaging the cable. So many projects going on! One day I will do it!

[@Minion-m3z]

Re ßet

[@peterkober6758]

Joe good job we some tree trimmings to but nothing what you have PaK

[@FromSteelToWood]

Thanks! Do you mind if I ask you were you are from?

[@gatorsworld]

You have a strong winch....I personally like a hydraulic one.....c`est bien....Salut

[@FromSteelToWood]

It's a cheap 100$ Canadian Tire winch on sale. Not so strong (3000lbs). Just enough the tractor won't move, but the logs will. Merci et à la prochaine!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

A good true lumberJack !!!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Lol! I am an office worker in the first place!!! Some people like skiing or golfing. I like logging, welding and doing mechanic.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Well I was technician working on various aircraft engines and teaching life support for 20 yrs in the RCAF, and now i'm an office clerk and they are telling me that what happen when you get promoted !!! So I used my time off for playing on my land ( wood, welding, digging and a lot of maintenance on the house !!! ) Best regards I fill your pain !!! LOL

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Keep these video comming !!! It's a real pleasure to see all of them,,, sniff sniff !!! One of these days i m going to buy an very old piston engine driven aircraft and have fun with it !!!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

I forgot to mention that, all trades are important !!!

[@fp3359]

From a savety point of view: That mesh is idle when the winch control switches are in front of it. . A Stihl savety trousers & ditto boots might save a lot of misery for you and family. . All the best and greetings from Holland.

[@FromSteelToWood]

I agree with you! That is the improvement I did this morning. Yesterday was a trial. I did move the remote further away from the winch. I am now operating is 2 meters away. The mesh is when I use ropes and chains while pulling directly with the tractor. In that situation, it does not forgive anything. If the log hits a rock, the weight of the tractor will break a chain. As opposed to the winch that is winding slowly and will slow down even more with added strain. So to say, the mesh is not for the winch... Today was the real logging day and I had my Stihl safety pants on all day long. I always wear boots. Even for gardening! Thanks for watching!

[@nwngunner]

A small suggestion, you might be able to use a strap on your winch drum. Will help keep from pinching your wire.

[@FromSteelToWood]

You are right! I might try that next spring! Thanks for commenting!

[@regsparkes6507]

There's something else that I need now, is a rear ballast block. I also like those locking hooks on the 3-point hitch system. Are these available in Canada Joe? Also, I could have used a winch only yesterday, while I was retrieving one of my roller drums that rolled down over a steep bank during the winter. That's a good idea to have the winch mounted on the ballast block .

[@FromSteelToWood]

Thanks Reg for the comment. The Eagle hitch system by Case was used on their tractors back in the 50's (or so), as far as I know. There is still parts available on E-Bay / Amazon if you search for it. The modern version is the 3pt quick hitch, which includes the top link. And there is a version I could not tell if available in Canada. See link (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIPWlaVjrN9nnJY).

[@regsparkes6507]

Thanks for this Joe, I used to watch those Tractor Mike videos, but honestly, I found your channel and started to watch this instead, as your video's are more interesting to me, and my hobbies. Thanks for this link, and I'm going to check into these hitch kits, and see of these are available here in Canada. Cheers!

[@FromSteelToWood]

That is very kind Reg. Thanks!

[@ericlakota6512]

They call that eagle hitch are 530 dosent have that for some some reason

[@FromSteelToWood]

I could not tell why some Case 30 series had it and some other hasn't. That was a good system for that time! Thanks!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

I just noticed that you have a license plate on the upper right rear side of your rope. Are you required to do so in Quebec?

[@FromSteelToWood]

No, it's not mandatory, but I think for residential use if you go on the street with it, you need it. Then clearing the driveway, I always end up in the street. Then, I also ride to neighbors. I could go without, but I don't take any chance.

[@markheppleston1117]

most tractors are too light to gather logs with a winch anyways!

[@FromSteelToWood]

It's all a matter of proportion. I cut down the tree in smaller parts. before winching. The biggest log I could expect to winch are 2000lb. The tractor weighs 5000+lb with the FEL, loaded wheels and ballast. So to say, it is "amateur winching" compared to professionnals!

[@MrThenry1988]

I'm gonna add a winch to mine. I built a little deal for my 3 point to drag logs out. Check my channel. It's a smaller tractor with enough guts. The mesh is a good idea. I'm not Mr safety by any stretch. But I've seen a bunch of stuff break that wasn't supposed to. Lol. I just wrap a chain around a couple logs and take off for the trailer. I would use the winch to line up logs to drag.

[@skeets6060]

Is it me or is your upper link bent

[@FromSteelToWood]

Badly bent!!! Anyways, over all the implements I have, I don't have to adjust it by more than an inch. That is pretty much what is left that I can adjust before I get into the bent. When I use the rear blade, it has an integrated built-in tilt adjustment. Nice catch Skeets!

[@rosevadnais6015]

Don't understand why your using a winch when you could do the same thing with your tractor and longer chain

[@tractorboy31]

I use my boom pole my grandpa built and i can slide logs closer and then i drag it the rest with the tractor

[@duanekilgore6737]

What a waste time Winching that log The tractor has a gear shifter it goes forward and in reverse and has loader cut the log pick it up with the loader and wow you're really in the woods you drove your lawn mower out there

[@FromSteelToWood]

That almost right Duane... The Case can drive nearly anywhere! No matter the incline or the mud. Unless that I just planted new trees in that area... which was the case. I had to refrain from going to that newly planted area. I also had to steer a little bit the logs so they don't damage the saplings. Thanks for watching!

[@markheppleston1117]

I logged all my life, and I don't think winching helps the forest! getting up close is better most of the time. learn by doing though!!

[@FromSteelToWood]

I agree it is not very good for the vegetation on the ground. And it definitely take longer. I do it before the fern are grown. And when I do it, it is simply because I really can't reach the zone with my tractor. Either because of deep mud or terrain relief/rocks. Thanks for watching!

[@mdh7812]

Have you thought of using Anderson SB series connectors for your power to the winch? I have a set that I use to power my transfer pump off the my tractor battery. www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22110

[@FromSteelToWood]

Sure! Since it was a trial version, I had to make it simple and cost effective, to confirm it works. Then this year, I'll have to improve the setup a little bit more. Thanks for your suggestion!