My Logging Operation Just Took a Big Step Forward

After seeing a tractor three point hitch forestry grapple for the very first time, I knew that I wanted it. Fast forward a few years and now I"ve finally got one. Today I"ll show you just how useful I think this forestry winch will be for my operation and why I decided to buy it despite already owning a forestry winch.
I purchased this forestry grapple from Woody Equipment out of Quebec, Canada
equipementswoody.com/joindre-...
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C-Flow 3rd Function Kit shown in this video: (tractor specific)
shop.lanesharkusa.com/pages/c...
Tractor shown in this video: 2012 Kioti DK40se HST Cab
‪@SebastienWoody‬ #tractorattachments #tractorimplements #grapple #skidding #tractorvideos #forestryequipment #logging #loggingequipment #grappleskidder

[@russellclement2058]

I'm old school and to have an engine reving like that all the time would drive me insane

[@Heartwoodbows]

If you can leave the logs tree-length for skidding, you will be able to carry more wood on each trip and keep more of it out of the dirt. If you pull from the tops and drag the butts, it's amazing how much you can carry in a load.

[@allenandmain]

I’m 72 years ,your most important part is saving your health thanks

[@ernsteliden6719]

Hi Sandy from Sweden. Why not go all the way to a logtrailer with a grapple crane. To keep all the mud and dirt away from the logs. Here in Sweden we almost never skid logs anymore other then possible in the winter with all the snow. But that one is for sure a great tool aswell. I have seen a lot of your videos and i feel listening to your reasonig around you forest and your land that we are kind of kindred spirits. Love your videos keep up the great work.

[@brucekiefer2209]

I'm 75 and always looking for ways to keep going ! Great tool!!

[@doc3356]

Man, what a great piece of equipment!! You sure are hard on my pocketbook!!😂😂😂😂

[@sawingwithsandy]

I better quit soon . My wallet is going to go into hiding from me

[@bedmackable]

That looks like it will save a lot of time getting logs out for you. Yay! More time to mill :)

[@carolewarner101]

Amen to longevity! My husband and I have always been strong and healthy. In fact, some of our first dates were going to the gym or for a run together. But that was 33 years ago in our late 20's & 30's! After recently purchasing acreage to retire and live out our homesteading dreams, we're incredibly grateful to have the heavy equipment we've invested in. A simple case in point is just planting (or removing) a larger tree... We know what that takes with a pick and shovel as we've done it many times, and we still look at each other and grin after we take out one big scoop of dirt with the backhoe on the tractor (we've since upgraded to a small excavator) and are basically ready to plant the tree! Never mind small scale logging and milling. We simply couldn't do it without the tractor, winch and of course the mill. It definitely saves our backs and in most cases is literally the deciding factor in whether we can even do something without having to hire it out. We saved well over $10,000 easy by trenching and putting in the 1500' of electrical conduit to the future home site ourselves, and will do so again when we put in our septic field, dig our foundation, do most of the road work ourselves, etc. By the time the house is built, we'll likely save $150,000 to $200,000 developing the land ourselves (roads, electric, septic, prepping the build site, etc), milling our own lumber and timbers for our house, and building and raising it ourselves. In the end, good quality heavy equipment pays for itself many times over if you're on land.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Absolutely

[@jimmerrithew453]

Hello Carole. I agree with your comments and observations. My partner and I are in our 70s. Three years ago, we bought a 5 acre lot with a nice house on it. The previous owners sold us their JD 2025R tractor with a few basic attachments. At first, we wondered if that was a wise investment. Our lot a mix of half trees, half lawn. We have discovered that we use the tractor about 3 times a week. Sometimes, we use it for only 10 minutes to move something heavy or awkward from Point A to B. Today, I usedthe tractor to move winter tires from the car to the summer storage area. Then, I turned over our compost pile, which is 5 feet high. Many of our projects we wouldn't have started if we did not own the tractor.

[@carlmclelland7624]

Hello Carole. GOOD FOR YOU!! I live in Sparks, NV, and at 77, live for the time I spend on my nephew's ranch in NW Arkansas. He's literally 'kept me alive' by letting me 'play in his dirt.' One suggestion if you're using the backhoe a lot. Unless you're tractor is specifically designed for a backhoe (i.e. Case 500 series or John Deere), if you're not careful, it'll break the frame of the tractor. My nephew has a Kubota KX057-4 excavator, and it's about 'four-inches short' of bulletproof! There's not a tree I can't push over with it, and it's a machine designed 100% for digging, and I've done a lot of earthwork with the 4-way blade on it. You probably don't need that large a machine, but if you scout around for something like a good used Kubota KX040 (4+ ton machine), it'll run circles around the backhoe and you'll enjoy it more. Bless you and your husband....

[@carolewarner101]

@@carlmclelland7624 I know what you mean Carl. Isn't it awesome getting to be out in Nature creating? We had two acres and a John Deere 1025R with the backhoe. Then we sold that property and ended up with 100 acres! I remember my timber framing mentor taking a look around the land when we first got there and he said..."I think you're gonna need a bigger tractor!" He was so right. We traded in the 1025R for a 3025E with a 4 in 1 front loader bucket and bought a KX040 with a 6 way blade. The front wheel on the new tractor is bigger than the rear wheel of the old one, LOL! Every time we took the old one out to work on something in the woods we felt like it was going to capsize! Now I kinda wish we'd gotten a higher HP tractor. Anyway, the excavator purchase was a huge and scary commitment for us to make at $75k new, but we started running the numbers on everything we had to do out there and by the time everything is done we will have paid for it with the money we would've had to pay others to do all that work for us, AND we'll have it to use thereafter or sell back for not much less than we paid for it. The KX040 has been an ABSOLUTE GODSEND!!! At first we kept telling ourselves we should just get the backhoe on the new tractor as well, and those are great for small scale homestead jobs. But if you have anything serious to do, there's absolutely zero comparison. Having to put down stabilizers every time you are going to use the backhoe vs having an excavator on tracks. Just zero comparison. Never in a million years did I ever see myself even owning a tractor, never mind an excavator...now I don't know what we would do without them. We use them constantly! Best investments we've made out there along with our Woodland Mills mill. Like I said, once we finish the house we could sell all three of those things (don't plan on that, plan on keeping them), likely for close to what we've got in them given inflation. Really grateful to have them. Having the excavator will even make it possible for us to make some of our own ponds, and that alone would pay for it! Basically, without it we'd likely have to forego any ponds altogether.

[@carolewarner101]

@@jimmerrithew453 Right? Yeah, definitely a great investment on your part ay? When you've never lived on acreage before and/or ever owned any heavy duty equipment like that it seems like overkill. But once you have it, it makes your live immeasurably better in every way!

[@RWOxner]

Work smarter not harder, looks like a great decision. One suggestion, we found leaving the front bucket or forks on the tractor made it harder to negotiate tight turns. Enjoy your videos.

[@johanneslaxell6641]

You could have gotten rid of your other log trailer and maybe the winch and have gotten a Kranman (or other brand) logtrailer instead. With proper hydraulics operated from inside the cabin. Kranman has a video where they drive with a tractor the same size as yours, if I remember correctly a Branson. But now you go like that and it will be as fine as you make it 👍🏼😅!

[@VowellVentures]

This makes me want to find a used log grapple to adapt to the stick of my Case 580ck backhoe!!! Just take the bucket off, attach grapple and it could reach out over a pile of trees.

[@sgtrod8807]

Pretty nice kit 🇨🇦

[@stevencharles4333]

well thought out; nothing wrong with having the right tools at the right time, for the task at hand. sweet addition.

[@buddyreed2623]

Hello Sandy. Knowing what you need can really save some money on the extra accessories that you could have bought. You'll be handling the logs when you get them to the mill so what not save some wear and tear on yourself? Have good days!

[@OutoftheWoods0623]

nice

[@StandardLivingHomestead]

That as useful as having a real skidder, I need to get one of those. I’ve been using one of the manual spike style grapples and sometime you don’t have to get off the seat, other times you have to beat it to get it off the logs. Great video.

[@robertmuir4501]

Nice addition to your tool set. It compliments the skidding winch.

[@YeahGroovyBaby]

Great choice! 👍🏻

[@clarencedobsonjr.2585]

Great purchase

[@09FLTRMM77]

MM77 Approved 👍🏼👍🏼………………………………………………………….I’m glad that I’m not in competition with you for who has the most toys………………………. I would go broke and be divorced! LOL That grapple is nice and anything that keeps you from getting on and off the tractor keeps your hips from hurting. You will appreciate that as you get older.

[@oldschoolmachinist1938]

Hi Sandy, If I didn't know any better, I think you're having waaaayy too much fun with your toys.🤔😄😄 Stay safe and looking forward to more of your videos.

[@sawingwithsandy]

One thing is for sure, I really enjoy being out there in the woods

[@russellbelliveau1694]

Nice unit

[@netfun8]

Sandy I like it. Perhaps practice full suspension with one or two logs to keep dirt free. Would it be nice if they sold a tractor with a swivel seat.

[@buckinfirewood]

Absolute game changer.. the only thing better is a forwarder.. this skidder is definitely going to save your back and time...

[@noelgreen9381]

After you bring them to main path, use the log loader trailer to bring them the rest of the way.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I don’t have the log loader trailer anymore.

[@wilberjeffcoat8309]

LOOK AT YOU, growing and doing is with sence. Great tool for a one man band, 'Sandy I pop in from time to time so u may have answered my question, are you selling your milled lumber? What all is involved from a government stand point to do that? Looking great-keep up the good work, Wilber and Margaret/from the lower 48...

[@chrissheathewoodguy]

very nice. I'd have to have the witch for sure as well.

[@emilecrotteau7312]

🇨🇦 GOOD TO SEE EFFICIENCY BEING APPLIED

[@pnuttheclownh2254]

I'm subscribing, viewing, liking, sharing and commenting from Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA.

[@johndsmithkoipondgarden.878]

It’s a beautiful thing,…

[@m9ovich785]

Thanks Sandy. I saw in another comment that You do not have the Loader/Trailer anymore. I looked at the web site and there is a dealer right here in Central Wi about 40 Miles from Me. They do not list any Pricing tho. Which really bothers me when Co's do that. UGG...at least I can deny their Cookies.

[@chowtimewithruss1411]

That grapple system is finer than frog hair. Great piece of gear!! Not lazy by any means, work smarter not harder!

[@quarlow1215]

That's a game changer for your operation and your dilemma for thinning. Work smarter not harder. Once you get the logistics of efficient use of it it will save you so much time and energy. Anytime you can add a tool that allows you to work a day and not feel like you went 10 rounds with a wrestler you are doing good.

[@roccofiori3028]

nice attachment. look forward to seeing you use the heal bar and grapple to move and bunch singles, doubles, triples, etc, into larger turns.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Absolutely. Thanks for coming along for the video

[@richardbrowne1679]

Hi Sandy: I think that’s a great setup for you. It looks like you should be able to use the toothed section and lift the logs off the ground.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I’m thinking that will be a great thing too. Help keep the dirt off the logs for sure

[@roberto.peterson9917]

personally still see need for log arch to keep from dragging in the dirt check out Iron Baltic Log Arch useing ATV and 2 arch method keeping both ends out of the dirt

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Roberto, those log arches are great equipment for sure. With this thing I can lift the logs right off the ground by positioning the end of the log under where the serrated edge is and picking up with the grapple .It works quite well without having to get out of the tractor

[@rodneywroten2994]

real nice

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Rodney! Hope all is well. Have a great weekend!

[@carlmclelland7624]

Sandy, I think you've made a good investment. Good for you!!! With regard to skidding, with the skidding winch you were basically dragging the entire log(s) behind the tractor where with this, you're only dragging the tip of one end. Will this alleviate that problem if only the tip - or small portion of the end of the log is skidding? I wondered why you had the forks on the front, then figured... why not drag the log all the way to the mill, pick them up with the forks and set them on the log deck. Eliminate the step of stacking outside the forest, and then picking them up again to drag them to the mill. I'm sure, as you learn to use this tool, you'll figure out ways of streamlining the operation. "Good job, Joe!"

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey there Carl, I found that if I picked the log stacks up just right I could lift the whole logs right off the ground for the most part which turned out to be real handy. If not just a few inches touched the ground. Sure has been a great tool for me I’ve found

[@dereksstuff8395]

Love it

[@JonStratford1234]

That's a nice piece of gear. 7-8 logs at a time, it's really going to do the job. Enjoying your channel, Sandy.

[@hingstonia]

a nice addition would be a hitch receiver to attach a log trailer. Skid the logs out. lift them on the trailer and haul in a load when done. Would save hours of labour

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sounds like a neat idea

[@brianwestveer9532]

Great looking attachment Sandy, you will have to change the U Tube name to sawmilling and logging with Sandy.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Certainly is a big part of the operation for sure Brian. Thanks for coming along for the video

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Great addition! I love my 3pt log grapple. I run it off the loader too with an adapter.

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

First time seeing an attachment like this for a three point hitch tractor. Man, when you get the hang of using the serrated feature and total lift on the logs you will keep those babies pretty much perfectly clean for your mill. Good on you mate.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! It's turned out to be a great investment so far

[@iandyck9605]

Wouldn't you have to watch about breaking your 3pt? Seems like you could get into trouble with 1500lb+ log picked up that way, bouncing down the trail? Lots of leverage with no relief.

[@clausbuhlsrensen602]

Very nice. Did you ever think of having a hydraulic top bar, and then leave the lift arms permanently high. - Do you intend to sell the wood? - and for what purpose?

[@critical-thought]

Nice! That should increase the productivity a bunch. Until you have to do it, people don’t know about getting in & out of the cab 50 or 100 times over the course of a few hours. It will wear you out for sure. Congrats on the new tool.

[@sawingwithsandy]

For sure. It takes it right out of me when getting in and out all day

[@Gnomoleon]

Love it ..... one thing I'm starting to hate is swapping attachments on my tractor... it seem as soon as I hook one thing up I need a different one.....

[@sawingwithsandy]

You’re not alone haha.

[@user-bj8sz5fs8x]

hI SANDY what a great rig for your logging. I was just wondering is there cross port relief cartages built into the rotator to take the shock when you swing a heavy load.There may already be port reliefs on the main valve so you will be go to go.What a time saver it will be;good luck as always PHIL M

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey there Phil! Thanks for checking out the new tool,. I'm not too familiar with what the cross port relief cartridges are but I do know these hydraulic rotators are quite common and found in many log loader grapples so I'd imagine they have something in there to help with the swing. It's not a sudden stop when I"m rotating a log that would cause a jarring motion though

[@Frontireadventures]

Now a mini excavator with a shear/saw felling head to lay the tree out after felling and bunching...then your grapple tractor. ❤

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sure would be a great addition! I think my mini ex is likely too light for tree felling but a feller buncher on a skid steer would be oerfect

[@paulcarlson-es1gw]

now your getting it ! great addition to your equipment fleet ! tracked loader and a bauma light feller/ buncher and your in business !

[@lornesteed2417]

Now if you could get a "swivel 360 neck" feature for your body Sandy, you would be completely all set. Very useful new addition!.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hahah

[@exotictones1054]

That's right on equipment. I'm 71 now n hurt alot since I've been doing this since I was 12.the equipment I have purchased allow me to continue to cut wood.

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Hi buddy how are ya? It’s good ta see ya! Oh my what a slick piece of kit that is!! I think it’s a great idea to have a grapple on the back of your tractor! Much better on you and much faster if ya can get to the logs! You are so right about getting older! We need to work smarter not harder! Choking logs is hard work grab them as ya can stay in so the dang bugs don’t suck ya dry!! I was out working today, the bugs were horrible!! It seems they love deet didn’t matter how much I sprayed on they were biting through my long sleeve shirt! I I’m glad ya got a good useful tool! Now I want one hehehe. Thanks for sharing, God bless you and your family!

[@stigmartinrnning6751]

Getting that grapple will make gathering logs even easyer. It's a nice addition to the winch and the log trailer 😊😊

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Stig! Log trailer has since gone though. I haven’t announced it officially on the channel though

[@stigmartinrnning6751]

@@sawingwithsandy Too bad. But you can still skid logs with that new grapple just as easy.

[@jimmerrithew453]

​@@sawingwithsandyHi Sandy. I was wondering why you didn't mention moving the logs from the landing area to the mill. Thanks for the clarification.

[@alwebster9052]

Lol that's awesome! Now your gona move material

[@iandyck9605]

Good tool! I'm impressed how you go through the tight trees, have you busted any glass yet?

[@melissasmess2773]

Super cool new toy, I hope it makes life easier and more profitable.

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

Awesome Addition!!! 😃

[@gusswenson7811]

Good evening Sandy Wow I really think you made a great purchase with this.. Definitely will save a lot of wear and tear on your body… I have been doing a lot of seat time lately and the in and out really wears on you after hours.. I have been doing a lot of work with my landscape rake and man my neck and back hurts from trying to look back… along with the in and out… I know you know exactly what I am talking about.. Thanks for sharing your new tool with us.. It’s going to be a game changer. Cheers my friend

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Guss! I find that in and out of the seat does take the wind out of my sails too.

[@TheBeardedCarpenter]

Howdy Sandy- glad you got that tool. Something like that would spoil me pretty quick. Looks like it worked out great for you. Hope your weekend is going well. Take care and God bless

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! All is going great here. Hope the same with you!

[@alaskatrac]

Sandy thank you for an interesting video as usual. You make working in the woods interesting. I have a John Deere 4005 which seems about the same size as your tractor. What is the price of a grapple like that? I am in Northern Alaska and am 74 years young with a 110 acre farm with plenty of big spruce to move and use. Thanks from Dave in Alaska

[@toddpacheco4748]

Sandy another piece of equipment for the 🪵 hauling 👍😮😊❤

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Todd

[@cliffjenkins6419]

Great stuff Sandy. You're really gearing up nicely. Lots of thoughts going into your purchases. It'll be fun watching you learn that new gapple. Cheers from HB NZ

[@sawingwithsandy]

For sure. Thanks for joining me on the adventures!

[@GPOutdoors]

Hey great add to the operation Sandy! Should be a big help out there this year. Thanks for the overview!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey GP! Thanks very much! I’m having too much fun these days out in the woods

[@tjjewell4115]

Love your new addition to the Tree Farm, a lot less work for you, great Video.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks TJ! I'm happy with how it's been so much easier on my body using this

[@lonewolfFirearms]

I think in your situation that is the best log moving equipment you own.

[@PJ-si2po]

That is a really cool implement for compact tractors, that is really a game changer Good day Andy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Andy! I’m really happy with it so far

[@wallacefrey6247]

That looks like a great addition to the toy box. That should save you a lot of getting in and out of the tractor, and like you mentioned,help to keep your blood in your veins instead of the insects bellies.

[@sawingwithsandy]

hahah that's for sure. The insects sure are enjoying their feast of sludge blood (me) lately

[@bobmakowski7627]

Awesome addition, should definitely speed up getting logs out of the woods.

[@sawingwithsandy]

For sure Bob!

[@kensmith4918]

You better being sawing because you have a lot of sheds to build to keep all your toys under cover lol

[@sawingwithsandy]

Haha

[@Frontireadventures]

Lol

[@BissellMapleFarm]

Ha! That's true.

[@colbiecolbie6979]

Is mrs Sandy happy about your new Woody?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Happy with the forestry grapple

[@johnaddis1022]

Nice! We use a home made boom with log tongs to pick up 1 log (usually big) at a time end buts into a vee and is of ground while traveling. I like yours can pick up multiple logs at a time. Have a great weekend! John

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sounds like a great attachment John.

[@johnleeman5992]

Wow, great addition.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks John!

[@paulfrizzell31]

👍great video Sandy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Paul

[@chucknelson4556]

smart purchase Sandy.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Chuck! I think it will be big time and effort saver as I continue thinning

[@xdude2x]

Looks like a great piece of equipment. I would be curious to know if any harm would come to the hydraulic system of the tractor when turning while hauling logs or if the rotation motor will “freewheel” and allow it to swivel without forcing pressure backward through the system? Thanks for the video

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out the video. Once you let off the hydraulic control it still has the ability to "bleed off" some of the pressure I find so there's no issue with the hydraulic system. It doesn't freewheel however by hand since the rotator is connected to a hydraulic system

[@765Guys]

That is one awesome attachment!!!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you!

[@Z-Bart]

Oh yeah. I can see how that's going to help you immensely.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! Think it’s a good investment for sure

[@railroad9000]

Working smarter is better than having to work harder!

[@sawingwithsandy]

For sure. I went back and forth as to whether to buy one and eventually I decided with the number of trees I have and the effort it saves it is worth it to me

[@justinrobertson1590]

Nice addition to your arsenal.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Justin

[@deprived56501]

That tool makes perfect sense. I don't see it as lazy, just efficient use of time and energy. Next thing you know someone will let you demo a feller buncher. Good vid. Thanks.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think it will be a great investment for sure and pay off in time and effort saved

[@morgansword]

You will find that guard for the end of the boom on this tool to be a valuable asset as well but this can be built by you

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Morgan. What would the main use be for it? Just to prevent backing into things?

[@morgansword]

@@sawingwithsandy If you do watch youtube videos, its a lot easier to show than say. It saves on the machine in so many different situations.. sorry for not being more help... just getting to old to say things right.

[@geneporter4849]

Now you're cooking with oil I have one of the older ones made by a nother company but it makes a farm tractor a skider mind rotates like a back hoe and the grapple is a little different but it's basically the same and it's a lot less than a skider mile Morgan had Avnte rental to do all that and they coast a lot of money I. Paid less than 3000 for mine and it works great on my two wheel drive 40 horse tractor I use it for a lot of things besides logging but God Bless Y'all and have a great weekend

[@geneporter4849]

You can move a lot of things with that 😜😜😜😜😜😅

[@geneporter4849]

It' works great for moving slabs and trash away from the mill 😅😅

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sounds like a great piece of equipment you've got for your tractor! Great points about moving away the other stuff aside from just logs. I"m sure I"ll find a whole bunch of uses for it

[@fredanderson5544]

looks like you have enough timber ready to make lumber for new saw building for your mill.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think you're right there Fred. I'm getting a good stock pile going

[@saintaugustine1715]

Good afternoon Sandy now i believe this will make a big difference in your red pine forest the pile of logs you made the log trailer would work good to bring then to the saw mill straight onto the the log deck also to keep the dirt of the end instead of cutting your logs to length you could keep longer till you are either ready to load in the log trailer or bring them all the wait the mill but all the to the mill would bring a lot of leftover pieces but leaving them longer that would be the part you cut of that dragged in the dirt just a little cheap way to keep the dirt of the end of your logs have a great day

[@sawingwithsandy]

Think keeping them a touch long is a great plan. Keep them clean for sawing

[@carld3184]

I still would like to get your thoughts on log loader trailer vs this 3 point grapple, that would make an interesting video once you have more time with this grapple.

[@jimputnam2044]

As much as I don't like buying stuff from Quebec because of there attitude to the rest of the provinces, that looks well built and hope you get good use of it.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Jim

[@richardferster8049]

Nice new toy, will do fine for you.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Richard

[@chrisallen2005]

Mount your winch on top of the grapple and you are set.

[@sawingwithsandy]

They do have an option for that. I think if I didn't have the skidding winch already I would've looked into that for sure

[@delmanicke9228]

Wee doggies nice, want come to my house😉. I just took out 4 huge trees and one of them is 40" on the butt and it has been a problem moving around. Your toys would sure make that big bugger move around a bit easier. Great job thanks for demo. 👍

[@sawingwithsandy]

Now that’s a big tree!

[@timscartoys9321]

NICE!! Like you said, between the size of those jaws opening, and the swivel function, I think you found one hell of a machine!! No doubt that the wallet factor hurts, but the long term investment is where the value shines!! That kind of heavy duty will last for decades!! Skidding the logs from the narrow rows where you are thinning them to a more accessible point, you can always load the logs onto your trailer to transfer them to your mill. It's all about efficiency, both in time and in effort!

[@sawingwithsandy]

For sure. I figure the narrow trails would be where this really shines . I actually got rid of the log loader trailer

[@carolewarner101]

​@@sawingwithsandy You did ay. May I ask why?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I had some other things I wanted to spend the money on

[@aldredske6197]

Hi Sandy!!😀😀 Nice little 3pt grapple. Do you still have your log skidding trailer? Take care my friend!!😀😀 Logger Al

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey there Logger Al! I decided it wasn’t the right time for the logging trailer so that went on its way. I’m looking forward to how fast and easy this forestry grapple is to move logs .

[@roberto.peterson9917]

the view from where you are/were plenty of log on ground need cleaning up even if to trash pile to make navigation through the trees easier and promote food growth for critters

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah one of those projects that never ends. Never fails that when I finally get time to do it I have something else that comes up that takes my away from it

[@matthewduffy550]

I've seen millers power wash skidded logs to save their blades but am not sure if that would be worth the setup and time. I am curious, however, if the grapple would be able to pull small stumps???

[@user-kr5nh6pw4x]

Perhaps your best option is logging when the weather is good like in this video and sawmilling when it's not so much . Maybe your next investment should be a water trailer and the EGO Power-HPW3204-2 cordless 3200 PSI so you can wash off your logs before you cut them or you can put pesticide in the water trailer and use the pressure washer to spray them and keep them free from insects

[@sawingwithsandy]

I’ve got a power washer and wondered about pressure washing before but wasn’t sure if an IBC tote with water in it would give me enough pressure to run it

[@adamredden2007]

I started taking the time to strip the bark on the entry side and while it can be tough work, I quite literally get 6x to 10x the blade life. I didn’t realize how big of a difference it makes

[@sawingwithsandy]

I may have to give this a try Adam. Thanks for that

[@user-kr5nh6pw4x]

Yeah I would say just Google that pressure washer I showed you it actually has its own siphoning ability you can actually go to a river throw in a line and run water through it pressurized it's a pretty unique battery operated equipment I just wanted to suggest it to see if that would be something to be beneficial to your efforts did not expect you to respond to my comment that was pretty cool thank you

[@johnaddis1022]

@@sawingwithsandy some pressure washers will work as long as there is enough gravity feed to the inlet from the IBC tote

[@jmar5787]

Sandy this is something I've been considering. I have a grapple for the front but like u saidy trails are to narrow...u can't haul a 12', 14 or 16' log..

[@sawingwithsandy]

I’m really liking it so far. Sure is nice doing all the log skidding from my tractor seat

[@jmar5787]

Question..do u no longer have the logging trailer?

[@sawingwithsandy]

No I don’t

[@bobwollard9105]

Sandy, will you be working this alongside your log trailer and it's grapple?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Bob. I actually don’t have the log trailer anymore

[@bobwollard9105]

@@sawingwithsandy I'm sorry, you probably stated that in a video but I just missed it. My situation is similar to yours. I have a couple of hundred acres of loblolly and long leaf pines. Our trees are anywhere between 12 and 24 inches in diameter and I am currently investigating methods to self harvest and transport some of these trees to my sawmill/ shop at the front of my property. Sandy, I very much enjoy your KZbin channel and have been watching for several years. I am greatly impressed with your can-do spirit. But I am most impressed with your personal qualities of honesty and humility. Stay safe, my Canadian friend.

[@robertwazniak9495]

snag one of the logs under that serrated bar as you lift them and you might be able to skid during the summer months. Face it, the real reason you want to skid in the winter is you donate less blood to the local airborne creatures. LOL

[@sawingwithsandy]

hahah that's for sure. Those insects sure are hungry out there now!

[@yvesberthiaume2521]

Nice setup Sandy, how much did that set you back if you do t mind me asking?

[@sawingwithsandy]

No problem Yves. These go for just over $3000 US / $4000 CDN

[@John_Ridenour]

Cool Tool Sandy!! Just curious why you're using this, as opposed to the logging trailer with log grapple? Or was that just a short term demo?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi John, I don’t have the log loader trailer anymore