Tractor logging with a 2018 John Deere 4044R with forks

Putting my new tractor through the paces as I gather up some down trees

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Has anyone commenting that I need ballast watched the end of the video where I say I’m building a ballast box?

[@2naturesownplace]

ballast shmallest..I want to comment on those nice and even MIG welds.. I bet you got breakfast hungry after hearing the sound of bacon in the pan as you ran them!

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Oh boy, Richard! Don’t get me started on how much I love my Millermatic 211!😬 I thought I was an okay welder but that thing makes me look like a pro!

[@eldoradowoodcrafthobbies3888]

Hard to think about the new tractor when someone is showing you his big gun.

[@chuckstonex1632]

I put water in my back tires. Talk to you dealer for colder weather.

[@mikej9200]

I liked seeing how you are using the new tractor.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thanks, Mike!

[@BusHuxley]

This is just about the rig that I run at the farm where I am working and it is a pure joy to operate, as you are making clear in your great video here. Nice touches with the audio too! And I loved the powerwasher inversion on the last video. One day, I hope to own a rig with a bucket like this. Good work.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thank you, sir. And thank you for sharing your NPR interview in your last video. Listening to it is one thing but you really brought it to life with the video!

[@mtraf1980]

Great video as usual, please don't let the safety police deter you from creating more great content. Enjoying the channel immensely! Forks are great but a grapple and logs just go hand in hand! Hope to see you over on the Foresrty Forum soon.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thank you, mtraf1980! I’m uploading a video as we speak. A 3rd SCV and a grapple are my next investment. Stay tuned!😬

[@wojo1034]

Love your videos, please keep them coming!

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thank you! I will do that!

[@barryhansen6854]

Good to see your new purchase is proving dividends .

[@NorthwestSawyer]

No regrets here!

[@vrock265]

I like having box scrapers on my tractors. Very utilitarian. Wish my 46hp Kubota had the quick attach bucket feature.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I agree on the box scraper. I think I’d use one quite a bit.

[@vrock265]

Northwest Sawyer try to find a heavy one. Of course you should splurge and get the hydraulic tip and tilt, you wont regret it, would be nice to get one with hydraulic rippers too. But if not try to get one that manually swings all the ripper shanks together.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

v rock I’ve done a lot of rock grading for asphalt with a larger box blade at work. They are extremely handy. The hydraulic tip-tilt is definitely on my radar.

[@1rustytree]

Good to see the new tractor already getting a workout!

[@Dez_MMA]

That is a massive bar on your saw my friend, seems like a great sawmill operation. For logging i went with the forestry winch attachment on the back which really made a massive difference with what trees i could reach. I really recommend this if you are going to be pulling trees out of rough terrain!

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Yeah, that bar is a bit big for my MS 461 but I don’t have to bend over to limb the logs😬. I’ve seen one of this winches in another video. It looks awesome. I’ll have to look into one. My property is pretty rugged in places.

[@odc43054]

Nice. Better, safer, faster. Can’t beat that. Oh, and fun, too!

[@Kcolby47]

I do quite a bit of moving and loading trees from my woods. I found the 4 in one bucket to be much handier picking up and moving logs around than using my forks. Also I can grab a long tree on the end and pull it out of the trees into the clear, the then pick it up and move it around, load or stack. I have had a 4610 and now my second John Deere tractor (4052R) both with 4 in one buckets and I have found then to be invaluable for so many jobs not only in the woods but all around the farm. Just a thought.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I actually have a hydraulic grapple for mine now. I’ve done a video about it to show why I like the grapple.

[@James.......]

Looks like you're going to get a lot done with that tractor. Very nice!

[@m.labarecertifiedarborist1795]

Congrats on the new tractor! Looks shiny :). Once you run it around a bit, you should look into skidding winches for the 3 pt. Adds that ballast and a very useful tool to the back. Makes decking logs for moving with the forks very easy and fast.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thank you! I saw one of those in use on the Bus Huxley channel. It looks extremely handy.

[@raincoast2396]

Stop having so much fun with that new JD! You're making me jealous! lol

[@donmotz5528]

Very nice tractor...should prove its worth no problem....

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Absolutely, Don. If it doesn’t, it’d be my own fault.

[@farmerbob139]

that looks like a good machine, but when you are tilting the forks back keep in mind how quick a log can jump out of that cradle and come rolling down the loader arms right into your lap. it's a horrible sensation when you realize it's too late to do anything about it, even worse when you find out how much a new hood and dash assembly costs... provided you are still alive of course. ballast in the tires is kind of a necessity with one of those, backhoe weight is really handy on mine, but it fits tight to the tractor, not sure that's an option on the larger ones.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

The speed of the forks rolling back is one of the things I need to get used to. It’s quite a bit faster than my old machine in many areas. I’m going to build a low profile ballast box for the three point soon. May start today. Should do the trick.

[@karlbrohammer9105]

Nice tractor / loader, be careful, do not overload on rough terrain. Quick hitch / Ballast box will help. Look fwd to your sawmilling vids.

[@jeffgannon1]

That tractor might just be the perfect size.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I think you’re right, Jeff. I don’t think my sawmill could handle logs any larger than what this tractor can.

[@gerardfallon9204]

Nice Rig! You might consider a lift boom off your 3 point with chokers. I found mine to be safer than forks and you can back haul more per trip. Doug Fir and Pondo here in Colorado...Love working the trees. Best wishes Bsafe

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thank you, gerard fallon. I’m working on a boom as we speak. Stay tuned!

[@carlinbenton8044]

Good videos! Ordering my lt35 next month

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thanks, carlin! You will not be disappointed.

[@oldoldpilgrim1885]

Cute trick making the tree fall up.; )

[@Martenz51]

The log flip at 7:40 was beautiful

[@chrismcconnell6163]

I have 78 of your videos , left to watch,

[@NorthwestSawyer]

😬 get busy, Chris!

[@chrismcconnell6163]

@@NorthwestSawyer lol

[@slamsshenanigans2296]

New tractor is looking good! You could use a carryall, look at Outdoors with the Morgans or GP outdoors, I haven’t posted mine yet but they are great even if you don’t firewood much

[@livefreeordie1]

Nice tractor, I have a L3940 Kubota I use the same way. I hope you put ballast in the rear tires so you don't end up under it like my grandfather did. Nice machine.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I’m going to build a ballast box for the three point hitch. I don’t like the idea of filling the tire because of the loss of ride quality.

[@livefreeordie1]

Ballast in the tires improves the ride quality on these tractors, you don't bounce nearly as much. You only fill the tires to the top of the rim, so there is still an air cushion. A ballast box is no substitute for tire ballast. I have 480 lbs of washer fluid in each tire and it makes the machine a whole different animal.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Great video man! Keep up the good work! That tractor is awesome. Looks perfect for the job.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thanks, Mike! Are you going live tonight?

[@practicallyIndependent]

Northwest Sawyer Sorry. Been such a busy weekend and had people over both days. I wanted to do a live stream, but we are all exhausted. I may try to do one tomorrow.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

No need for apologies! We’ll see ya when we see ya. Take care!

[@practicallyIndependent]

Love that tractor man!

[@QualexCustoms]

I have a 3032e that I use for logging and the best attachment I have is a small root grapple. They are just as wide as the arms on the loader.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I’ve been watching a lot of videos on grapples. I think that’s my next investment.

[@jlooseround]

Build a mobile log crib out of tube steel. Haul it out with the forks to your work area, that way you don't have to manually load the logs

[@NorthwestSawyer]

That’s not a bad idea. I have a tube bender and a long radius roller. I’m seriously considering a hydraulic grapple for the front too.

[@jlooseround]

Northwest Sawyer that or use a couple of short stumps wider than the forks. Hydrolics are fine if your bucket is a 5/6 th pump

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Actually I would need to add a third SCV to run hydraulics to the front. The kit is $975 and the 72” grapple I like is $1,399. I’ll need to sell some more lumber first.

[@mitgelbrenn2053]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmHXqp2bd5Ksd8U&feature=share This system needs no additional SCV... just to let you know

[@jlooseround]

I was wondering. I have a new Holland 45 work-master that has the same problem. I'm going to see if I can get some extra long hydraulic hoses and hook it up to my rear hydraulics and see if that works

[@bramklaassen3999]

Nice video keep them coming

[@backinthewoods2022]

I’m jealous of the rear remote how much land do you have ? Nice video

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thank you! I’m on just over 13 acres.

[@butternuthillfarm1599]

John Deere and Stihl, two great products there. Do you have any hardwood on your property, or just softwood? Can't wait to see that red cedar milled.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I have broad-leaf Maple, Alder and a few others but mostly Fir and Cedar.

[@garycrumrine9538]

Might want to consider some counter weight on the back. It looked like it was getting a little light on the rear a couple times. in the video

[@NorthwestSawyer]

At the end of the video I mentioned that I’m going to build a ballast box.

[@rickhicks8603]

First of all put some wheel wts. on back wheels . Weld a bar on rack of loader so that logs can not roll past the top of the rack. do not lift loader so high that logs will roll back on you when you are the move ( keep the loader as low as you can when moveing around with a load) Be careful an use it wisely. Like your videos , be safe out there LATER

[@JCrook1028]

The guy has been a heavy equipment operator for 26 years and you're telling him how to carry logs on his tractor? Really?

[@chuckstonex1632]

I have a JD 3038 with forks. I was lost with out it.

[@lonnieelliott504]

damed nice tractor. is that square tube welded with flux core? nice

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thanks, Lonnie! I’m not sure on the wire. There’s no tag on the spool. I’m running 75/25 argon with it.

[@slhasebroock]

Hey tractors are part of sawmilling! Was great to see the new purchase in action. Do you know how much weight the loader/fort will lift? Looks like it had no problem lifting and moving the logs around.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Thanks, Steve! The forks are rated for 4K lbs but it think the loader is about half that.

[@dwightjones5826]

I know you are happy with the tractor you can get a lot more done in a shorter time

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I sure am! This thing will be a game changer for sure!

[@660stihl]

You got some big trees on your property. What is the big one in the middle of the screen at 6.25 min? Its huge!

[@NorthwestSawyer]

That’s a Douglas Fir. I have some bigger ones up above and some old stumps that are 6’-7’ across. That have plank notches in them. Real logging there!

[@660stihl]

Northwest Sawyer Wow, some serious timber! Stay safe mate, keep uploading. Cheers.

[@wcresponder]

Why did you choose the Deere over other brands?

[@NorthwestSawyer]

Several reasons, really. I’m familiar with the Yanmar Diesel used in the JD. The tractor has a 10 year warranty. It has features that the others don’t like the rear fender remote which allows you to move the machine back and forth as well as raise and lower the three point from the ground when hooking up attachments. They have very high resale value but the capper was zero percent financing.

[@wcresponder]

@@NorthwestSawyer Nice. Thanks.

[@jrwarren12]

Ballast is good. Do you have fluid in the rear tires?

[@Candid1ify]

Is that what they call playing with your tractor lol

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I’m pretty sure it is, Micheal. I couldn’t resist 😬

[@jeffskewes9456]

its not duck season... it log cutter season

[@VKMilling]

What do you think is the biggest (heaviest) log you're going to be able to carry on that thing?

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I’m not sure what the loader can lift. I actually have a log grapple coming today that I want to make a small boom for off of the three point hitch. The three point is good for 2,500lbs.

[@VKMilling]

Northwest Sawyer hrm, I've been debating on an upgrade from my 5000lb forklift. It'll move a 5000lb log but I'm constantly getting stuck in the mud and gravel so I need a tractor or skid steer

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I think a skid steer would work pretty well for your operation. I’ve got 13 acres here so I needed something I could put a mower on and tend to the property.

[@VKMilling]

Northwest Sawyer yeah man. I'm looking for versatility aa well and I think a tractor is more versatile.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

For sure. I’m not sure how big of a tractor you’d need to be able to lift 5k.

[@joerobinson7224]

Did u get ur new planer yet

[@NorthwestSawyer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJO3aXV8Zb1_Y9U

[@CM-yr6vw]

that poor front axle

[@pattonph1]

Add the ballast You are a novice Don't be a dead one

[@NorthwestSawyer]

I’m a novice?

[@nomerc3608]

Northwest Sawyer From the way I saw you use your saw and the way you cut the limbs. Then you didn’t use the actual saw sound you cut something in..., That goes double for the way you used the tractor. Go get so 1/2” chain hooks and buy some chokers and buy some 1/4” grade 70 chains. You need several four foot, six and eight and two twelve feet. It’s a lot safer to pull them than it is to carry them on open forks in the woods. If your going to carry the logs you need a clamp bucket so they can be held in place. Also flipping the logs line you did is very dangerous! Have the loader to high, sitting with the tractor on a hill... They will roll right up the loader arms and right into your lap which will kill you if you’re in the right conditions! Catch the corner of a log on something and the log will spin around and pitch up... No I am not shouting nor yelling at you. Just showing excitement because I have had logs come around on me while moving them in the woods and when I was loading logs on my truck. All it takes is that split second of distraction! I wish you the best and maybe you will listen to some of the other people’s that have left you comments. On the logs, If my logs were no trimmed smooth, all of the limbs and large knots had to be trimmed... If not I heard about it from my sawyer, no matter which one I used or sold them too. Most would not take logs like what I saw. They would set them aside and tell you to come get it or come trim it up. That or increase the saw bill by $10 or more a thousand... But your sawing your own so maybe in time you will realize how much trouble they are? There is a very good reason logs have been ‘Skidded’ out of the woods for hundreds of years...

[@NorthwestSawyer]

What I’m demonstrating, in my back yard, is my new tractor. I literally had 11 minutes on it when I started. I’ve been running heavy equipment for 26 years and 20 as a Forman without a lost time accident. I appreciate everyone’s concern, especially when their channel has no content. 99% of the “you should do this folks” don’t put their actions up on KZbin for public scrutiny. I understand that I do do this and will have comments like this. For what it’s worth, I have a skidding grapple that was supposed to be here today. The lumber I make from my logs will be for my use. I was simply making a video of my new tractor.