Using a Tractor Skidding Winch for the Very First Time | Wallenstein FX85

Today I'm using a tractor skidding winch for the very first time as I hook up my brand new Wallenstein FX85 to my Kioti DK40se HST cab tractor. With absolutely no experience using one of these skidding winch / forestry winch in the past, I'm sure to learn a few things as I try to safely learn how these things operate. I've got two trees that were blown hard from a recent storm that I"ll be bringing to the ground today to test out the skidding winch. Although I may be going slow today, it is for good reason as I make sure that things go smoothly since this skidding winch sure can make things go bad in a hurry. Check out the 8500lb pulling power of this skidding winch at work today as I do my best rigging using the provided choker chains. Once I manage to hook up the trees to the back of the skidding winch I"ll be taking these logs not too far to my sawmill. Although that doesn't seem like a big challenge, check out the issue I encounter when I try to skid an entire tree down my relatively narrow trails. Lesson learned. I'll also be putting my HLA 66" root rake with grapple to work as I often do when I'm out in the woods using this grapple to pick up and load my logs onto my sawmill log deck. After only a few hours of using this Wallenstein FX85 I can tell already that my tree harvesting game has just bumped up to the next level and that I've got one tool that will make take trees out of the woods wherever they are easy. Glad all you fine folks are along for the ride today as I try out this skidding winch for the very first time. Here we go!
Tractor shown in the video: 2012 Kioti DK40se HST cab
Skidding Winch shown in the video: 2021 Wallenstein FX85
Chainsaw shown in this video: Husqvarna 555 auto-tune

[@MIRUSTICS]

So now you've got me ordering a log trailer with grapple and a skidded from wallenstein! 😂 I hope you get some credit from them on my order!

[@karlschwalb9402]

Whoa, a whole episode without a sip of sludge. Great job.

[@sawingwithsandy]

haha truth is I had a sludge in the background going throughout the episode.

[@willbass2869]

Bumper guard on the new winch to stop chain dings ...such a proud Papa!!

[@sawingwithsandy]

It’s to catch my tears as I remember how much I paid for it haha

[@jjt1093]

Next will be a hyrdraulic loader trailer to pick the logs up and stack em nice while you tow the load back, or can build your own, awesome piece of kit.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sure would be nice

[@treggliebler6237]

Your woods makes me so homesick for Michigan where I was born and raised. Absolutely gorgeous scenery. I have 15 acres in Northern Michigan and can't wait to semi-retire and build a home there. Love your videos, please keep them coming!

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think Northern Michigan and here are quite similar as I visited there years ago and noticed many similarities. Beautiful countryside there for sure

[@fruitstreesandhoneybees717]

Sandy... nice video... Just as a note with dragging things out of the forest.... when you take the pin out of the shackle.... take a second and put the pin back in. Way too easy to lose that pin on the forest floor with logs moving dirt and debris. Only takes a second to put that pin in the shackle.

[@sawingwithsandy]

True!

[@runsolo7418]

I spray paint everything I take into the woods, chains, shackles etc. bright blue. Me and my dad learned, after spending way, way too long looking for a choker chain hiding in the ferns.

[@MrJFoster1984]

Just carry a metal detector with you in the tractor, no worries then 😉

[@nicksmith3242]

So true

[@jseif5844]

You'll need a hundred trees cutting down those twig's 😂

[@jimstaub2308]

I have the same winch, and love it. I found that if you use that button on the end of the cable, and loop it back into one of the sliders, the cable gets beat up pretty quickly. I stick with the choker chains for any skidding.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Nice unit for sure eh Jim. Only reason I don't pull right from the cable end stop is in the manual it says to always make sure it's looped around something. I"m tempted to just do as you're saying though

[@paquinsmountainmaple3535]

Sandy I’ve had my Farmi winch for years. I only run my tractor just over an idle. No need to run at 540. I cut a lot of big hardwood and it pulls them just fine. Just remember that it’s not the winch on a skider. You will love it.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good to know David. Thanks for passing that along!

[@violablues67]

Always park the tractor in the same direction as you're pulling. You want to skid parallel to the winch. I own a Farmi 501 on a Kubota 6070 and the winch will pull the tractor off the ground even at a slight angle. My neighbor flipped his 60hp Landini over down into a hole a few years ago and scrapped it... Nice to see you working with quality equipment. Happy for you. Be safe and keep your eyes up!

[@outsidewithrodney8240]

I like the cool toys. Awesome video.

[@torstenjoergensen]

A couple more gliders and chains - you can easily double that load. No need to run at 540 rpm - enjoy your sludge and the scenery when pulling in the wire - there's no price for the fastest pull anyway. And if your trees can handle it - put the pulley (or your future self releasing snatch block) a couple of meters up a tree close to the tractor, that way you reduce the risk of logs digging in the mud/soil/snow. Stay safe, Sandy.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks that's great advice for me!

[@finnnilssen8647]

Amen!

[@twistedlimb4053]

When the stems are that thin I used to choke the first log and as long as I had room in the choker I would loop it around another log and get a twofer that way.

[@ZeeFrankensteel]

@@sawingwithsandy For me too, and don't even yet have one! haha

[@Candid1ify]

Take your time and be safe your on the road.

[@Frank-qu2xv]

This is NOT a race. Don't throw safety out the window because of speed. I'm here to enjoy your videos. Take your time...your videos are cool.

[@mekosmowski]

I learn from you each time. Thanks!

[@DaleDirt]

I really like the skidder winch to , I didn't know that was available .

[@yvesjolicoeur747]

simply an awesome tool. If ever you decide to cut that corner tree, you can cut it 4 feet off the ground and use it as a rub tree/stump, otherwise you probably will just rub on the next tree . Keep in mind that when winching, you are pulling everything towards you. I always take a good look for any dead standing before winching. Have fun

[@bespokefencing]

Great video Sandy, a skidding winch is a real game changer! A tip to protect the trees on the end of the rack from being skinned. I take those blue plastic barrels, cut off the top and bottom and split them down the side. You can then fit them around any vulnerable trees on your route. They're really quick to move from tree to tree, if you need to, and dont cost a fortune!👍

[@sawingwithsandy]

I like it ! Thank you

[@steveelford97]

Great video Sandy! That winch is way faster than I would have thought, at 540 those logs would be coming back in really quick!

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's for sure!

[@rodcros]

@@sawingwithsandy Just leave the tractor at idle when winching.

[@Stihl4life]

Great idea on the mat. Some day if I get one I will have to do that

[@kencornelius9584]

That's a handy piece of equipment! Looking forward to seeing more of it!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Ken. I'll for sure have it out and about more often now

[@lizstokes9091]

That was slick!! @kpatrick olivier said to back off the explaining but PLEASE DO NOT!! He may be an expert but some of us are here to learn. Without your explanations, we're just watching a dude cutting trees in the woods 🤣 I appreciate all the info you share and the helpful commenters that give suggestions on how to do things easier. Sorry @kpatrick olivier, maybe you can just turn the volume off 😉

[@sawingwithsandy]

I do have the gift of gab from time to time haha. Hope all is well Liz and glad my videos are helping out.

[@mikechristensen9744]

I agree...The information given is what I subscribed for...and virtually all the information is well explained and accurate as well. I owe Sandy a lot as he has saved me time, money, and frustration. The latter is priceless! :-)

[@coldspring624]

Thing of beauty hey Sandy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks!

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Nice machine. Awesome presentation. Great job !

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad you liked it David. Thanks for tuning in !

[@colbiecolbie6979]

Excellent segment

[@sawingwithsandy]

Appreciate that!

[@mitchm5883]

That's pretty cool, Sandy. I didn't know that attachment existed. Thanks.

[@paulfranklin5855]

Nice unit

[@botfoblhrp]

this looks to be very handy tool. im very impressed with cable speed , awesome.

[@pauljelen2330]

Very impressive, the winch handled those logs so easily. Looking forward to some winter videos using the winch.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Me too Paul. Im' looking forward to see how well this thing works when the winch drum gets all covered in ice and snow. Im sure it'll be fine but still will be nice to test it out

[@lumberjill6598]

I'd say that's a screaming success! Another thing to add to my wishlist.... along with the tractor😁 Looking into a logging arch with the follower to go on the 4 wheeler. Just like that, the new winch has made your life instantly easier! Awesome!

[@HeavyIronAcres]

Great to see it in action. Getting me excited for the winter! Well, sorta.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Haha I know the feeling

[@Jim-si7wz]

Yes Sandy now that is a good piece of gear, wished I had it around when I was felling trees.

[@chetnash5991]

A great tool!

[@mattleb7335]

I run my logging winch on a L3901 and run around 1600 rpm no need to run it at 540. The faster the line comes in the faster things go sideways when the skid hits a snag. Just my 2cents to add to the algorithm. Your a smart guy you’ll have it figured out in no time

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great advice Matt, thanks for sharing

[@Frontireadventures]

Wrap your thumb around the handle when limbing. You are holding the saw very lightly and if it kicks back you are at risk. 40 years experience and also many years teaching. Very nice video and woodlot.

[@bwillan]

That nose cone you have for your Lewis chain saw winch would work quite well with this skidding winch. With that extra long pine tree, you could have lifted the far end away from the tractor and swung it further out to make the corner. Before winter hits, I would take the time to widen your trails at intersections to make skidding longer logs easier.

[@sawingwithsandy]

You're right about the nose cone. I was going to bring it out this time but didn't remember until I was way back in the woods. Next time around for sure. Think time is not on my side at this point with being able to get the trails all wider as I'm trying to finish up the equipment shed before winter hits. Ah well, see how far I can get. Thanks again for watching

[@miguelfreytes3498]

Nices places you have goods jobs explained.To all peoples have the cut threes and do job beautiful cuts woods

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Miguel!

[@markwagstaff947]

Nice addition

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Mark

[@allenchancery4847]

Good show, thanks

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Allen! Hope all is well with you

[@grege8716]

Have had my PTO winch almost 2 years and only advice is keep cable snug and tidy; less problems. You’re gonna like that implement for sure! Thanks for videos!

[@billdawson8458]

Good call on the rubber mat. Mine is scratch all to heck from the chain. That’s where I hang mine as well.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Bill. I don't often get brand new things so figured I'd try to keep this looking new for atleast a little while

[@lukefisher7618]

Hi Sandy. Love your videos as always. When I bought my winch the guy told me not to use the cable around a tree...always use choker.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Is that right eh. From what I saw and read on the Wallenstein website I was supposed to make sure the end of the cable wrapped around a tree and came back to the block to ensure I wasn't putting the force just on the cable end piece. I'll have to double check now though.

[@lukefisher7618]

@@sawingwithsandy I went and checked my cable. I have a different end, a hook that will hold the choker chain. I was told that you can kink the cable, but it looks like your end is meant to be used the way you did.

[@jayh8490]

This is just pure awesomeness!! that winch is going to make it much more efficient. Also, I noticed your eye looks normal again. I'm very happy for you that its healing nicely, take care from a fellow Ontarioan

[@sawingwithsandy]

I'm super pumped to get back out and use the winch again. Sure has been a great addition here. Thanks for the well wishes about the eye. It's feeling better

[@GPOutdoors]

Skidding winch will make a big difference for you. Love the grapple too :)) Thanks for sharing Sandy!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks! Saw your grapple in action on your channel recently and I think we think alike haha

[@4821jeffrow]

I love that winch. Maybe a little later will get one of my own I'm sure it has all the pulling power needed for what I will do here in Kentucky even with some of the step hills I would be using it on. Good to see it in action

[@sawingwithsandy]

Right on!

[@coreyhannan4263]

Great purchase. It's fun for us viewers as well to learn about these tools. It should save your back too

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think so too. I’m not getting any younger so helping save me some heavy lifting will be nice

[@coreyhannan4263]

@@sawingwithsandy I didn't want to mention anything about age lol. I am 48 years old now and my back reminds me quite often of all the times that I've lifted and moved things way heavier than I should have

[@sawingwithsandy]

Haha I’m sure I’m guilty of the same

[@mikechristensen9744]

@@coreyhannan4263 I must be lucky or perhaps due to my being very active my entire life because my back is still reasonably strong at age 65. But I have always used my legs with heavy lifting whenever possible. I can't lift as much as when younger but they can still lift over 400 pounds without injuring myself. My body has to last a few more years!! I am about to start building about a 2000 square foot one and a half story house in the woods completely by myself and there is NO way I could ever hire someone to do it(imagine telling a builder that he has to travel 6 miles by ATV to carry materials and then work!).

[@coreyhannan4263]

@@mikechristensen9744 Good for you!! It sounds like quite a project that you are about to undertake. Good luck with it 👍

[@iceroad416]

I like Wallenstein products. They are well priced and built.

[@Beartrap70]

Hi Sandy That is one Sweeeeeeet winch - In no time at all it will pay for it is :)

[@saintaugustine1715]

nice to see you took your time to understand the machine some knowing the tool you use makes it easier and safer and yes that yellow cone would of kept some of the debris of the logs and yes you might need to widen your trails at the sharp corners but in all for your first experience you did great can wait to see more of it have a nice day and have fun with your new toy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks! Sure was fun to try it out

[@johnbourgeois1414]

Interesting how well the new winch works

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sure is a great unit!

[@terryk3118]

Appreciate the nice video, Thanks. Still trying to figure out how that hook on the logging tape releases!

[@sawingwithsandy]

It’s got a small spring that when you pull hard it allows the hook to go straight

[@peterclark4565]

Knew the winch video would be coming out soon. Like a kid with a new toy. Got to love wallenstine.They do not cheap out on there products.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I sure to do feel like I've got quite the candy here!

[@johanneslaxell6641]

Nice video, winch works! Noticed that you and I stand on opposit sides of a tree when we take it down 😉👍🏽.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Must be the "lefty" in me

[@Wheelloader__]

Nice video Sandy. I did a little logging back in the day. I had a 225 Timberjack log skidder. Maybe you’ve heard of them they were built up your way. Being able to get the logs up off the ground puts the weight on the back of your tractor. You can pull a lot more.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I do remember those timber jacks. Still a bunch out in the woods around the area near me. Great units

[@jakegrubb7630]

The trailer is a good way to keep your logs clean. And with your tractor the would be easy loading them when you get back to the mill ots all cut to length. 🍻

[@sawingwithsandy]

Very true! Thanks for watching Jake

[@Gnomoleon]

That is Sweet!! Very jealous, if I win the Lotto I'm going to but one.

[@marknelson6777]

Great as always Sandy. Ever thought of putting something like a roll pin on those line under the logs when hauling ?. I know you would have to put sides on it and attach to the tractor. Just spit balling here.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's not a bad idea. I'd have to locate some to try out but would keep the logs up which would be nice. I think I"ll try to focus more on winter time to keep the logs cleaner in the future. Bit of extra dirt isn't helping my saw blades that's for sure

[@claytonhillier9496]

Very nice. In that pine forest the acid in the needles must keep a lot of the under growth from coming up that would be a dream to work in

[@sawingwithsandy]

You're right about that. Sure makes getting around easy. Bit of a blank canvas aside from the trees at time though

[@aldredske6197]

It has nothing to do with the acid from the needles. It has everything to do with the shade that the crown makes that nothing grows underneath. If it was thinner and the sunlight reached the ground lots of things would grow

[@rodcros]

You picked a good winch. I own a thirty-year-old version of the same Wallenstein model. It's great. I keep it on an old Massey Ferguson 35 so that it is always available around the property.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great to hear it’s held up so long

[@sidewinder15599]

I like the toe on the bottom of the unit; great for digging into the dirt to anchor the winch. Edit: Consider getting some outdoor carpet to put at the base of trees you need to maneuver around. It will act as a good skidding surface while protecting the other trees.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great idea! Thank you

[@johnmyers6097]

I’ve logged with an old Farmii bought new many many years ago can’t see myself living without it. There is little paint left on mine after 43 years of use but a lot of life left in it. Only ,thing that scared me was falling the lodge pole with a choker around it. That could definitely get you into a saw / body .part issue. Nice video. Stay safe.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great to hear the Farmii is working well for ya. Seems like a great winch!

[@DaleDirt]

Great information and superb video quality . How are you doing this . Top notch for sure .

[@sawingwithsandy]

Just a tripod, camera and lots of walking haha

[@GTDwithMatt]

Nice shirt Jack!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Matt!

[@thomassnead9933]

That’s a great tool

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Thomas! Sure is handy

[@johnhenderson8360]

Sandy, regarding the dirty logs: If instead of routing your cable down to the lower pulley on the winch, what if you pulled just from the top pulley? Is that a safety no-no? It would raise your log ends up, helping to keep the out of the dirt.

[@boomersadventures]

Use your choker chains on the log not your winch cable. Your cable will last longer. Great video thanks

[@mikechristensen9744]

I've made that same mistake in cutting into length before skidding the whole tree out. I usually just cut a small amount into the the tree to mark the length. The last time it happened I used a spare chain and bound the cut pieces together and it worked! It may not at times but did save a bit of time for me doing it.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's not a bad idea. Just hook em all together and away ya go

[@dhache1195]

@@sawingwithsandy or like I already suggest to you, to make a 8 or double 8 shape around the logs with only one end of chain and ''away ya go'' ;-)

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Hey Sandy, I'm new to the channel and haven't yet been caught up on some of your vids but I'm enjoying it so far. I will get caught up though, I'm just busy on the farm. I'm actually building a custom octagonal chicken house and that's taking all my time. I got my John Deere 3039R last year and it's been a huge help on the farm especially with snowblowing and wood chipping. i looked at the wallenstein chipper/shredder but it was gravity fed...the feeder on the woodland mills wc68 sold me - also a bit cheaper. Wallenstein makes a good product though eh. We just bought our 90 acre farm in Horseshoe Valley last year and are turning it into a farm stay and of course I got the bright idea to start a channel to document the transformation. So far I have 489 ft of trail in our 15 acres of woods, looking to have a lot more for maple tree tapping, atving and hiking etc, its on Oro mountain so I need to dig out a bunch of switchbacks and the tractor is no good for that. I'll most likely need a mini excavator. Looks like I'll be learning a lot from your channel. Have a great one, don't work too hard eh, Chad.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Welcome to the channel Chad. Beautiful area where you're from down in Horseshoe Valley. Always like visiting that area when I get a chance. I like that JD 3039. I actually looked at one as well but couldn't find a deal I was hoping for. I agree with ya about Wallenstein, well made for sure. Sounds like you've got a bunch of work ahead of ya but I'm sure the whole process will be fun. Take care and thanks again for watching

[@wardo17]

That should make your life a lot easier.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think so too!

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Great winch. I need to look at the specs to see it work on my 1947. Ford N. Thanks

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for watching Doyle. Seems like any tractor within the required HP would work well.

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Anytime I have been watching your channel for sometime. I have been interestied in Woodland Sawmill for about a year or two now and your is very informational. Thanks for all you do

[@apuuvah]

A grapple with 3-4 arched "jaws" that graps the end of a log helps the skidding as the log can rotate and won't get stuck (easily). For lifting, 2 jaws and give 'em a whack so the teeth grab well. Be careful.

[@gregwitkamp5583]

Wow that sure works great, it will be safer and faster than that chainsaw winch, I know it will still have its place. Be safe

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah sure will be a great addition!

[@ZeeFrankensteel]

Damn nice purchase! I lost my loggers tape that I paid 2 or 5$ for in a garage sale. Like new at that. So cheap I can't remember. Real quality, lost a yr ago. I know exactly where but cannot find it! After seeing your video, went to see how much they go for...yikes!! Will continue searching., So handy and way better than regular tape.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah getting up there in price

[@mikeszwec9551]

Sandy I was wondering if you’d have trouble with the long log, I would have tried too lol. A short video explaining why you chose the winch you got over the others would be great. Hope the eye is better, stay safe.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Some days I think to myself "why not" when it comes to things like that long log. In this video I found out the "why" "not" part of it haha. I'll keep that in mind about the winch choice. Thanks for watching Mike

[@charlietree776]

🌲🌲That's a GREAT TOOL🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@sawingwithsandy]

I'm with ya there Charlie!

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Hey there buddy how are ya? Oh man I want one of those winches, guess I should get a tractor first hehehe. I’m glad you are happy with your new toy/tool! Thanks for sharing and God bless you and yours

[@sawingwithsandy]

I do certainly feel fortunate with this new addition. Works way faster than I can that's for sure.

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

@@sawingwithsandy ya buddy it’s important that our tools make the job easier and safer for us, we aren’t getting any younger hehehe. I know I’ve asked you this before but what camera do you use and software for editing? I would like to film the assembly of my sawmill , as no one has assembled a hd36v2 yet on KZbin

[@colbiecolbie6979]

You might want to look into one of those cones for the front of logs when skidding

[@sawingwithsandy]

They are handy units for sure. I actually have one that I use and it's great. I've got a few videos out under the playlist "lewis winch" of the nose cone in action. Thanks again for watching each week. Hope all is well

[@davetraver4655]

Now you've gone and made me want one of those for my tractor too!! Does the rain wash off some of the dirt on the logs when you have them piled on your log rack? I'm sure you've probably said at some point, but how many acres do you have to log? I just moved on to 40 and its all hardwood. White and red oak, black walnut and some maple. Great video sir. Keep up the good work so I can spend more $$$. 🤑

[@sawingwithsandy]

The rain does help but I still prefer skidding in the winter

[@davecrable1356]

I bought a Wallenstein FX 90 Winch back in 2009 for skidding logs and firewood off the rear of my 40hp Kubota tractor. It is by far the most used implement we use on the farm. Haven't used my Lewis Winch much since. Highly recommend that you purchase a self releasing snatch block to go with it 👌

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great to hear it’s working out ! I’m looking forward to years of service from mine as well

[@kenneymcilwean3551]

Hey Sandy. I very much enjoy your channel. When pulling the logs from a distance, keep the cable out of the lower pully. This allows the logs to raise up off the ground as they get close to the winch, keeping a lot of the dirt and needle from piling up at the base of the winch. Also, what is the dimensions of your sawmill shed and are you happy with that size? Would you do anything different?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great tip ! My sawmill shed is 10’x20’ . I’m happy with the size and layout

[@sawingwithsandy]

Only thing maybe different would be to not have a boardwalk if I had more open space to position the lumber shed beside the sawmill shed

[@mr.redneck2715]

Great winch but not sure I wood buy one if I had flat Beautiful land like you do. Butt it’s more about getting out and having fun!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for coming along for the tour

[@melissasmess2773]

Nice demonstration Sandy, I just bought forest land and am looking at the Tijun AGV 35A for my Yanmar, unfortunately it's yellow and won't match my red SA424 but only about $3,800 for 7,800 pound winch. Thanks!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Those Tajfun winches are nice. I've sen them before and they impressed me

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

That boogies along pretty fast even at the lower speed.

[@sawingwithsandy]

It sure does. It moves faster than I can that's for sure!

[@aldredske6197]

Hi Sandy!!😀😀 If you don't want to get as much dirt on the logs when you are winching them in. Let the cable pull from the top of the winch and don't hook it to the Lowe pulley. Take care and have fun!! Logger Al

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Logger Al. Appreciate the help!

[@idaho_7407]

Appreciate the common sense video, thank you. Off the wall question: What tire pressure are you keeping the rear tractor tires at? Are they liquid filled?

[@lambda4931]

It would be interesting to hear about your property sometime; its size, its history, its wildlife, etc.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks again for checking out the video. Hope you liked it

[@steveelford97]

I second this!

[@silverleapers]

@@sawingwithsandy I third this.

[@larasea741]

I have been looking at this winch for 2 years now. Getting ready to pull the purchase trigger. Any advice or recommendations? Thanks love your videos.

[@wallacefrey6247]

I noticed a hitch on the back of the winch and was wondering about winching the logs onto a trailer after you cut them to help keep them clean and making ruts on the way back to the mill.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah sure would work well for that

[@bobbyhaselden6811]

You structures look so nice.Are you going to build a nice log loading dock for your mill or just continue with the not so nice looking one your using now. Don’t take that the wrong way it works just fine it’s just that you do such nice work I was just curious

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good question Bobby. Likely once my log deck wears out I"ll think more about something more solid that won't rot with the weather. It was a bit of a makeshift log deck I think so I also would like it to look a little nicer.

[@skidder123456789]

If you have logs with dirt it’s worth the time to use a good pressure washer on them to save saw blades

[@cm5838]

I have been watching your videos along with many others trying to decide on a mill. The woodland is my current favorite, especially price wise. I know they are made in China, and I know China builds the cheapest junk known to man but also build some of the best stuff too. I wish I could see one in person but have you noticed any weak points? So far the only thing I don’t like is the engine. As a small engine mechanic I have very little faith in kohler engines and absolutely none in Briggs and Stratton engines but that is what they all seem to come with. Would you say the engine is fairly standard. 1 inch shaft, nothing fancy so a person could easily swap it out for a Honda?

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Charles, I’m not sure what the shaft size is but I can say that it’s been a great engine for me in all conditions. No complaints here.

[@ricks8158]

Nice.. faster than your Lewis set up.. both will have their purpose. Just wondering did you have to cut the PTO shaft to fit it to the tractor.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great question Rick. I did have to cut the PTO shaft. Took 2.5" off each section of the PTO.

[@salmonhunter7414]

I am on my 3 Skidding winch. I got one now that has a remote so I don,t have to walk back and forth.

[@Sparkeee1978]

It's FAST !

[@sawingwithsandy]

I agree. It will be REALLY quick once I fire it up to 540 pto rpm

[@billpearson6569]

Sandy you had a good first day out with your new winch. You don't need to use the bottom pulley for what you are doing as someone has mentioned. Just saying . You will see this as you work more .

[@sawingwithsandy]

Yeah I wasn't too sure to start with as I figured I wanted to keep the pull low but I guess these aren't massive trees and so having the pull up high sure would have helped. Appreciate you passing that tip along Bill.

[@eddyverbraeken2019]

A dolly for your logs at the back then less ground will arive and no snow in winter maybe

[@hingstonia]

a nice old hay wagon or grain cart chassis would work for a log cart. you would get more out of the bush and not worry about dirt on each trip.

[@sawingwithsandy]

You’re right about the old Wagon or cart. I’m keeping an eye out for one as think it would have all kids of uses around here

[@silverleapers]

@@sawingwithsandy wheeled log hauler, atv, easy peasy.

[@dhache1195]

@@sawingwithsandy you can look at GP outdoors, his neighbour, Guy, made/transform/adapt a retired road 5 x 10 trailer to a log trailer, very well built.

[@Ranger-Al]

Great video, I am new to your channel. Where are you located? Love your Red pine timber type!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Welcome to the channel Al

[@MrJFoster1984]

First Pull doesn't always go that well 😉🤣

[@whysgui7415]

Great videos Sandy, do you ever think about getting the remote option for the skidding winch? I am most often cutting trees alone and am in the process of upgrading from a 4 wheeler setup to a tractor with a skidding winch. The FX85 is my favorite winch so far but I don't know if the remote would be worth it.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I have had a few times where I wish I had the remote just due to having to stand back at the machine before I start pulling. Ideally if I did it again I’d likely get the remote as I probably will have my winch forever so may be best for me for the long run

[@whysgui7415]

@@sawingwithsandy Well thank you for empowering me to get the remote version :p

[@sawingwithsandy]

Keep me updated if you do get it as I'd like to hear how it performs. I'd imagine it's solid but would like to hear more about it

[@whysgui7415]

@@sawingwithsandy I recently Got the winch and of course forgot the remote home the first time I used it :p. The winch works great and the remote is rugged. It necessitates the hydraulics to be connected for the clutch and a 12V outlet for the remote reciever. There is a 3 seconds delay to stop the winch when you stop pressing on the remote and it cann be operated with a button on the reciever if the batteries are dead or you forget the remote.