One of my favorite things about writing for Northern Woodlands is that I get to meet so many folks who are incredibly passionate about forestry and equally “woods smart.” Al Robertson of Sheffield, Vermont, certainly fits the bill on both accounts. In the last issue we introduced “Tractor Logging 101,” and Al wrote in suggesting a “Tractor Logging 201” column that includes a few of his clever tricks.
Slotted Bucket Bar: As an alternative to flat-backed hooks, consider welding 3/8-inch flat stock or angle iron with a series of slots to the top of the bucket. This design offers the advantage of multiple hitching points (similar to a winch) and increased surface area for welding. Some loggers have reported casting failures with the foreign-made flat-backed hooks that make up most of the hook supply available in stores today, making the slotted bucket bar even more appealing.
Tractor-Mounted Chainsaw Holder: A simple plastic scabbard can be made out of 1/2-inch plastic sheathing available at building supply centers. Make a 1-inch spacer for the bar to easily side in and out by sandwiching two 1/2-inch spacers of the plastic sheathing between a scabbard cover and back made of the same material. Screw from both sides and then attach to your cab or loader upright. Alternatively, you can bore-cut a section of 4x6-inch cant for use as a chainsaw scabbard and attach to the cab or loader upright with large hose clamps or small binder straps. By using plastic or wood, you avoid damage to the chain. There are steel scabbards on the market, but they’re only recommended for those who consider saw sharpening their favorite hobby.
Skidding Cones: Depending on your skidding setup, it may not always be possible to lift the front end of the log off the ground. Not only does this increase the potential for snagging the leading edge of the log on rocks and stumps, it also creates greater soil disturbance. One solution is a plastic skidding cone, which deflects off rocks and stumps as you drag the log behind your tractor. That means less time jumping on and off the tractor to free the log; it also reduces potential damage to the tractor, as well as to standing trees. While I have a strong preference for skidding cones, another alternative is a skidding pan, which we’ll explore in a future issue.
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