Need to move big tree trunks

IceBergSLiM

Lifer
Jul 11, 2000
29,932
3
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So have some trees that we had cut down some yeas ago and cut into sections and strewn down the side of the property.

I want to use my lawn mower to drag them up the hill to wears I can safely chop them for fire wood.

What type of tow apparatus should I use to accomplish this?

I'm thinking some combination of rope and tow straps. But wondering how to anchor to the tow point on the mower.

like this thing

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardw...atalogId=10053

with this maybe?

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
 
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EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
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Assuming that this is a riding tractor/mower; you would be better getting a small utility trailer.
Load the logs into the trailer and then pull the trailer up hill.

Trying to drag the logs will not work very well. The tractor will not have the horsepower to drag a log with all that friction.

You can get betwen 3 to 6 logs in the utility trailer and one run from the logs location to the log splitter.
 

IceBergSLiM

Lifer
Jul 11, 2000
29,932
3
81
Assuming that this is a riding tractor/mower; you would be better getting a small utility trailer.
Load the logs into the trailer and then pull the trailer up hill.

Trying to drag the logs will not work very well. The tractor will not have the horsepower to drag a log with all that friction.

You can get betwen 3 to 6 logs in the utility trailer and one run from the logs location to the log splitter.

not a very maneuverable area. its pretty much straight woods on an uneven hill. i have no idea if how a trailer would fit. :(

myay just have to bite the bullet and try and split the logs near where they lay into manageble pieces

maybe this thing:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
 
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rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
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rent a log splitter. Spend a couple hours splitting those bastages up and then haul the little pieces. Much easier way of doing it.
 

Squisher

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
21,204
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not a very maneuverable area. its pretty much straight woods on an uneven hill. i have no idea if how a trailer would fit. :(

myay just have to bite the bullet and try and split the logs near where they lay into manageble pieces

maybe this thing:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053
That come-a-long will move the logs 1-3 inches per cycle of that handle. In other words, not very practical.


EDIT: what is the approx. diameter and length of these logs?
 
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IceBergSLiM

Lifer
Jul 11, 2000
29,932
3
81
That come-a-long will move the logs 1-3 inches per cycle of that handle. In other words, not very practical.

I'm sure thats faster than I can drag them on foot ;)

That brings up a good point is it feasible to rig a harness to myself and drag them? I'm not small or weak by any means.
 

cerebusPu

Diamond Member
May 27, 2000
4,008
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those are some big logs. maybe buy or rent a chainsaw to cut them up into more manageable pieces? i dunno how you'd cut a 3 feet wide and 5 feet long log though, thats like a giant alternator sized bulk of wood.

however, after you cut it up you can use a wheelbarrow/wagon/or utility cart attached to the tractor. my little $75 gorilla cart can attach to a tractor if needed.
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,097
771
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I'd be surprised if a riding lawn mower can tow a 200# stump.
 

darkxshade

Lifer
Mar 31, 2001
13,749
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What you need is a Hmong neighbor who tried to steal your gran torino and now owes you after you saved his sorry life from a gang initiation.
 

guyver01

Lifer
Sep 25, 2000
22,135
5
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You'll need something heavy duty

Giant-Claw-Crane-b.jpgd557ceb6-3053-493f-9bad-56c4d7c1fb36Larger.jpg
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
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Most trailers are only the width of the tractor.

By being on wheels you are removing a lot of the friction created by skidding the logs.

Unless you have a series of sharp turns, the trailer will be able follow the tractor.

Splitting the logs where they lay will make optimal use of the trailer.
You should be able to rent a log splitter and attach to the back of the tractor or if you are a good driver, the trailer.
 
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davmat787

Diamond Member
Nov 30, 2010
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Do any of the home depots nearby have a tool rental dept? Ask them. If not, find out where the major tool rental center is and try them for tips.

But really the trailer is the best bet.
 

IceBergSLiM

Lifer
Jul 11, 2000
29,932
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81
i'm gonna see how far I can get muscling them and I did find a trailer for the mower in the shed. we'll see what happens.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
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Oct 30, 2000
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Keep us posted. Keep your feet and legs safe!
 

unxpurg8d

Golden Member
Apr 7, 2000
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Try checking locally and see if anyone has horses or mules they use for snaking logs out of timbered areas. Call the local Forestry office. You'd be surprised.
 

davmat787

Diamond Member
Nov 30, 2010
5,512
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76
Sometimes people will haul it away free for the firewood too. Maybe check craigslist?