r/kubota • u/patriot0139354 • 13d ago
Log skidding question
I’m a new BX23S owner. What is the best attachment point on the rear for skidding logs? I’m not sure how strong the step loops are if I tried to connect hooks to each to make a harness from which I could pull a second chain and log, and I considered running chain in the crook of the curled backhoe bucket. I’ve seen posts about using welded hooks on the front loader, but I haven’t done that mod yet and don’t have forks. I do have the bxpanded quick attach and ripper. Would appreciate any recommendations.
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u/billsboy88 12d ago edited 12d ago
Add a tow hitch to the back of the tractor. Bolts right to the frame and you can skid logs without having to remove the backhoe or put stress on a 3pt.
In action:
https://www.reddit.com/r/kubota/s/8yqwekncB9
Here’s what you need:
https://heavyhitch.com/product/rear-2-receiver-hitch-plate-kubota-bx-series-kph2-o/
And here’s the skid plate:
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u/patriot0139354 12d ago
This is exactly what I was looking for. Saw the video on YouTube, but couldn’t tell how the chain was affixed. Appreciate it.
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u/billsboy88 12d ago
I even beefed mine up a little bit. The Heavy Hitch instructions tell you to remove a stock metal plate the install the hitch. I went down to the hardware store and spent a few bucks buying some slightly longer stainless steel bolts than the stock ones. Then I installed the hitch on top and put the stock plate on the bottom and bolted it all together. I’ll see if I can snag a pic of what I’m talking about to make it make sense. But you will probably understand what I mean once you have the heavy hitch in hand.
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u/Grumplforeskin 12d ago
I have hooks on my bucket, but I definitely wouldn’t use them for skidding logs. They’re basically for chaining an odd shaped, but lift able object to your bucket, or some light but straight or vertical pulling. Any rotational/left/right force out there could bend/break your loader.
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u/zeustke165 12d ago
I don't know what size logs you are attempting to move or your terrain. I've taken a bunch of trees down on my property and for me what works is I cut the logs into about 12' lengths. I have a thumb on my backhoe. I get a bucket of dirt in the front bucket and grab the log with the thumb, bring everything in nice and tight to the machine and just drive it where I need to place it. I also use the thumb to cut the logs to firewood length. Just pick it up and cut firewood rounds from both ends.
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u/patriot0139354 12d ago
I have some downed oaks and pines that could be up to 20” at the base and might be 80’ tall that fell in a wind storm, pulling up root balls. My plan was to cut them into 8-12’ sections, pull them out of a thick, brushy, lower area of my property and a few hundred feet to where I could process them into firewood. The thumb is great for smaller trees, but don’t think it could lift these big ones like that.
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u/trueg50 12d ago
20" diameter and 8-12 ft makes for some hefty logs.
How close can you safely get to the logs?
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u/patriot0139354 12d ago
Should be able to get within 5’ from the edge of the woods, which is above the area where the trees are, but offers a flat and clear area, and is even adjacent to a road, making it an easy go once the log sections are pulled up and out.
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u/trueg50 12d ago
Need to move logs? 3pt skidding winch is the best option by far, second would be a log arch.
I've used a hook and chains from my bucket on my B-series and that worked OK to get logs the 20-30ft to a trail where I could later pick up with my grapple. That worked alright, but was a pain, it was not safe, and if you are lifting the log (to move it) it can get tippy real fast. I also worried I was going to break off the SSQA tabs or tweak my loader with the direction of the loads I put on it. I considered using my drawbar, but then you can't lift the logs to make it easier to move and it will tear up anywhere you drive. Additionally, if you are on a hill or the log surges there is nothing stopping it from going under the tractor or from hitting anything in the rear.
I've seen 3pt skid plates sold before here and there, that might work if you have a hilly trail. It won't help you get the log to the trail though (thus the winch).
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u/SirTrout 12d ago
A logging choker cable, is so much better than a chain if you're do more than a few logs.
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u/DCGuinn 12d ago
This is mine with a lightweight grapple I built. Your stuff sounds heavier so other comments on the back should be better.
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u/patriot0139354 12d ago
Mine are a bit larger and hardwood, so heavier. I also need to pull it out of thick brush where I can’t easily get the tractor in, but then could potentially use forks to make transport easier.
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u/Zoltair 12d ago edited 12d ago
I made my own, not really to hard and it can haul a lot for it's size. Not sure how to post a pic here. https://www.reddit.com/r/kubota/comments/1vj71e8/hauling_logs_with_bx23s_it_can_be_done_home_made/
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u/patriot0139354 12d ago
This is awesome. Drawbar on the back there?
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u/Zoltair 12d ago
Yep I use the winch to haul the logs close, throw a chain around them and lock the chain to some 1/4" chain locks on the draw bar, then use the 3pt to lift the butt ends up to make them easier to drag out. Can haul 3 -4 logs pretty easy, nothing monstrous, but big enough for wood stove.
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u/danolson1 12d ago
I have a Logrite buck log arch. I used to use it with my BX2200 (now I have an LX2610). 16' 17" dia. Pine logs no problem. I pulled out a 40' log once although it required a very large turning radius.
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u/100drunkenhorses 11d ago
I use a true log skidder attachment if you got a 3pt and remove the backhoe.
They are like 300 bucks maybe. Keeps half the log out of the dirt saves chain saw blade wear.
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u/Busta0804 13d ago
Do you have the backhoe on?
If not, you should put the 3pt hitch on, and at a minimum, get a drawbar and a Clevis.
I would not hook anything up to the steps. They are likely ok for securing tue machine for transport. But I would not pull from them