What can I do?

[Perry Mann]

I got my first 8n a few months back and am in the process of cleaning it up and repairing a few problem areas but read a few things here that worried me. I have a few acres, most of it wooded, and planned on using the tractor for hauling logs and pulling stumps but read in an earlier post that I should not use the tractor for this. Is this not a good idea? If it is ok what is the best set up. I know pulling stumps especially can put a lot of strain on parts.

 

[Elmo]

Years ago a lot of loggers in this area used a 8N in the woods to pull logs to the loading area and loaded the logs on the trailer with them. They used skids to get the logs on the trailer. It is pretty hard on the support pin in the axel to use it in rough ground. Most of those tractors had the pin LOGGERIZED. IE welded in. If you use yours to pull heavy stuff be sure to use the draw bar and not the lift to pull with.
Elmo

 

[Dell (WA)]

Perry.......you read but don't understand. DO NOT PULL ENNYTHANG from that handy-dandy 3-point toplink under yer buttbucket. UNDERSTAND???

Yes, you can skid chained logs ontop of yer 11-hole drawbar. Yer tractor can lift about 800lbs before the front wheels start floppin' in the air.

Iff'n you really wanna gitt "fancy", use a "loggin' arch" that has a winch to lift yer log and pull the arch on its rubber trailer wheels with yer trailer hitch bar under yer 8N diffy.

As fer pullin' stumps......depends upon the size. I successfully pulled 6-8" cherry tree stumps from my diffy drawbar, NOT the 11-hole drawbar. Ain't NO WAY that I could pull some of the 2-3ft pine stumps; I hire a backhoe to dig them out and move to the burn pile. Understand the difference??? ......Dell

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Two key considerations will limit you in using an N to pull stumps & skid logs. The first problem is inherent in the tractor: it's a 2 wheel drive, 23hp tractor. Even w/ wheel weights & loaded tires, it isn't going to pull many stumps or skid very heavy logs.

The second consideration is safety. The tractor will flip in a heartbeat if you do not pull correctly. Put an implement on the tractor (a blade works well) it eliminate the possibility. Or, pull in reverse (tip # 19). Or, as in the picture, get the end of the log up on the draw bar, chain it in place, keep the drawbar as low as possible & pull slowly.

BTW, that's a 51 N w/ wheel weights, loaded tires & a Sherman & it was all it wanted to do to pull those logs.

50 Tips

 

[Jimmyjack]

I have a tree farm and have skidded logs for years with Ns. You have to use your head when you hook them and put weight on the 3 point. Must be something wrong with Bruces tractor if thats the largest log he can skid. Doesnt pay to skid only one that size.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

That was one of the small ones! I had more log than chainsaw so I had a buddy come over w/ his bow saw to get them in 10 - 12' lengths for skidding.

 

[Perry Mann]

I guess what I'm worried about is I have to replace the lower link support pin this weekend, was loose or bent when I got it. I just don't want to have to do it again because of pulling stumps. The jarring of pulling the stump is what worries me. Thanks for all the help. I'll be posting tomorrow if something goes wrong with the pin replacement.

 

[Paul in NH]

A little common sense goes a loonngg way!
My son has used my 47 8N to pull trees to our sawmill for the house he is building. It handles 30 inch pine and hemlock with no problems. He (and I) use the hitch to just get the log off the ground and then pull it. Keep it on the level, with a slow constant speed. For the most part it pulls as well as my Massey 65, or my 1900 Ford, and it certainly is a lot more maneuverable in tight quarters. I do keep in mind that the tractor is as old as I am, and may not be in quite the shape it was 62 years ago!