Using tractors and winches to cut trees is popular in Europe and becoming more popular in North America. Normally timber harvesting occurs in the winter, when the farming demands are at a minimum and equipment is idle. With an existing farm tractor, and a Fransgård tractor mounted logging winch, farmers can easily remove trees and logs from the woodland.
Small logging operations typically generate revenue by supplying timber for firewood production. Tractors mounted winches can reach difficult forest areas and collect fallen trees without harming the environment. A right-sized farm tractor with a Fransgård forestry winch is ideal for small-scale timber harvesting.
The 3-point hitch carries the Fransgård timber winch, and the tractor powers the winch with its PTO. The operator manually pulls out a long cable and secures it to the downed tree with a choker chain. The clutch engages using tractor PTO power, pulling the cable and the attached logs back towards the tractor.
The winch's butt plate firmly anchors to the ground and acts as a brake, working against the pulling force of the logs. The Fransgård winch can skid two or three trees at one time.
The operator secures the logs to the winch using the choker chains. The operator can then raise the tractor hitch and skid the entire load to the roadside. Once the operator removes the logs from the forest, they can buck the logs into acceptable lengths.
Using a tractor and timber winch is an affordable method for clearing land. Low capital investment and use of an existing tractor make this an attractive choice for logging.
Another use for this tractor and winch package is to clear land for recreation. Clearing small areas for wildlife management and food plots is also a popular option.
Large commercial loggers will not move heavy equipment in to tackle these types of jobs.
Small farm tractors for logging can help minimize the adverse impact of large logging machines on the environment. These machines often cause soil compaction and damage to existing trees.
Fransgård timber winches have an excellent reputation for design, quality of manufacture and product range. The company, based in Denmark, has been operating for over 40 years.