!!!! SEPP to Boot: Stephen's Experience (BEL)

Just saw this neat logging capstan winch.  Maybe when some funds are available it could be a good addition to the tractor:

Here's a place that sells all kinds of little winches: https://thern.com/winches/portable-electric-winches/capstan-winch/

I believe the advantage of a capstan winch is that your length of pull is only limited by the length of rope you happen to have handy.  So you can pull a log 500' to the road if you want.  The advantage to a winch might be that it could be used for other tasks like lifting logs over a gin pole (perhaps) where you want to be able to lift a bit, hold it steady, then drop it a bit, then hold steady, then release.

They also make gas powered portable capstan winches for logging.  Same idea but you anchor it to a tree.  Downside is the gas but if you're using a tractor anyway, maybe it uses less fuel overall.  They have cordless electric as well but I've heard they can only pull one small log on a charge :(  Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Landworks-Electric-Portable-Brushless-1000-2000/dp/B0862132XP/ref=asc_df_B0862132XP?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80264466333848&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583863992800882&psc=1

Mike Haasl wrote:I believe the advantage of a capstan winch is that your length of pull is only limited by the length of rope you happen to have handy.  So you can pull a log 500' to the road if you want.

Once it had all been set up yesterday, a time-consuming step that would be eliminated with a winch is bringing the tractor back to its original spot, removing a section of rope, chain, or strap, and then dragging again. Maybe this is something worth seriously investigating... Thanks, Mike! :)

Fred Tyler wrote:Someone made those once because we were carrying logs that were just a little too big for the normal log carriers. The hooks just wouldn't dig in well and we kept dropping the logs. No one liked using them (except the person that made them). We ended up using the kind that is basically a stout stick with a rope attached that wraps under the log to be carried. Bear Paw made us one with nicer handles and it is usually in the shop somewhere.

Is there a trick to tying the rope on such a log carrier? We tried a couple ways and both were a bit awkward. I haven't been able to find any examples online...

For log moving gadgets, the engine components for the following method were in residence at the labs this past summer, perhaps they will be returning...? (starting @5:50):

Coydon Wallham wrote:Is there a trick to tying the rope on such a log carrier? We tried a couple ways and both were a bit awkward. I haven't been able to find any examples online...

If you're asking about the log carriers that are a beefy stick with a rope that dangles down in a loop, I've got your answer.   I think.

The risky way is to feed the log through the loop and just pick it up.  The problem is that it can roll around a bit and if you're going up/down a hill it can slide through the loop.

The fancier way is to feed the log through the loop and then spin the handle around so the end of the handle that was on the right side of the log is now on the left side.