Log skidding winch DIY

[dave_dj1]

Nice job on logging winch build. I got a lot of good ideas and info but I was looking for one part number and name of place you got it from, and that would be the large 60 tooth sprocket info please. Thanks

Thank you, it is one of the best things I have built. I pulled a bunch out with it last week before the storm
I'm pretty sure I got the 60 tooth sprocket either at Surplus Supply or Tractor supply, I really don't remember. I'm sure they both have them.
Anything else just give a shout, be glad to offer what I can, too bad the pics are mostly gone, darn photobucket!

https://www.surpluscenter.com/Power...On-Roller-Chain-Sprocket-60X60B-1-1981-60.axd

 

[smokey310]

Awesome job on the winch build. A lot of great info. I am planning a similar Build soon. Do you know how many feet of cable you were able to get on the spool and what size it was. Also I was thinking about trying to buy the clutch engagement mechanism from farmi considering the rough time you had getting yours dialed in. Any thoughts?

 

[dave_dj1]

I put 200' of 1/4" air craft cable on with no issues.( a friend gave me a new 500' spool of it)The cable is rated at 4400 lbs and I haven't had a problem with it but I also respect it for what it is and don't try to yank 100' Red Oak trees...LOL
As far as the clutch, once I got the final design working I am very happy with it.
One thing I would like to change is the spool, I'm thinking of using a lawn tractor wheel (think steps in the rim for strength) as I do get a little flex from the sprocket and side of my spool. I believe that is the weak link. If you can source a clutch assembly at a reasonable price I say go for it.
One thing I just thought of is I would also make the center shaft larger, maybe go from 1' to 1 1/4" or so. I just mostly was trying to use what I had available.

 

[smokey310]

I put 200' of 1/4" air craft cable on with no issues.( a friend gave me a new 500' spool of it)The cable is rated at 4400 lbs and I haven't had a problem with it but I also respect it for what it is and don't try to yank 100' Red Oak trees...LOL
As far as the clutch, once I got the final design working I am very happy with it.
One thing I would like to change is the spool, I'm thinking of using a lawn tractor wheel (think steps in the rim for strength) as I do get a little flex from the sprocket and side of my spool. I believe that is the weak link. If you can source a clutch assembly at a reasonable price I say go for it.
One thing I just thought of is I would also make the center shaft larger, maybe go from 1' to 1 1/4" or so. I just mostly was trying to use what I had available.

Thank you very much for the info and I am glad it is all working out for you. I really appreciate all the time you put into doing this DIY thread. Hopefully I can get started soon on my attempt to make my winch. Slowly trying to gather up the materials and all the info I can.

 

[dave_dj1]

Nice job on logging winch build. I got a lot of good ideas and info but I was looking for one part number and name of place you got it from, and that would be the large 60 tooth sprocket info please. Thanks

I'm pretty sure I got that sprocket from Surplus Center. It's #60 chain

 

[Jakers]

I'm pretty sure I got that sprocket from Surplus Center. It's #60 chain

Ha!!! Really got right on that reply didn't ya Dave???

 

[JimmyG]

Dave and folks, let me pick your brains for an opinion here... I got it into my head that I need to put together my own version of a winch. (Looking to keep the whole affair under $700 or so.) I am considering running a double B pulley jackshaft between pto and drum. Mostly to utilize the belts as a clutch mechanism via a manually engaged idler pulley. I am considering this not only because I have no experience working with friction clutches but also I have no machinist tools for getting the bearings into the spool drum properly. I was thinking of using surplus center flange bearings and welding/bolting the cable spool, the big 60 Tooth drive sprocket and shaft all together into one unit. Idling would happen by slacking the jackshaft belt.
I havent bought anything or invested a dime yet, still planning.
My old tractor is rated at 27hp at the pto, 540. Probably weighs about 3k or so.
-Thanks

 

[dave_dj1]

I have seen some that use the belt method on you tube. Should work

 

[JimmyG]

I Decided to go with an auto clutch engage style. Here are the pics...

 

[JimmyG]

I need to cock that pulley over to follow the line of the cable into the spool. It rubs.

 

[dave_dj1]

Looks good Jim, maybe instead of moving the pulley you could add an idler pulley half way up to guide it?
Quick question, do you have the clutch disc attached to either the drum or the sprocket? I see your shaft turns, mine was stationary, not that matters I don't think.

 

[JimmyG]

Thanks, Dave. Seeing your build certainly helped.
Clutch is attached to a 3/8" plate which is attached to the 3/8" wall of the drum. With that thickness there is no flex. The sprocket is stationary and I do see it flex when I engage the winch hard.
The shaft is not fixed in place but it does not turn during use that I have ever noticed. It is only 1" but it's a higher carbon alloy.