Logging Winch Options for Every Application

What to Look for In a Logging Winch

Choosing the right logging winch for your needs is important for both safety and efficiency. Here is what you should consider when buying a tractor logging winch or a 3-point hitch logging winch:

Pulling Capacity

Estimate the heaviest load you need to pull and choose a winch with at least 30% more pulling power.

• A light-duty logging winch pulls 5,000–7,000 lbs.
• A mid-range tractor logging winch pulls 7,000–10,000 lbs.
• A heavy-duty 3-point hitch logging winch pulls over 10,000 lbs.

Tractor Compatibility

Make sure your logging winch matches the horsepower of the tractor you will be using. Failure to do so could result in damage to the winch.

• 20–40 hp for smaller winches
• 30–60 hp for mid-range models
• 40–90 hp for heavy-duty winches

Each Norse logging winch we sell comes with a PTO shaft, but check to be sure your tractor’s PTO is compatible.

Weight

The weight of your 3-point logging winch determines how easy it is to install, but you trade that off for greater stability and power.

• Lighter logging winches (250-400 lbs.) are easier to mount and remove.
• Heavier-duty winches (600+ lbs.) provide better stability and pulling power.

Control System

The control system determines how the operator starts and stops the logging winch to pull logs.

• Rope-Pull (Mechanical) winches are more cost-effective and simple to maintain.
• Remote-controlled winches are similar to rope-pull models but are operated with a remote control device.
• Hydraulic winches provide the smoothest operation but require a hydraulic tractor hookup. Hydraulic winches are more expensive and need more maintenance.

Durability

You want your logging winch to last season after season in challenging weather conditions. Look for a steel-reinforced frame, weather-resistant coating, and moving parts that are sealed against moisture.

Norse Logging Winches

Nova International carries 3 models of Norwegian-made Norse winches. Known for their durability and ease of use, Norse winches offer straightforward maintenance and superior performance under tough conditions.

Norse 250 Logging Winch

The Norse 250 logging winch is a compact and lightweight option for small tractors. It offers 5,500 lbs. of pulling capacity, making it ideal for firewood collection, land clearing, and light-duty forestry work.

This 3-point logging winch features a rope-operated control system, allowing for safe operation from the tractor seat or at a distance. The articulated tray helps transport logs over obstacles, improving efficiency in rough terrain.

Norse 350 Logging Winch

The Norse 350 tractor logging winch is a powerful and reliable winch designed for medium-duty logging tasks. With an 8,000 lb. pulling capacity, this 3-point hitch logging winch is ideal for small to mid-sized tractors.

Built for rugged terrain, the Norse 350 features a hinged butt plate that allows you to skid logs over rough terrain and lift them over obstacles like stumps and rocks and also stabilizes your tractor when stationary. The two-position adjustable haul-in block and high pulling point give the operator more control over the skidding process.

Norse 450 Logging Winch

The Norse 450 tractor logging winch is powerful and versatile, with an impressive 10,500 lb. pulling capacity. It is ideally suited for medium to large tractors and can be used for heavy-duty logging operations.

Built for rugged terrain, this 3-point logging winch features a hinged butt plate that acts as a log carrier, making it easy to skid timber over ground-level obstacles. The adjustable two-position haul-in block allows for optimized log handling, while the high pulling point lifts logs off the ground slightly to reduce drag and increase efficiency.

 

Feature	Norse 250	Norse 350	Norse 450
Pulling Capacity	5,500 lbs.	7,868 lbs.	10,120 lbs.
Recommended Tractor hp	20-45 hp	30-70 hp	50-90 hp
Cable installed	5/16” X 130 ft.	3/8” x 165 ft.	3/8” x 165 ft.
Hitch Type	3-Point Hitch (Category 1 & 2)	3-Point Hitch (Category 1 & 2)	3-Point Hitch (Category 2)
Control System	Pull cord operated	Pull cord operated	Pull cord operated
Hinged Butt Plate	Yes	Yes	Yes
Adjustable Haul-In Block	No	Yes (Two-Position)	Yes (Two-Position)
Pulling Point	Standard	High pulling point	High pulling point
Winch Drum Capacity	Supports various wire rope sizes	Supports various wire rope sizes	Supports various wire rope sizes
Weight (with cable)	221 lbs.	484 lbs.	617 lbs.
Included Accessories	PTO shaft, 2 sliders, 2 choker chains	PTO shaft, 3 sliders, 3 choker chains	PTO shaft, 3 sliders, 3 choker chains
Uses	Small-scale logging, firewood collection, farm use, brush removal, clearing fence lines, clearing trails and paths, invasive species removal	Medium-duty forestry work, land clearing, steeper terrain log pulling, pulling multiple logs at once, clearing storm-damaged trees, expanding logging trails, managing woodlots, creating fire breaks	Heavy-duty logging, commercial forestry, professional land management, large-scale clearing, large-scale construction prep

 

Logging Winch Accessories

To get the most out of your 3-point logging winch, we carry the following accessories:

• Choker hook: Used to attach a choker chain around a log to keep the chain from slipping. Fits 5/16” and 9/32” chains.
• Keyhole slider: For quick and easy connection of choker chains to the main winch cable. Fits 5/16” and 9/32” chains.
• Wire and hook: Compatible with 5/16” to 1/2” cable.
• Choker chains for use with keyhole slider: Wraps around logs and allows multiple logs to be pulled at the same time. Sold in packages of 10.

About Nova International

Nova International will equip you for every tree and shrub removal operation! We have served Atlantic Canada for over 40 years, providing the highest quality and most reliable heavy equipment and accessories. As a family-owned business, we are dedicated to building lasting relationships with our customers and standing behind everything we sell.

If you have questions about any of our products or services, come into one of our dealerships, call the location nearest to you (Windsor, NS: (902)798-9544; Aylesford, NS: (902)847-3468; Moncton, NB: (506) 853-3300), or fill out our webform. We look forward to helping you with all your Kubota mower questions!