Snatch Block Recomendation

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maplemeister

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I need a good snatch block to pull logs from the woods into the road my tractor is on. I have 5/16" cable set up for this. I need the type of block that I can easily slip the wire cable on and off the block, as the cable has grab hooks on both ends, and can't be threaded through a pully block like rope. Does anyone have any thoughts on the best bang for the bang regarding a snatch block purchase that would work for me?

Maplemeister:
 
I wish I new the names of them, I have one that breaks away for getting your truck out of the mud, don't ask. I can look when I get home...?:confused:
 
Take a look here http://www.awdirect.com/ . I used to own a towing service and have ordered lots from A & W Direct over the years. I always bought Gunnebo Johnson blocks for my towing service, but have also owned a couple of the imported ones they sell. The gunnebos are a bit pricey, but will easily last a lifetime with simple maintenance. For occaisional use, the imports are decent. A & W has always shipped same day, and their service was always great.
 
Ahem,

It's a pulley block.

When I was in the winch business we got threatening letters from several Women's groups for using the other term in our owners / instruction manuals and sales literature.

Anyway, you definitely want a scissors opening style, use an 8 ft sling and D-clevis to anchor it. The one's with the attached hook are usually held together and open with a cotter pin. That cotter pin is guaranteed to land in the thickest pile of brush and leaves when removed. Also the scissors style doesn't require you to remove your gloves to open. (Always make sure you wear leather gloves and your tetanus shot is up to date when handling wire rope.

Most four wheel drive houses carry them, as does TSC and Northern. AWDirect is a good source as mentioned. Crosby stuff is top shelf but you'll pay for it as most of their tackle is rated for hoisting which has significantly larger safety factors and material standards.

Please be sure to check the rating on the block. I always use a block that's a minimum of twice the rated breaking strength of the wire rope. Be sure the pulley diameter is a minimum of 10 X the wire rope diameter. A 5/16 wire rope should have a pulley diameter of about 3-1/8 inches, the larger the better. You can use a smaller diameter pulley but the wire rope will be damaged, they don't like small bend radii especially under a load.

Hope this helps.

Take Care
 
5/16'is dinky......

1/2 or 3/4 man. everytime you use a snatch block ( haha, snatch) you double your pulling power...

just some thought. i use 3/4 at the least.....cable is nasty when it snaps. i've broke cable many times when using a block. i thought 3/4 was stout when pulling big front end loader (about 20ton?) onto a dually triaxle. ran out of power with my 5hp briggs. so used two.... cable unwound from winch, to pulley on loader, back to a pully at the winch, then back and hooked to the loader.

snapped like a peice of sewing thread within seconds at a slow idle.....RPM's never dropped.....

just a FYI, winch with caution. always make sure there's no bad wire threads....if it's got a bad spot and you need to tug something heavy, don't even 2nd thought it. dump it and get a new run....
 
Last edited:
I've got an old Mckissik (spelling?) snatch block that I picked up at a 2nd hand store for $40.00. I knew it was big, but I later found out that it was for a crane, the working load was way more than I'll ever need so it should last my lifetime.

Andy
 
What Harry said - The block has to move to double you're pull. If you just throw a sling around a tree & hang the block, you haven't doubled anything, only changed the angle of pull. And, it's a SNATCH block, because thats what it's called when the sideplate swings or opens to 'snatch' the cable up. Otherwise, it's just a pulley. I do agree 5/16 is too small. Unless you're pulling with a garden tractor?
 
This is what you need on Ebay Item number: 230322351938. I would also agree that a 5/16 cable is to light for pulling anything with a tractor. I use a 1/2" cable now after breaking many 3/8" cables.
 
I have the warn 19000 lb one, I have pulled stumps up with it. it is the gold one below. I had the silver one pictured it is a 10000 lb one i think, I ovaled the pulling holes out on it pulling up stumps. Wish i still had it to take a pic of.

snatch-blocks-2.jpg
 
stihl sawing said:
I have the warn 19000 lb one, I have pulled stumps up with it. it is the gold one below. I had the silver one pictured it is a 10000 lb one i think, I ovaled the pulling holes out on it pulling up stumps. Wish i still had it to take a pic of.

snatch-blocks-2.jpg
Click to expand...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV4z4zRvklc

I think its in this add..............somewhere.
<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qV4z4zRvklc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qV4z4zRvklc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>
 
I've got real lucky and have 2 lineman's pulleys that work real good for direction change. The scissors style are best as stated for doubling the pull where the block has to move.
 
First off, apologies for not responding sooner. I was sidetracked by unforeseen events after my first post and did not have time to respond. General consensus seems to be that I need a larger cable for pulling logs. That is easy enough to cure. I am somewhat confused by the advice that the block has to float in order to double the pulling power. Exactly what does this mean in terms of hooking things up? More detail please. Also, I am wondering how the blocks shown in post #3 and Post #12 are attached to the tree or other immovable object. Do you just thread chain through those end holes or is some other attachment required for that type of block? Many thanks to all that have responded and for all the supplier information.
PS. I watched Amber's video intently, but by the time I got to the end, I couldn't remember why I watched it in the first place. :dizzy:


Maplemeister: :cheers:
 
I would just google the use of pulleys to gain leverage and I'm sure you will find loads of pics. In a nut shell if the block is attached between the load and the winch then it will increase pull strength. If it is attached to another object and your cable still goes directly to the log then it is just aiding in direction of pull. Everytime you add a block in between the winch and load you double the pull ex. add another and double again or 4xs the pull.
 
brnchbrkr said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV4z4zRvklc

I think its in this add..............somewhere.
<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qV4z4zRvklc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qV4z4zRvklc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>
Click to expand...

I think that gal was a little confused, or she wasnt reading the dummy cards right. She said the snatch block doubles the load to 95000lbs?
Think not!

With that being said, I would highly recommend the warn snatch block. I have the gold one, and have never had any problems with it, either using it or having anything break on it.
To use a snatch block to double your pulling power OP, run the cable from your pulling source(tractor, winch, etc) out to your load and through the snatch block. Run the cable back to a stationary item like a tree close to your pulling source.Now run a chain through the loops of the snatch block and out to your load.
Pull away!
 
PS. I watched Amber's video intently, but by the time I got to the end, I couldn't remember why I watched it in the first place. :dizzy:


Maplemeister: :cheers:[/QUOTE]

Sorry, I am the one that got distracted for a Search on You Tube.

Snatch Block

I am learning also, but believe this to be one way to connect.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Td92wGxvujU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Td92wGxvujU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=snatch+block&aq=f
 
avalancher said:
I think that gal was a little confused, or she wasnt reading the dummy cards right. She said the snatch block doubles the load to 95000lbs?
Think not!

With that being said, I would highly recommend the warn snatch block. I have the gold one, and have never had any problems with it, either using it or having anything break on it.
To use a snatch block to double your pulling power OP, run the cable from your pulling source(tractor, winch, etc) out to your load and through the snatch block. Run the cable back to a stationary item like a tree close to your pulling source.Now run a chain through the loops of the snatch block and out to your load.
Pull away!
Click to expand...

Aha.... I drew a picture as I read your explanation and now it all makes sense as to what you and others have said regarding the block being able to move. Thanks for the additional detail. I am sure I can make an intelligent decision now regarding my current needs. I don't believe I will need the double line pull to get out the timber I am cutting as most of it is averaging from 10" up to 18" with an occasional 20" thrown in. Lengths are running out to 25 ft. max. My tractor weighs close to 6000 # and so far it has pulled out everything I have hooked on to with the 5/16" wire rope with no problem. I will be stepping up the cable size as well as the block capacity because sooner or later, I will want the ability to pull out another vehicle or a real big log from a tough spot and the double line pull will come in handy at that point I am sure. Thank you again "One who runs with beer", and to everyone who has helped to educate me on this issue.

Maple: :cheers::clap::cheers::clap::cheers::clap:
 

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