How to Match a Skidding Winch to Your Tractor

The single most important spec is PTO horsepower — not engine horsepower. PTO HP is typically 15–20% lower than engine HP. Each Uniforest winch has a minimum and maximum PTO HP range it is designed to operate within. Pairing a winch to a tractor outside that range risks damaging the winch drivetrain or failing to develop full cable tension.

The second key spec is 3-point hitch category. Category 1 hitch pins fit compact tractors, Category 2 fits utility tractors, and Category 3 fits large agricultural tractors. Most Uniforest models support two adjacent categories (e.g. Cat 1 & 2 or Cat 2 & 3).

Uniforest Skidding Winch HP Compatibility at a Glance

• 11–25 HP PTO — Uniforest 30M (6,600 lb pull, manual, Cat 1)
• 16–45 HP PTO — Uniforest 35M (7,700 lb pull, manual, Cat 1 & 2)
• 30–60 HP PTO — Uniforest 45M (manual) or 45H (wireless), 9,900 lb pull, Cat 1 & 2
• 45–80 HP PTO — Uniforest 55M (manual) or 55H (wireless), 12,100 lb pull, Cat 1 & 2
• 55–90 HP PTO — Uniforest 65H (wireless), 14,300 lb pull, Cat 2 & 3
• 70+ HP PTO — Uniforest 85M (manual) or 85H (wireless), 18,700 lb pull, Cat 2 & 3

Skidding Winch Compatibility by Tractor Brand

John Deere Skidding Winch Compatibility

John Deere tractors are one of the most common platforms for Uniforest skidding winches in North America. Sub-compact 1 Series models (1023E, 1025R) with 18–20 HP PTO pair with the 30M. Compact 2 Series and 3 Series models (2025R, 3033R, 3046R) with 25–40 HP PTO suit the 35M or 45M. Utility 5 Series models (5055E, 5065E, 5075E) with 45–65 HP PTO fit the 45M, 45H, 55M, or 55H. Larger 5M and 6 Series models fit the 65H or 85-series winches.

Kubota Skidding Winch Compatibility

Kubota's BX sub-compact series (BX23S, BX2380) at under 20 HP PTO fits the Uniforest 30M. The B series (B2601, B3350) at 20–35 HP PTO fits the 35M. The L series (L3560, L4760) at 35–55 HP PTO fits the 45M or 55M. The M series (M5-091, M7-151) at 75–130 HP PTO fits the 65H, 85M, or 85H.

Mahindra Skidding Winch Compatibility

Mahindra compact models (1626, 2638) at 20–32 HP PTO match the 35M or 45M. Mid-range Mahindra models (3650, 4550) at 38–48 HP PTO fit the 45M or 55M. Utility Mahindra models (5145, 6075) at 50–68 HP PTO fit the 55M, 55H, or 65H.

Kioti Skidding Winch Compatibility

Kioti CS series (CS2210, CS2510) sub-compacts at 15–22 HP PTO fit the 30M or 35M. Kioti CK series (CK2610, CK3510) at 22–32 HP PTO fit the 35M or 45M. Kioti DK series (DK4710, DK5510) at 40–49 HP PTO fit the 45M or 55M.

New Holland Skidding Winch Compatibility

New Holland Boomer series (Boomer 24, Boomer 33) at 18–28 HP PTO fits the 30M or 35M. New Holland Workmaster series (Workmaster 40, Workmaster 55) at 35–50 HP PTO fits the 45M or 55M. New Holland T4 and T5 utility series at 55–105 HP PTO fits the 55H, 65H, or 85-series winches.

Why Buy Your Skidding Winch from Hud-Son Forest Equipment?

Hud-Son has manufactured and sold forestry equipment from Barneveld, New York since 1946. As an authorized U.S. distributor of Uniforest skidding winches, Hud-Son offers all nine models with factory-backed support, a dealer network across North America, and specialists who have matched hundreds of tractors to the right winch. Every winch ships with pre-delivery inspection and is backed by Uniforest's warranty.

Unlike direct-import buyers, purchasing through Hud-Son gives you access to local dealer support, certified installation guidance, and the ability to talk to a real specialist — not just a chatbot — before you order. Call 1-800-765-SAWS or use the contact form on this page.