Logging ATV Recommendation

Jimbob · February 27, 2008, 08:44:56 PM

Those of you who use an ATV with a log arch, what ATV are you using, and what would you buy if starting over ?

Thanks,
Jim

Kevin · February 27, 2008, 10:43:06 PM

How much starting over money do I have? :D

sprucebunny · February 28, 2008, 07:39:52 AM

I have a Honda Rubicon with tracks. It's great. I've hauled a trailer that weighed 3500 pounds.

To me, the most important thing is a solid rear axle and low range.

I'd buy the same one again.

stonebroke · February 28, 2008, 08:23:49 AM

Honda. I have owned almost all the makes and My Honda has given me the least trouble. Probably have jinxed it now.

Stonebroke

pappy19 · February 28, 2008, 09:00:18 AM

Kubota 900 diesel, not even close.

Dakota · February 28, 2008, 10:02:48 AM

Honda Forman 400 all wheel drive all the time
Dakota

blaze83 · February 28, 2008, 05:20:22 PM

Hi Dakota,

I'm using a polaris 400 with the logrite fetching arch. The biggest log I'v hauled to dat has been an aspen log 18" on the small end and 14'6" long. According to the forum tool box the weight is about 1100 pounds. I've got a pretty good hill to climb and had no problems, the polaris has an automatic transmission and it shifted down and away we went. I tried a few dealers around my area, and the polaris guy seemed to want my business and wanted to take care of me so I bought the 400 from him used. I think it's like buying a saw, finding a dealer you can work with is 2/3rds the battle.

hope this helps,

Steve

ps, I've got a couple more pics of the arch in my gallery

dutchman · February 28, 2008, 07:58:25 PM

I've got the Future Forestry Tractor arch. Hooked on a Honda Foreman 450 ES.
I move cherry in 20" x 10' range over slight grade when ground conditions are good.
In the snow on level ground I can move similar logs around the mill.

PawNature · February 29, 2008, 04:51:06 PM

Best pulling atv I have ever used was the John Deer Buck. They were mfg by bombardier for JD. JD no longer sales them.

sbishop · March 01, 2008, 06:26:58 PM

i've been using my 96 Polaris Xplorer 400 2 stroke...poor thing, i've hauled some big and long logs with it. 2 years ago i hauled a bunch of red spruce to make 8X8 for my camp and some pine logs. Last year 120 red/black spruce tree length. This i got to cut another 20 trees but i also need to cut 12 40ft purlins, that should be fun..probrably use my truck :D

The big need you need is low range and true 4x4, not limited slip on the front, you need something you can lock all 4 wheels like my polaris. I think most newer atv's can do that!

SBishop

Nate Surveyor · March 01, 2008, 09:00:16 PM

I have a Polaris 800. I have a homemade logging arch. I have not used it to haul any really heavy logs, but I will. And when I do, I will take a few pics.

However, I would like to see those logging arches have BRAKES in them. Then, we could really haul logs!

N

PawNature · March 01, 2008, 10:53:16 PM

Quote from: Nate Surveyor on March 01, 2008, 09:00:16 PM
However, I would like to see those logging arches have BRAKES in them. Then, we could really haul logs!

N

Don't know what kind you built but if it is similar to this one I built no brakes are needed. I have skidded 21" x 10' straight down hill with no problems. The log will slide forward putting it flat on the ground to provide breaking. With one exception, and that being when the ground is frozen. I have never used it on a down grade with the ground frozen.

Reddog · March 02, 2008, 09:11:44 AM

Another ATV to not over look for heavy pulling is the Polaris 6X6 ATV. Not the ranger.
You can get track kits that go over the rear tires. They will go thru alot of adverse terrain with little imprint.

Dave Shepard · March 02, 2008, 01:02:48 PM

And more important than what you hook your arch to, is where you hook it. I have seen too many people go over backwards trying to tow from the rear rack.

Dave

sprucebunny · March 02, 2008, 05:26:36 PM

I've skidded logs on frozen ground using one of those plastic cones.

It passed me going down a short hill and the chain got wrapped around a track ...messy

I think a person might be wise to wrap a chain around the back of the log where it will contact the ground in that situation.
Or... have brakes on an arch

moonhill · March 03, 2008, 07:36:09 AM

The horse loggers use that trick, a chain under the runner as a brake for the down hill runs. Same as putting the chain on the log I guess. Tim B.

roger 4400 · March 03, 2008, 10:24:16 AM

Hi !!!!! I,ve used a Honda foreman 400 cc and some mini forwarder and also logging arch and took out more than 40,000 fb. Look in my link you'll see what I mean. Use an ATV with an axel. Always respect the capacity of your system. Good luck. Roger

mad dog · March 13, 2008, 08:52:33 AM

If I wanted to just ride I would buy any kind,if I was going to work the heck out of it ,it would be a HONDA.half the price of a kabota.

JimMartin9999 · June 26, 2008, 09:05:04 PM

I heard that the hood of a VW Bug on the front of a log will do instead of a plastic cone for skidding.

Maineloggerkid · June 27, 2008, 06:32:43 AM

The polaris 6x6 does an amazing job. I have a homade arch, and it will do anything. I have been loaded coming through a swamp, and my buddy got stuck in front of me. I went off the trail to get around him, hooked on while still loaded, and pulled my buddies loaded suzuki out of the hole. THis took place about the first of January, so we where dealing with mud, snow, and ice conditions.

ex-Engineer Wannabe · June 27, 2008, 03:52:49 PM

Howdy all!

I've got another ATV Logging thread going on the board, but I wanted to take a read and compliment all of you on your efforts. Obviously, all of you have put a great deal of thought into this -- really great work!

Dakota: That is one fine looking logging arch you've got there! Do you happen to have any more photos of it?

Happy Logging ...

Harvey · July 06, 2008, 09:28:13 PM

I use a 375 Arctic Cat, automatic, 4WD, with a homemade trailer, works great.

thecfarm · July 07, 2008, 10:02:35 AM

Harvey,welcome to the forum.

John Mc · July 15, 2008, 04:04:18 PM

I'd like to move this thread a bit away from specific brand/model recommendations and into what the most desirable features are to have on an ATV for logging use.

My sister and brother-in-law live on an island in New Hampshire, and have just started living there year round. Neither has ever owned an ATV and don't know much about it (although he is a genuine whiz at fixing things, engines, generators, all sorts of machinery). He has experience with a chainsaw and felling trees, but not skidding. They just want to pull in a few cords of firewood per year for personal use. The trails on the island are rough and rocky, but all the slopes are moderate. He'll be looking to pick something up used, and will probably make or scrounge an arch.

What I've gathered from comments so far in this thread:

Solid rear Axle (more description would be helpful here. Are you saying there is no differential? seems like that would make turning a problem. Or are you saying the axle stubs that come out of the differential should be solid, not hollow?)

Low Range

True 4x4 (not limited slip on front) -- want to be able to lock all four wheels

Anything else to add, or does anyone have any arguments with those points? Is there anything in particular to look for on the towing attach point? Preferred tires for rough rocky ground (mud is not much of a concern where they are)? I'm thinking the bigger the wheels the better, for the ground clearance and getting around over the rough rocky trails.

I'm thinking if he makes an arch, he should go with something like PawNature's, with the slider that picks up the logs. It seems like the self-braking action with one of these would be a nice safety feature, though maybe not absolutely necessary on their moderate slopes? Any down side to this type of arch over the ones which use a hand winch to lift the end of the log?

Thanks for any tips.

John Mc

Night Raider · July 15, 2008, 07:58:42 PM

I'll elaborate on the solid rear axel for you, it's like the back axel on a pick-up truck compared to a car. Only on an ATV the hitch is connected right to the axel so it's under the suspension. Most ATVs have permanently locked back axels which is why they chew up grass a bit.
One other thing is liquid cooled, not just oil cooled, you'll be going low speed and high RPM alot.
Most mid sized ATVs come with 25" tires standard but most will take atleast 26" (without rubbing the plastics) but you can get up to 30" I think, you'd need a lift kit for that. A bigger tire will take away power because of the extra weight and the change in drive ratio.
The other thing you asked about is the front locking diff. I haven't used one, I've been told when it's locked you can forget about steering. If it's not locking most will have a limited slip. But a winch will get you out of almost anything.
I was in the same position as you about a year ago, and I learned a lot. Any other questions, just ask.
good luck