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General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: flatsawyer on January 15, 2005, 12:48:36 AM

Title: Log hauling
Post by: flatsawyer on January 15, 2005, 12:48:36 AM
How are the urban sawyers moving the logs to the mill.
 I set the mill up on a concrete pad so I transport the logs
 to the mill. I am using old trailer with just a winch to pull
the logs on to the trailer it is a pain in the hiny.
Looking for a better way.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: dutchman on January 15, 2005, 03:20:30 AM
I'm just one step ahead of you.
I use small JD tractor to load flatbed trailer, and use old backhoe to unload at the mill.I get alot of urban trees so smalller equipment is best for me.
I've been looking at a logging arch for good single logs.

Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: DanG on January 15, 2005, 06:04:40 AM
There are any number of methods of retrieving the logs you've aquired, but ALL of them have their drawbacks. :-/   Some are too expensive, some too much work, and some are downright dangerous.  Dutchman's tractor idea is great, but what do you do with the tractor when the trailer is full of logs?  Ya gotta go back and get it?  That's ok if it's only a  couple of miles, but what if the logs are 40 miles away, like most of mine?

Metavic makes a super-great self-loading trailer with a knuckle-boom grapple on it, but it cost's $25,000! :o :o

Several of us have built an arch onto the back of our trailers, to lift one end of the log, then drag it on with a winch. This seem's to be about as cost-effective, easy, and safe, as anything else I can think of.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Furby on January 15, 2005, 06:30:03 PM
Would love one of those trailers with a grapple, but can't cover the $$$.

Been thinking about making one of those arches on the trailer like you guys have, just don't have all the stuff I need yet. As long as I have some way to lift the logs off, that would work for me, as I can't just pull them off with this trailer.

What I really want to do is get a 14' dump trailer and put an arch on that. I can see that as being a pretty fast and easy setup.

Right now if I'm going to winch or pull it on the trailer, I go sideways. It's fast and easy. If I have the room, I chock the trailer and bring the truck around to the side and pull with that. Otherwise I use the winch strapped to the side of the trailer. I have a couple of telephone poles I lay across the trailer to get the logs over the fenders and give myself someplace to lay the ramps against.
There is a pic around here someplace, I can find it if ya are interested.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Hokiemill on January 15, 2005, 06:54:36 PM
Flatsawyer, I haven't actually hauled any logs yet, but my plan is to winch them directly onto my drop-bed trailer.  7,000 lb capacity, 10 foot length (long enough for me), hydraulic lift.  The winch just came in the mail a couple weeks ago - 10,500 lb hydraulic MileMarker winch.  I finished half of the installation today and hope to have it up and running tomorrow.  Using the UrbanLogger method of using a hitch mount winch cradle attached to the front of my truck.  Right now my plan is to winch the logs to the trailer using snatch block as needed.  I'm working on a plan for some sort of basic log skid to keep from tearing up yards, etc.

(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/Hokiemilltrailerdown.jpg)
(//%5Bimg%5Dhttps://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/Hokiemilltrailerup.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/Hokiemilltrailerup.jpg)


Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: DanG on January 15, 2005, 07:48:56 PM
Hokie, that trailer is neat! 8) 8)  I'd like to have one like that about 25' long.  You can winch logs onto that without any sort of lifting device.  I don't know why you want the winch on the front of the truck. ???  If it's on the back, all you gotta do is back the trailer up to the log and reel it in.

To keep from tearing up the turf, get a couple of small round logs, and cut them on a real long angle, so that the cut ends are like wedges. Just lay them perpendicular to the log, cant hook it onto them, and roll them right on to the trailer.  You'll leave barely a scar on the grass, and may find that you don't even need the DanG winch!  Not to worry, though, you'll find lots of other uses for it. ;D
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: EZ on January 16, 2005, 03:10:20 AM
I roll the logs up the side of trailer. The ramps and winch will go on either side. Pretty simple but works great, does'nt tare up the yards this way.
EZ
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: sawguy21 on January 16, 2005, 06:26:31 AM
Go to www.hankstruckpictures.com to see some serious log hauling
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: WV_hillbilly on January 16, 2005, 06:58:04 AM
    When I drag a log out of a yard  I have 4 pieces of   8 " x 3' long schedule 80 pvc pipe . I use a 48"farmjack or some call it a hi lift jack from 4x4's. I slip a chain under one end of the log  , put the jack in front of the log attach chain, jack up front of log and put one roller under it . Then start winching it and add rollers as necessary . the log just rolls along on the pipes with minimal lawn damage. I get it to the street and line it up with the back of the trailer . Now I use the farmjack again but   this time i put a 16" x 3' poplar log about 3 ' from the end of the log. Back the trailer up till it is against the poplar log .  Start winching the log on the trailer , as log is starting to touch the trailer bed I put 2" x3' pipe rollers down .this way the log is on rollers most of the time . the poplar log keeps the log I'm  winching off the sharp edge of the trailer cause the back of my trailer is only 14" high . If the log isn't huge, after it is off the poplar log and on to the pipe rollers we just push it the rest of the way on the trailer . I have loaded 28" x 10' hardmaple logs this way with out too much trouble .  I then take out the 2" rollers and chain the logs down .
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: MemphisLogger on January 16, 2005, 07:25:58 AM
Dang,

The reasons I use a front mounted hitch (on the winch carrier) is that

(A) the winch is already mounted there for self-recovery when playing in Mississippi Mud

(B) having the trailer on the nose of the truck makes it a whole lot easier to snake your way into a backyard through the typical 8' access gate

and (C) due to the quicker turn-ability you can more easily adjust the angle of the winch line for whichever side your snatch block is set on.

Also, on my truck, the framing of the front end is a lot more wrack resistant than the back--I don't want to twist my frame tuggin' on 5000 lbs logs.

Here's how my setup works . . .

(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/parbucklingUL.jpg)

Using the chain under the logs allows me to load multiple logs by not trpping the cable under each one in the process.
    
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Frank_Pender on January 16, 2005, 07:59:29 AM
Hokiemill, you might consider a logging arch like Mark makes as www.futureforestry.com to help releave damages to a yard.  I made a sling out of some two inch wide steel strap half inch thick, attatched to two Calif. trailer spindles.  I used a high lift jack to block one end of the log and slipped the cradle under the log to the balance point and attatched a cable to one and and pulled with my truck and had someone balance the log and we moved along. :)
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Ironwood on January 16, 2005, 11:10:44 AM
Hokemill, I have used the hood of a 1978 Ford truck with much success. I rolled the log into the hood and then the log won't dig in. Additionally if you can get a higher point of pull it will slightly unweight the front of the log. that can be accomplished several ways including a removable arch at the back or middle of the trailer (also enabling multiple layers of logs), or by winching from inside the truck bed at the bulk head. I used to do that before I went to cranes. Use the bed mount bolt just before the bulk head as the primary mount surface by welding a short lenth of chain to the bolt head, I then beefed up the top of the bulk head with heavy angle, next i mounted my 8000# warn gear driven winch onto a reese style mount that could be used in any reciever, then fabricated a three point mount with an old reciever off a truck frame. This then was chained to the bed bolts and the bulkhead. It sounds complicated, but once completed I could use the set up on my tractor, trailer tongue, front or back of the truck. It is very useful an versatile.I have since gone to a one ton flat bed with a reciever welded to the bulkhead.
      Reid
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Larry on January 16, 2005, 02:21:05 PM
Got a friend that came up with an idea to haul logs.  He built two knock down tripod stands sorta like jack stands only about 4' tall.  Puts one stand on each side of the log.  Cranks up the end of the log with a hand powered boat winch.  Backs his pickup under the log (tailgate off) and lowers the log.  Sitting on the bumper is a 2X6 with two pillow blocks and piece of 2" cold roll in the blocks.  Sets up the tripod at the end of the log on the ground and jacks it up.  Backs up truck and log loaded...sometimes has to use the boat winch to pull the log little further into the truck.

Best thing about his system is that it is always in the truck so he is prepared to pick up a log about anytime.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: bull on January 16, 2005, 04:48:52 PM
I hire a log truck.... Have to keep the blade in the log to make lumber.  :D
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: leweee on January 16, 2005, 06:09:24 PM
 Remember now(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/lewsttjiad.jpg)
 :D
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: flatsawyer on January 16, 2005, 10:56:00 PM
Thanks for all the ideas. This is the best forum on the net, with so much good info & personable. Does anyone have pictures of a log arch that would be easy to build? :P
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: leweee on January 17, 2005, 06:21:48 AM
Hows this http://www.futureforestry.com/
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/lewlogarchsz.jpg)
 ;D
ps Pick one you like :D
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Frank_Pender on January 17, 2005, 06:44:19 AM
You got it Leweee.  I have seen him pulling 3' logs 12-14 long with the large unit and hooked to his Volvo. 8)  One was a Spruce you see most often in the adds and the other has been a Maple.  I believe Loren did the sawing of both logs at one time or another.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: AtLast on January 17, 2005, 03:12:43 PM
I use a 14" Hud-Son log trailer with a Nokkia grapple loader on it....great unit and does the job very well...
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: rbarshaw on January 17, 2005, 06:39:08 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/log_carrier_front.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/log_carrier_side.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/log_carrier_%20rear.jpg)
Made from angle iron and mobile home tires and axles, with a hand winch front and back to lift the log, i've lifted 28" by 18' with it, should be able to get to 28' log on it but my mill only goes to17', it has a ball hitch so I can drive off with the log, also a T handle on the front to move by hand.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Plowboy on January 17, 2005, 08:48:46 PM
It took me a while to find this pic.  This is the arch that we built.  We have modified it some since this photo.  Most of the time we haul logs  with both ends up off the ground.  Lately I have been hauling long logs up 16' but I have to drag one end.

  https://forestryforum.com/images/04_01_03/index.php?image=logarchpics2004.jpg&d=d.html

https://forestryforum.com/images/04_01_03/index.php?image=logarchpics2011.jpg


If you need more info let me know.  Sorry I can't seem to get the image in the post.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Captain on January 18, 2005, 08:46:41 PM
I had been waiting to announce that I had taken steps to fix my log hauling problems...but I just have to get old DanG going.  It was too good of a price to pass up, even though I did not have the budget.   ::)

(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/wheeler.jpg)


Do you think this will work, DanG?

Captain
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: DanG on January 18, 2005, 09:25:15 PM
Like, WOW, even! 8) 8)  At a "giveaway" price, that hadda still set ya back some bucks.  Tell us more!

BTW, whatca gonna pull it with?  See the "New Truck" thread for some ideas. ;D
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Frank_Pender on January 18, 2005, 09:32:51 PM
Good for you Captain.  Ihave come close a couple times and have yet to separate myself from what little I got to get one of them.  I have been dreaming about just the loader and build my own trailer.  Congratulations. 8)
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Captain on January 19, 2005, 05:33:24 AM
Well, it is a 2003 model, purchased by the previous owner in November of 2003.  He thinks it has about 50 hours on the loader and 500 miles on the trailer.  There is a couple of items to fix, the rear bumper is bent and the toolbox door has sustained a hit, but otherwise it looks pretty new, no scrapes on the log deck!!

I saw the invoice from 2003, I paid approx 40% of that figure.

I'll get some action photos this weekend.  I've been waiting for a big freeze to get into some firewood to haul home...the area is low and muddy.  A few days in the single digits here should fix that ;D  We've got to retrieve about 30 cords total.  Should be good practice.

You're right about the truck, DanG.  If I prove that I can keep this trailer busy, maybe I can get a truck that will allow me to load it to capacity (20,000lbs!!)

Captain
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: OneWithWood on January 19, 2005, 05:53:30 AM
Good job, Captain.  I looked at one of those last year when I bought my log trailier.  It is an excellent machine but I just could not scrape together the cash for one.  I settled for a trailer that cost almost 2/3s the price but I got 2/3s the equipment!  For the price you paid you cannot go wrong.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: sawguy21 on January 19, 2005, 05:58:05 AM
I would happily send you more cold weather than you need or want :D That is a beauty and a steal at the price. Enjoy it.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Ironwood on January 19, 2005, 05:19:56 PM
lewee,  Your photo of the arches looks great. I borrowed the largest one shown from a tree trimmer buddy of mine early last fall and he hasn't gotten it back yet. I have hauled 5000# red oaks with ease although I was checking the tire rating and I was slightly over capacity. That brand is well engineered and fairly light for it's heavy weight ability. I am impreesed I load the 3000#  logs with the crane in my truck and grab the monster with the arch. I can't afford a new one like his but I checked the other day and he letting me keep it for a few more weeks and a friend with a large fab. shop is going to duplicate it for me, they cost a good bit over $3000 new. The arch is also great for getting logs from down in yards where you dont want to drive, I roll it down manually and winch it to the truck once the log is lifted on the front end (let the other end drag! you need brakes!) :D
                                                 Reid
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: isawlogs on January 19, 2005, 05:37:17 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/images/03_21_04/mcweststar.jpg)

 I used this a few years ago ... now its my brother in law that drives it ..... Western Star 475 cat
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: WV_hillbilly on January 19, 2005, 06:39:22 PM
  I  would say that will cure your log hauling problems  Captain . Nice looking unit  . I'm  with Frank,  been close to something like that just can't seem to part with the dough .
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: flatsawyer on January 20, 2005, 01:16:07 PM
That is a good looking trailer Captain. I have been looking at a smaller one from Bailey's. It is the RFR05 trailer with 155 loader.Does any one here have the Biley. I thank you all for all the info.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Ed_K on January 20, 2005, 04:54:18 PM
 I bought the small loader from Bailey's, and made my own trailer. As was stated you get what you pay for. I can only haul 1/2 cord or 225 bf of 8',10' or 12s. But I'm very pleased with the loader.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Frank_Pender on January 21, 2005, 04:44:48 AM
Edk, with things like the loader we often get the 2' disease like with a boat: 16', then an 18', 20', 11' 14' 16'.  Get the picture.  So, part of me is affraid I might want to end up with a full sized log truck and loader, at $130.000. :-/ :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Ironwood on February 10, 2005, 10:23:50 PM
ISAWLOGS,  The homeowner may object to the "rig" sunk up to it's axles in the backyard. Don't get me wrong, I like it, I just don't like the scale of the unit or the fixed and variable costs associated with it's operation. An F-550 4x4 would suit my needs perfectly.  ;)
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Frank_Pender on February 12, 2005, 09:21:29 PM
Reid, I hae a F450 4 x 4, with a 10 ton hoist.  That is what I want to use to pull just a small tailer with loader attatched.    I then would make sure the loader would do at least a 360 degree plus turn to load the truck.  Dreams are fun, aren't they? ;D
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: pappy on February 16, 2005, 10:19:54 AM
I'm with isawlogs but only half as long.  :D

With the amount of sawing I do I just as soon pay to have my logs moved.  I save my money, my back and my little Farmall A.

When I need logs hauled to the yard or deck I give Bruce a call..  $40 is cheap even it's just moving ten logs from the yard to the deck.   8)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10691/termite%20Bruce%20truck%2001.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10691/termite%20Bruce%20truck%2002.jpg)



Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: Frank_Pender on February 16, 2005, 04:06:44 PM
Sure wish I could get away with having logs hauled that cheep.  I get charged $70 a hour for self-loader service out here.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: DR_Buck on February 16, 2005, 08:44:42 PM
My log hauling solution

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11043/TrailerJPG.jpg)


This one is from Bailey's.   Picked it up in October  to move all the "free" logs I've been given.    Now if the ground would only freeze again!
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: palmerstreeservice on February 16, 2005, 08:45:21 PM
We use a skidloader with forks or even a couple tongs if needed to manuver them from the yard to the road.  We then load them into a dump trailer and haul them.  This requires two vehicles, however we are looking go get F700 flatbed dump truck this will enable us to have one vehicle that can haul the logs and a trailer to haul the skidloader.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: palmerstreeservice on February 16, 2005, 09:01:22 PM
DR_Buck

How do you like your trailer.  I looked at one of them and thought it may be the answer to my problem.  I wasn't sure how long it would take to load and unload the logs.  Would you say it is faster than loading them with a skidloader and then dumping them to unload?
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: DR_Buck on February 16, 2005, 09:17:34 PM
I love it  8) 8) 8)

You just got to keep it out of the mud.  :(      It beats using a winch to roll/lift logs onto the flatbed trailer I started with.   I think over all it would be faster than the skid loader because you only need to take the trailer to the loading site and when you unload you can stack the logs as you unload.

The only setback I have had is due to the lifting capacity of the model I bought.  It's rated at 2500 lbs, but I've lifted way over that at times.   On really heavy logs I drag one end up onto the trailer with the grapple, then wrestle the other end up.   One really really heavy logs, I get out the chainsaw and make them shorter.  :D :D

I'm going to mount a winch on it in the future so I can drag logs close enough to reach them with the grapple.  Right now I use chains and use the grapple to pull them in close enough to lift.

I move my logs around the yard with a set of forks on the front of my Kubota.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: OneWithWood on February 17, 2005, 08:37:16 AM
I have a similar trailer ( mine is the ten ton model ) and it sounds like I have the same loader as Buck.  I have loaded the trailer using the log forks on my crawler but I found it is actually safer and quicker to dump the logs on the ground and use the arm to load the trailer.  Unloading then becomes much easier because the logs are stacked neatly.  Dumping logs is not really an option for me because that much rolling weight is too hazardous.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: flatsawyer on February 17, 2005, 01:17:23 PM
Dr Buck that looks like the one I need. Does it handle most of your needs ok?
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: DR_Buck on February 17, 2005, 07:12:59 PM
Flatsawyer,

Handles most everything I get.  Occasionally, as I mentioned previously I need to cut a HEAVY log a little shorter than Id like to in order to load it.  For example, I have a nice 32" diameter white oak I'd like to bring home in a 16 ft length to make fence boards, but I will need to cut it to 8 ft to be able to lift it.   The boards will end up 5/4 in the kiln, be planed and sold for a lot more than fence boards.  ;D   Thing with fence boards is  they don't need drying and I can sell them as fast as I can get em cut.

My trailer is the Bailey's RFR05 which is 15.5 ft long log deck with a gross capacity of 13,300 lbs.   My loader is the Farma 46D driven by the 9 hp Honda powered hydraulic unit.  I think they now call it the model 155.  It has a 16 ft reach  and 880 lbs capacity at full reach and 1800 lbs at mid-boom.  The grapple has about a 45" opening capacity.
Title: Re: Log hauling
Post by: OneWithWood on February 18, 2005, 09:03:11 AM
I purchased the RFR10 from Bailey's.  It has a 20,000 pound capacity a 170 grapple powered by an 11hp Honda engine.  The boom has a reach of 17' and can pick up 2500lbs close in, 2000lbs at mid reach, or 880lbs at full extension.  I went with the larger trailer because I mistakenly thought I could use it for double duty and haul the JD450 Crawler on it.  Because of the height of the deck from the gound (36") it is too tall to fabricate ramps I could stow and the arm is in the way to load the crawler.  I do use the crawler to pull it around fully loaded.  The triple axles cause the tires to slide when turning sharply.  It is a good trailer for hauling on the road but is a bit large for maneuvering in the woods.  I have yet to attempt to haul a load up the side of the ravines.  I think I will wait until I have completed my roads before I attempt a distance haul through the woods.  In retrospect I wish I had opted for the 214 grapple.  I like to bring the logs out in longer lengths when I can.  I am learning that you can never have too much power.