Well I now have a new task at hand at my sawmill. Up until now I use my Kubota Tractor (32hp) to drag logs to my sawmill. The smaller ones I use my pallet forks to move them, but they are only rated for 1200lbs so the larger oaks/poplar I mill have to be skidded/dragged to the mill. After doing alot of research I decided to purchase a log arch with a winch and a drop tongue so my tractor could just pull it over to the mill which is usually about 20 to 35 feet away from where I keep the logs. I was set on the Log Rite ATV arch and was about to order one today when I came across the EZ Boardwalk ATV Arch. By looking at both arches they are very similar in design. Both use winches to raise the logs and the capacity are the same at 2000lbs. Only noticeable difference is that the EZ arch has tongs and the Log Rite uses a choker cable. Also the EZ will life logs up to 28in diam where the Logrite is rated at 26in diam. Biggest issue for me overall is the price. Log rite is around 1600 and the EZ is priced at 875. Just seeing if anyone out there has ever used or owns the EZ arch. Looks like a great product for my means and I am sure that both arches will do great but the price difference is around half. My main income with my mill has came to be selling lumber (when I started I thought that portable jobs would be my main source of revenue for my sawmill) and I am getting in logs a few times a month from loggers so I need a good tool to move my logs around with; without having to drag them, and more safely also. Any past experiences are appreciated,
I think a log arch would be a great tool to invest in. Many times I have had too either cut a log into shorter lengths or pass on due to not being able to get them close enough to load or in some cases property damage from equipment.
Choker cable can be arranged to suck the log right up to the top of the arch. Tongs won't do that even on the same arch, there's the distance they hang down and then how far down around a bigger log one can get them to grab. Even if you get a good bite at the max depth you'll lose an inch or more as the tongs sink in on the bigger logs. As far as max capacity getting the log off the ground is the most important thing, it doesn't matter how much weight it will hold if the log is on the ground. ::)
the price would do it for me. if you didn't like the tongs on the EZ, i'm guessing you could probably modify it by putting a choker chain on it and still be under 1k.
if they are selling it with tongs i'm sure it probably works just fine for most people. and it's probably quicker to pick up/drop i would guess.
Welcome to the Forestry Forum locdogg. How about an introduction. :)
Welcome locdogg.
I have seen the ez boardwalk log arch in action. Ed takes one with him to the farm shows and uses it to move logs around, most of the time pulling it by hand.
I am certain that Ez boardwalk and Logrite arches are both quality, made in the USA tools and you will be happy with purchase and service from which ever you choose.
PC
I don't think the tongs are included for that price on the EZ boardwalk. Speaking of shows, does anyone know in these or any other manufactures of log arch's is at the Virgina farmshow this week?
http://www.virginiafarmshow.com/
According to the price list on www.ezboardwalk.com
QuoteEZ ATV Log Arch (Tongs sold Separately)........................
I've got an EZBoardwalk but haven't used it much. I have just the choker setup. It's stout, wish it was made of aluminum. ;D
You don't have to get under the log with the tongs so I could see how it would be good to have both methods available depending on the need.
I dont own either, but have seen both in person at seperate events. I would recommend trying to attend some sort of Show where you could look both over and compare weight, ease of use and the VERY critical geometry. Little things could mean alot in terms of shear pleasure to use or totally annoying and a pain in the butt everytime you use it. I have always been impressed with the engineering aspect of certain products and how they are properly built for the intended use and capacity.
Ironwood