We need to build a log deck to improve efficiency. We can build it out of steel or wood. Our LT-28 does not have hydraulics so we would need to have arms on the deck that would fold down to load the mill and out of the way to turn and clamp. Is 6' between the deck rails a good compromise width?
If any of you do not mind showing pictures of log decks I would really appreciate seeing them. Also, any suggestions you have are also welcomed.
Thanks
The one that I made for my LT15 was dirt simple.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14370/IMG_0867.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1350347995)
Thats the mill Raider Bill cut his teeth on. ;D
While I don't have any plan for you I will say ; you need decks for everything [logs, lumber and slabs ] . I built my first lumber deck from a manure spreader , gear box and electric motor.
Why 6'?
Sounds like a bit wide to me unless there are other overriding factors. I'd be more inclined to set up 3' or less unless there was something I am not seeing or hearing here. Shorter will make them lighter to move and stronger in support they provide. I bet 4-3' rails would be much stronger than 2-6' ones.
Just my opinion - remember free advice is worth what you paid for it (sometimes).
I built 2 stands that work well on my old 40. They are made pit pf 2x2 1/4'' wall tubing. Picture a T upside down with the upright 8'' taller that the height of your mill bed. then a 6' piece with ''hooks'' on one end that hook over where your log ramps would go on a manual 28 and the other end welded 8'' below the top of the upside down T. It catches boards that are shoved off the log when squaring and holds a log or 2 in waiting.
PC
You could look at my deck on the BT6870 firewood processer . It is ran with a couple of 12 volt winches from HF . Turn one flange off the drum and put on a sprocket . On a flat deck it should pull a cord . On my 45 degree deck it will pull a half cord .
Here's one from a few years back. Reply #7.
http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,57475.msg835535.html#msg835535 (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,57475.msg835535.html#msg835535)
I did not have a lot of room around my mill.
So I made a rolling log deck.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/Loading~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1516087247)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/Unloaded~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1516087352)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12408/image~94.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1516100539)
Here's mine with the last of our logs from last year .
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12408/image~95.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1516100743)
The log deck is level with the mill of course . The two sticks reach from the deck to the mill. Lay them down , roll on your log , move them back out of the way , saw.
Could have them hinged but this seems to be fine. This way you always have a stick nearby if you need a quick pry .
Works for me
Quebecnewf
I pull out steel ramps to connect the rollway to the mill and roll logs to the mill.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13036/Q_saw_red_oak_001~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1385600264)
Quote from: POSTONLT40HD on January 15, 2018, 08:57:20 PM
Thats the mill Raider Bill cut his teeth on. ;D
Yes it is ;D.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14370/IMG_0993.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1353979822)
I'm wearing that shirt today!
On a log deck 2 strand is the easiest to hand roll because there are no center strands to get humped up on. I got knocked off my 4 strand deck this morning turning an oval log.
Quote from: Kbeitz on January 16, 2018, 02:22:50 AM
I did not have a lot of room around my mill.
So I made a rolling log deck.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/Loading~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1516087247)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/Unloaded~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1516087352)
I like that setup
Thank you for sharing.
Kbeitz, I bet you could roll the logs much easier if you just had a couple of bunks on that deck trailer, instead of a full deck.
Quote from: starmac on January 17, 2018, 12:51:42 AM
Kbeitz, I bet you could roll the logs much easier if you just had a couple of bunks on that deck trailer, instead of a full deck.
Maybe but if they roll much easier I think I might get rolled over.
So far rolling the logs off to the mill has not been a problem.
I'm real happy with the way it works. After I took the pictures
I put swing out arms on the side to roll off the logs. I saves
a lot of time.