Hi Gang,
I am hoping to see some photos of your homemade log loader/arches. I remember searching the 100's of pages of great reading material here and over different topics saw some amazing home built custom tow-behind log arch/loaders. A few in particular actually lifted the entire log off the ground which made for easy loading on the mill using an electric winch.
This system would be ideal for me, and I have some plans drawn-up, as I won't have any heavy equipment initially for my operation. Ideally, I would like to lift a 16' log 3-4' off the ground.
Thanks in advance for your ideas!
Scott, I got your message but my obsolete browser won't send replies to PM's (they just disappear). Click on the e-mail icon (envelope) to the left and send me a quick e-mail. That will automatically give me your e-mail address to reply to (without plastering it all over the internet).
This is the one I built.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/Big_log.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1512517898)
This is a link to the build.
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,84323.0.html
This may work for you. Tall enough to lift high to load the mill. Removable platform low enough to not tip on a side slope. ;)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/44195/Picture0519171844_1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1495237867)
There are many custom built log arches here. The easiest/simplest thing would be to use the "Search" function. I quickly found 16 pages of arch related replies.
I use my log arch with my ATV. On steep slopes I usually lift the front and let the rear drag for extra stability. On more level areas I add a rear dolly like a separate pulpwood truck axyl concept.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38064/Log_arch_from_front~1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1512527391)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38064/Maple_log_on_arch_and_dolly~1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1512527428)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38064/Rear_view_of_log_dolly~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1512527478)
I will be building something eventually.I like the idea of being able to set it on the bed using the arch. Will definitely have to keep that in mind.
Here's mine, peep the sketch in the Sept/Oct 1985 Mother Earth News of a straddle-legged log hauler.
Original Version (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34468/IMG_1379.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1499560685)
Modified this past weekend (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34468/Photo_2_Loghauler_Version_1_Mod_1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1512416411)
Looking at some of the log arches shown here got me to thinking - the size and style of the log arch needs to conform to the intended use. The smaller, more maneuverable arches tend to be used to haul logs out of the woods and to a log landing. The larger, heavier arches seem to be used to move large logs around the yard and sometimes to transport them down the highway. Also, what is your prime mover? By hand? ATV? Truck? Tractor? It all matters.
I could never pull some of the big arches shown behind my ATV up and down the mountainside and between the trees on the trails where I use mine. It would be nice to have a second, larger arch to move the logs once I get them down to the log yard/mill site. In some cases I have found it easier to just relocate the mill to a new site where the log is located than to move the log.
My arch is on the large size. I use a 50hp Kubota or my jeep to move it.
I take it in the woods and it has a 100 foot 1/2" cable on a gas powered
winch to pull the logs up steep banks to the arch. This was so I don't need
to take it off the road.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/DSC03547.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1512606595)
I agreewith you VW Sawmiller. I made my arch as small as possible to be able to handle the max log size that my mill can handle. Tracks nice behind my 20 hp compact tractor. Watch the center of gravity if you have sidehills. Use bigger wheels and tires so it can transverse roots and holes in the woods without hanging up. Proper lighting and emblems if it will be used on a side road. If I build another it will have electric emergency brakes. Here's a pic of mine.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/IMG_1553.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1406397322)
You put a lot of time and detail into that. It looks beautiful. The log holder on the tongue is really a nice touch. What else you got? :) Love to see that in person some day.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/25201/IMG_20130603_125905_278.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1370731821)
Not pretty but it get logs to the mill and pallets of lumber away from the mill.
I like this one I saw on You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vo2jarQLEA
Nobody said functional had to be pretty.
Quote from: Crusarius on December 07, 2017, 07:10:59 AM
You put a lot of time and detail into that. It looks beautiful. The log holder on the tongue is really a nice touch. What else you got? :) Love to see that in person some day.
My whole arch was built around the front lift that I feel is a necessary feature . You are only a couple miles south of me take a ride when the glaciers melt. :)
I am wondering if the glaciers are going to come this year.