Homemade log arch

[Leggman]

I am building a log arch I can pull behind a pickup truck and I want some ideas / opinions as to what to do next. The pipe is 2 inch sch 80


I am almost done but I feel I need some more bracing from the front to the back. I can bring some pipes from the axles to the top of the tongue behind the winch or mount them down behind the coupler. Either way I would have to put a
bevel / bend in them to clear the logs. What do you think???
Dave

[york]

I would keep it under a 100 MPH...

[Den-Den]

Looks like it could work as is, if not overloaded or used roughly.  A pipe on each side from near the axles connecting just behind the hitch would certainly stiffen it up a lot.  That would require some miter joints which you appear to be good at.

[Leggman]

I do have some 1-1/4" pipe I could use for that. Probably what I will do. Thanks. Now the really hard part, What color to paint it?

[Don_Papenburg]

I would ad another pipe  to the  main spine in a truss style . four or more inches between the two will help stiffen things . the more space the stronger it will be .  You could also use sc40 for the truss work to save on weight.  you could then run your dia. braces with the lighter steel into the trusswork leaving a clean lower pipe .
good looking arch so far.

[Sixacresand]

Nice work.  For using on the road, make sure the log does not swing or move about inside the arch.  Swinging logs have a mind of their own.,

[ChugiakTinkerer]

I do have some 1-1/4" pipe I could use for that. Probably what I will do. Thanks. Now the really hard part, What color to paint it?

I reckon it should match the color of your mill.

[gww]

leggman
That didn't take long and like always, NICE WELDS.
Cheers
gww

[caveman]

 

 
We made a truss type thing for the top using 2".  The arch part of this one was not heavy duty enough for the work it was doing.  If we ever need to use it again, I will probably build the arch out of 4" pipe or 3" square tubing (stuff I have lying around).  We also added a few chain holding notches to be able to chain the log and remove the strain off of the winch cable.  Good luck.

 

[Kbeitz]

Sometimes I wonder it I made mine strong enough.
Moving logs it tough on machines...



 

[21incher]

I think it depends on how big the logs that you plan on moving are. I think that you will need gussets on the inside of the arch, plus some bracing to keep the axles from twisting if you take in the woods.  That black iron pipe bends pretty easy so a little extra reinforcing will help. Use the log weight calculator to find the weight for the size logs you will move to get a idea of the load. I like John Deere Green. ;D

Add something to hold the front of the log If you will be going down the road. I have arms that swing under the log on the front of mine to be able to lock down the front for safe travel.


 

[opticsguy]

21incher,  Do you actually use your log arch is is this a piece of art on display??   :laugh:
AMAZING!!!!!

[Kbeitz]

I think it started out all yellow. He has been rubbing up against
some evergreens.

[21incher]

21incher,  Do you actually use your log arch is is this a piece of art on display??   :laugh:
AMAZING!!!!!

I use it all the time. That Deere paint is pretty tough once it dries. Having the front of a log anchored really helps distribute the load. 
https://youtu.be/VK4rDL4w5xU

[Kbeitz]

I agree that Deere paint is one of the best.
I make textile equipment and Deere paint was the fastest drying
one coat paint that I could find.



 



 

[Leggman]

Got a little more done today



I still have to mount the battery box and a little more bracing.

[gww]

leggman
I see you picked a color.
Cheers
gww

[Kbeitz]

Looks much stronger...

[Leggman]

And the winner is... Orange

[fishfighter]

Looks good.

[gww]

Leggman
Orange you glad it isn't gray.  Sorry for the old kids knock knock joke referance.  Looking great.  I can't wait for your first hauled log.  Hauled then cut into boards as the fruit of all your labor.  Something to be proud of knowing you were the one that made it possible and you didn't just go to wally world and fork out your money.  I really like your projects and thank you for sharing.
gww

[Kbeitz]

Lookin good ... Good choice on the color...
What was the color called ?

[Leggman]

8-0965-2 A.C.Orange Made by Town and Country.
It's a tractor truck and implement paint sold here by Rural King

[Kbeitz]

8-0965-2 A.C.Orange Made by Town and Country.
It's a tractor truck and implement paint sold here by Rural King

Thanks... Looks like Kubota paint...