log arch

kelLOGg · April 04, 2006, 10:00:47 PM

I'm trying to post a pic of my log arch. If it does not look like one then I was unsuccessful, otherwise I would like comments. I t will lift 6000 lbs, 16 feet long via a chain hoist. Have not tried it to the max yet but it works great on smaller stuff.

highpockets · April 04, 2006, 10:26:16 PM

Looks like one to me, good job.

getoverit · April 04, 2006, 10:49:03 PM

Great looking arch !!

Just out of curosity, how heavy is the tongue on this thing? I built one a while back (that had a crash later) and the tongue was so heavy I almost couldnt pick it up. Do you have that problem with yours?

Kevin · April 04, 2006, 11:21:06 PM

It looks good, a boat winch might be quicker than the chain hoist.

onionman · April 05, 2006, 12:11:52 AM

looks good
I used a boat winch on mine will try and post a pick later

jpgreen · April 05, 2006, 01:44:41 AM

Purdy lookin' contraption kelLOGg.. 8)

Does that pick up the whole log, or just drag the rear end?

kelLOGg · April 05, 2006, 05:00:39 PM

The tongue weight is about 100 lbs and the whole thing is about 550. It's got mobile home tires (3000 lbs). I've pulled it empty at 45 mph and it bounces like a ping pong ball. I plan to deflate the tires from 80 to about 20 psi for future towing. It even has tail lights and turn signals for towing to other sites. I've never used a boat winch so I was afraid the crank might get away from me so I opted for a 2 ton chain hoist. In most usage I lift the log near its center of gravity making sure some excess weight is forward and then lift the end w/ a come-along, cinch it with chains and off I go with no dragging in the dirt. For logs longer than 16 ft I could drag with one end on the ground. It can carry a 40 inch log (weight permitting) which is bigger than my mill can handle - I wanted it wide for towing stability but it is still somewhat topheavy. Its big test is coming up with 2 30 inch white oaks on the ground in the woods as soon as I can see myself free.

coldnorth · April 05, 2006, 05:47:38 PM

Hey kelLOGg
Looks like a pretty cool tool to me. Here is a picture of my attempt. I don't think it would handle as large a log but it works good for me. I use the boat trailer dolly to help maneuver. We have hauled some fairly large logs from backyards of suburban areas with it, but I also use it behind a small tractor.

Coldnorth

jpgreen · April 05, 2006, 06:32:24 PM

Welcome to sawdust heaven coldnorth.. 8)

Nice arch. I see you sure do like red.. :D

Just kiddn'.. ;D

jimbo · April 05, 2006, 07:25:29 PM

lifting the hole log ? hope you have brakes on it or use a large truck or tractor to pull it with , a large log and realey push you down hill . be carful

jimbo

kelLOGg · April 05, 2006, 08:46:03 PM

Jimbo,
So far I've pulled it with only a tractor when I'm carrying a log and with the truck when empty. I have wondered if my 4x4 RAM 1500 in low gear/low range would handle the load. My area is not hilly but rather flat. Thanks for the warning.

Coldnorth,
I like the red, too. I'm going to paint mine red to match the sawmill.

cat man · April 05, 2006, 10:18:26 PM

It looks alot like the one I built. Works great! I built mine wide enough to stradial the mill and set the log right on it.

I LOVE HOMEMADE 8)

highpockets · April 06, 2006, 07:22:13 AM

Catman, I love homemade too. Buying stuff makes my behind hurt. Right in my pocket. Give me some a cutting torch, some 6013's and a junk yard.

breederman · April 06, 2006, 11:16:36 AM

I just acquired an old crop sprayer. Gonna make a log arch out of it,looks to me that all I need to do is move the tongue to the top and lengthen it. What would be a good distance from axles to hitch point to more or less balance 12 foot logs so that they only add 100 pounds or so to the hitch weight? Or will it need to be trial and error?

coldnorth · April 06, 2006, 04:29:36 PM

kelLOGg,

My red paint was leftover from when I rebuilt the 404 IH tractor. There are pictures of it in my gallery. It is not fancy, but it is red, and lifts logs unto the mill very nicely. I am too old to manhandle them!

Coldnorth

Grawulf · April 06, 2006, 06:37:43 PM

I was clearing away a 14 inch soft maple on the west side of the house this last Saturday because my lovely bride needed more sun on her garden. It was one of those trees that could go any way it chose - lots of branches on one side but a lean in the opposite direction . I needed to spin it just slightly so it'd miss everything. Made my notch and finished about three quarters of the felling cut and the tree settled back on the saw just so nicely..................

Now what to do? 'Bout that time, the wind starts to pick up.

Oh, and did I mention that the tree is now leaning toward the propane tank?

Not enough room to get wedges into the backcut and I really didn't want to try another cut above the now stuck saw. What to do...what to do..........adrenaline flowing..........mind racing...............I'll go get the arch and tractor and maybe I can get enough chain and cable to pull it the right direction! By now, the wind is really starting to whip. Get everything in position and realize I don't have enough cable and chain to get everything out of harms way. If I have to sacrifice something, it's gonna have to be the arch. The main frame on my arch is made of 6 inch square tubing - used to be a basketball backboard for a college. Started cranking on the winch - tree comes right where I want it! Hits the back of the arch and bends the mainframe just perfectly. Now it looks like a racing arch - don't think it will affect it's operation. Didn't land on the house or the tank or honey's rose arbor. God is awfully good to me! 8) I should probably start another thread with this..............it'll give an opportunity for you guys to tell what you've dropped trees on.

kelLOGg · April 06, 2006, 08:27:18 PM

cat man,

My arch looks like your arch's younger brother. If my mill rested on the ground I would have built one like you did to load the log. That's clever!

cat man · April 06, 2006, 09:21:27 PM

In this pic you will see a arm that drops down between the tongue and axle. This allows me to lift the front of the log. You need to keep the weight forward and the tongue loaded to stabelize the load. I have hauled 20' logs with no problems down back roads.