Log Hauler

[DanG]

I don't see why a good fabricator couldn't build a Metavic-style loader for their trailer. Unfortunately, I'm not a good fabricator. :'(  I see no reason that a backhoe boom couldn't be used, but it would be sorta heavy.

I've also used an ordinary lift pole on a 3-pt hitch to load some pretty hefty logs.  They only cost about $100, so anybody with a tractor oughta have one, especially if they don't have a loader on the front.

Is anybody here using a wrecker truck to retrieve logs?  I frequently see them for sale for $3500 or so, wheel lift and all.  Some of the wheel lifts will pick up 5000lbs and could be used like a forklift to load a low trailer.

[Frank_Pender]

That is my feeling too, Dan, about the backhoe attatchment, weight.   I guess I am just tooooo tight with the pennies to just turn someone lose in a fab shop to build what I want.   I always seem to want something for the least amount possible.  If I keep waiting and watching I may well find what I am looking for, but will most likely be way toooo old to appreciate what I found, let alone be able to use the DanG thing.

[Ironwood]

Frank, I have sampled several options as to loading log for the "capitally $ challenged" and the best bang for the buck is a log arch for the big  butt logs and a 1 1/2 ton bed mounted utility crane for the 1000-3000 lbs. logs. I have two cranes, one fairly heavy older telescoping unit w/ a honda hydralic power unit, and a 12 volt over hydrualic Ventoro brand unit both have power up-down/ swivel left-right and winches. They are base plate mounted so I can load unload them from trailer tongues or the back of my 12' flat bed. I use two "farm style" or "high lift" jack as outriggers (more verstile than fixed mounted arms). They really work well and I have about $2000 in each crane and a friend built the log arch for me on barter, it looks like a future forestry "hugo", which by the way are OUTSTANDING products. They ar ewell engineered and plenty strong yet not overly heavy for the hand moving of the arch sometimes necessary. I have tried the dead drag methods and the over the side rolling method previously mentioned, they work but are just too time consuming, well and i should also mention the 7000lbs soft maple log that hit the deck of a tandem trailer last year from 12" up on the ramps.  I thought it was going to roll right off the otherside of the trailer into a house. The truck got stuck in the yard as the trailer tires sunk from the weight and because the lack of tire chains for truck (left them at home)  the half frozen ground I just sat and spun. Then fortunately I was close to home as my heavily built tandem with no brakes and 12,000 lbs of trailer and log pushed me home. New year, newer heavier truck, newer legal trailer with brakes, a few cranes and loaders later I am in better shape and not risking everything I own for few good "free" logs. ;D learning more everyday!

[Randy]

OK, I hauled my first logs on my new trailer this afternoon. Worked so good I wish I had of had it set-up 3 months ago(Keep in mind I am just getting started and only want this sawing to be part-time. I put a 3200lb hand winch on a custom built bracket on the front. I loaded 5 pine logs from the side, had to cut them to length, working by myself (single handed--all it takes to operate the winch ;D)  in 25 minutes, but wasn't trying to break any records. Man, I can't wait till tomorrow to go get some more. Like A child with a New Toy :D.