Log Loading

EZ · May 21, 2003, 07:31:11 PM

Hi Guys,
I have every thing I need to put hyd. log loader on my mill, but, now I am questioning myself on it. With the winch and ramps it dont take long to load a log. Most of the logs I saw are in a line and not a pile. The smaller logs I can roll them closer to the mill with the cant hook, but them 30 inch and up by 16 ft long I can't move, so I hook the winch on them and roll them up on the mill. My question is , you guys that have hyd loaders how do you get those big logs to the lift, if your doing the work yourself.
EZ

Tom · May 21, 2003, 07:42:03 PM

I use a cant hook and eat a lot of Grits.

Sometimes I push the log with my truck, tractor or, God forbid, ask someone to help. :D

One of my favorite cant hooks, until I broke it, was made from a large hook, that came off of a big Dixie, and a 6 1/2 foot Sweet Gum 4x4 that I had slimmed down a little with a draw knife. I stuck it in a big oak log one day, climbed up on the handle and was pulling back back when it broke and deposited me unceremoniously on the ground on my back from about 4 feet in the air. :-/ :

ouch!

I've never put another handle in it but have found the times when I wish I had.

Minnesota_boy · May 21, 2003, 07:47:06 PM

Most of my logs are already in a pile when I get to the site, because I tell people that's how I want them. Once in a while, however...

I have a 4x4 truck that I pull the mill with and I carry along a couple pieces of chain and a cable choker. It's surprising how much log you can pull with a 4 wheel drive.

Kevin · May 21, 2003, 07:51:48 PM

I drag my logs in and winch them into a pile then roll them down off the pile by hand to load them.

Minnesota_boy · May 21, 2003, 07:52:23 PM

Once in a great while, I get a log in the pile that I can't move with the cant hook. Then the winch comes out and I wrap the cable around the log and hook it back to the mill and winch away. It's so sloooow, but then I remember that it will take me half an hour to mill and stack the lumber anyway, so I just wait patiently for the winch to do its job. ;D

Frank_Pender · May 21, 2003, 08:12:59 PM

For the stationary MD Mill I will simply get the log in the correct position to be rollied onto the bunks and push with the tractor, if the log is over 3,000 + pounds. If less than that, I simply locate the log with the loader on the tractor , onto the bunks and anchor down.
For the MD Mill that is not stationary, but set atop a factory designed trailer I get the log to the holding bunks and roll them with the tractor or Peveay, Again, if the logs are much over 3,000 lbs. I place them where the hydraulic loading arms and reach them and lift away. Sometimes I have to healp the loaders with the tractor loader as the capacity of the mill arms is limited to about 3,000 lbs.

EZ · May 22, 2003, 03:37:49 AM

Well I always consider myself for being pretty stout,at 5ft 6inches tall, 185 lbs, but when I hook on to one of them big logs with the cant hook and can't move it, then I must be doing some thing wrong. The cant hook handle is 5 ft long, but some of these logs are sunk in the mud, or are bowed, this must be when you guys are moving them with your truck.
EZ

woodmills1 · May 22, 2003, 03:46:53 AM

a few hints for moving logs without equipment. put some bunks down before the logs are piled. use 4x6 or 6x6, but in a pinch some small dia fairly uniform logs will do. use your chainsaw to remove lumps, branch stubs, and the like before you try to roll them. invest in a stout long pry bar, they can do wonders when the peavy falls short. finnaly a well place hydraulic car jack, even a small one will help even the stoutest logs get into a position where gravity helps.