Building a small 3pt hitch logging arch

[Verticaltrx]

I've been dragging logs out of the woods for years using either the draw bar, a boom pole, or what ever implement I had on the tractor at the time. I decided it was time to build something that was more suitable for the job. I use the work 'arch' loosely as its more of a mini-boom, but it should do the job well regardless.

I started with this old bale spear that had seen better days:

First job was cutting it down and squaring up the ends. With the help of a couple old house jacks I got it supported in my band saw and made the cuts:

Here it is after cutting it down:

Almost all of the metal I used were pieces out of my scrap pile, I always like to save any little triangle pieces to use for gussets, etc:

More forthcoming...

 

[Verticaltrx]

I made some new lower hitch mounts and gusseted them heavily:

Next was making the actual 'arch' or boom. It's make of a piece of 2.5x2.5x3/16 square tubing, reinforced along the bottom with a piece of 3x3/8 flat plate. The hook up point is a piece of 2"x3/4" flat bar, with three 1" holes. Here's a pic of drilling the holes, this little piece was pretty hard to hold on to, but a pipe wrench subdued it:

Here's a pic of the boom weldment:

Welded in place and gusseted:

 

[Verticaltrx]

Next was to bend up a couple of pieces of 1.5" sch 40 pipe for a guard/chain holder assembly:

Here's the arch almost completed:

Between the pipe and the upright of the frame I'm going to weld a couple plates with hooks to hold chains. Three chain hooks will hang from the holes and provide places for dragging up to three logs at once.

I haven't decided if I will cap off the end of the boom, or if I will drill a hole in it and use if for a 2" receiver for moving trailers (even though its a little too big since it was 2.5" sq. tube 3/16 wall instead of the standard 2.5" 1/4 wall tubing).

Originally I had planned on mounting the boom all the way at the top of the upright, but I decided that would put too much load on the top link when pulling. With it in the location that it is, it will provide enough lift to drag a 30" log a little bit off the ground, which is probably bigger than I will ever need.

All structural welding was done with 1/8" 7018 rods at about 135 amps on my Lincoln 225 AC welder. The non structural stuff was done with my Lincoln SP-175 mig welder using .035" flux core.

What I have gotten done so far has taken me a couple of evenings, and should get it done tomorrow or the next day. Hopefully I can try it out this weekend and post some pics of it in action.

 

[zman007007]

excellent looking piece of equipment you have going there, and cudos on the recycling. I believe in saving metal scraps myself. sometimes too much. lol

 

[JB4310]

Excellent looking fab work, but I don't get what the pipe is for?

I would do like you said and leave the square tube as a receiver, they are so versatile. maybe you could sleeve it to tighten it up.

JB.

 

[rdbrumfield]

Nice work. Looks stout enough for sure.

The receiver is a wonderful plus to have on there. I built a log handling unit with the hitch built in. Just used it for moving some trailers around the other day. Wish I had done it 30yr ago.

I did add a top link that cantilevers over the top of the unit though. It does give me more lift, though I hope it will not be too much for it. didn't give it much thought until you mentioned it.

 

[DiskDoctr]

Looking good! Here is a pic I collected but can't remember where. Maybe it will help with some ideas or finishing touches?

What I found interesting is how to use the top link (if hydraulic) to raise the log and the "guard" portion that prevents the log from pushing into the tractor.

Can't wait to see the final product

- JC

 

[20 20]

Isn't that over kill for a garden tractor

Do you need my address where to ship it, once done? I'll test it for .....oh 20yrs, then send it back with a written report

Very nice build, I also save all my old scraps. The better half use to say {nag voice} "why are you KEEPING that !!!" She doesn't ask anymore once she learned it can be used.

 

[GE222]

Nice job on your fabrication. Great looking welds also.

Please post the finished pictures.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks for the replies and comments. I'm no professional welder, but growing up on the farm I've kinda gotten a knack for it.

Excellent looking fab work, but I don't get what the pipe is for?

The pipes are mostly just a structure on which the chain holders will go, but also will provide a little protection for the back of the tractor against limbs and brush.

Looking good! Here is a pic I collected but can't remember where. Maybe it will help with some ideas or finishing touches?

Actually that was what gave me the idea to build it. Its a Norwood log skidding attachment, they sell them through Northern tool amongst other places.

I should be able to finish it tonight and get it out in the woods on Saturday.

 

[blueone]

Nice job!! I made one several years ago and modified it a couple of time to meet changing needs. P.S. you can never have to many shackles.

 

[rdbrumfield]

I have been using this one. Sure is nice to be able to pick some fairly good sized logs and keep them clean for the most part while skidding them out of the woods. Have about 60ft of line on the winch now, but haven't used it. Having the hooks on the frame make for multiple logs. With the tongs it is just one at a time, but you get more lift with it.

 

[rdbrumfield]

sorry for the double up. here is a side view

 

[magicheater]

I agree, great looking welds, putting that on your B3200? How about some action shots!

 

[beenthere]

Great to see the different ideas and fab jobs.
I since have added some chain hooks to the iMatch and use the big top hook to take the logging tongs.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Well, I got it done this morning and I'm pretty happy with the results.

Here's the completed setup:

Mounted up:

With some chain hanging on it:

I have a couple shackles that I'm using for now, but really need three chain hooks to take up extra length in the choker chains. I'll put a coat of paint on it in the next day or so, I wanted to get it out and try it before I painted it in case I need to modify anything.

Here's a couple action shots (sorry for the poor quality pics):

It worked really well and will be even better when I get the proper chain hooks on it. I pulled this locust log about a half mile out of the woods and it worked pretty good. Later I went down to another spot down along a creek and cut a fair bit of smaller locust. Had three 8-10" logs about 20' long choked up but couldn't get them out. The trail was a little off-camber and I slid off the side into the creek. Took about half and hour of crab walking my way up the creek with the loader bucket to get out, so I didn't get any pics as it was dark by the time I made it back to the shed.

I'll have to either wait for the snow to melt down more or get a set of chains, but I'll get some more/better action pics the next time I take it out. I might put it on my old Ford and give it a try, it does a lot better in the snow.

Great to see everyone else's pics, a small winch is something I might work into this design eventually.

 

[JB4310]

Looks great!

Didn't take long to find a log to try it with
You'd never be able to just drag that tree with the jagged root section, without lifting it off the ground.

JB.

 

[beenthere]

Great job. Nothing slipperier than that wet snow. Chomping at the bit to get into the woods but we have ice/snow about 12" deep, and 6" more coming tomorrow.

Thanks for the pics. Glad you got outta the crick.

 

[beenthere]

I have one suggestion...looking at the pics I see the lynch pins (they have the bail that snaps over to keep it locked.
I've lost those doing work in the woods, and came very near to breaking a casting when one arm came off. They apparently get ripped open with a stick or heavy brush, and don't know they are missing until it is too late.
In places where I could, I replaced them with a bolt and lock nut. Now with the quick hitch, I even replaced them at both ends of the lift arms.

 

[JOELENAHAN]

Nice welds, nice attachment. Wish I had more trees to move since I have a broken BB I could probably modify to your design. Good luck with it.