Building a Log Arch

[Den1952]

I am still admiring that truss system you worked out. I would want that even if it werent called for. My son just acquired a log arch, seems to be a similar size to yours. not sure but guessing about 6 feet roughly from the wheels forward to the end of the log, maybe more. I made up an inverted vee for him , we will mount that on the forward end of the beam, when he winches up a log the front end can get trapped into the inverted vee, and we can strap it in place, the idea being to prevent any side swing while traveling , also to prevent any teeter tottering of shorter logs. I think we will also mount another winch up front. If he has shorter logs we would have a winch on each end of it, fully suspended. I dont seem to see any like that on the various photos I have ran across. has anybody any ideas why not to do that?

 

[vpd66]

I am still admiring that truss system you worked out. I would want that even if it werent called for. My son just acquired a log arch, seems to be a similar size to yours. not sure but guessing about 6 feet roughly from the wheels forward to the end of the log, maybe more. I made up an inverted vee for him , we will mount that on the forward end of the beam, when he winches up a log the front end can get trapped into the inverted vee, and we can strap it in place, the idea being to prevent any side swing while traveling , also to prevent any teeter tottering of shorter logs. I think we will also mount another winch up front. If he has shorter logs we would have a winch on each end of it, fully suspended. I dont seem to see any like that on the various photos I have ran across. has anybody any ideas why not to do that?

I don't see a need for a second winch. I back over the logs (about 5ft) and I use a log tongs to winch the log off the ground. I then chain it at the winch and at the front of the log. Like I said it will lift the the log (up to about 14ft) off the ground. I have a picture on my phone that I'll see if I can upload. It has the arch hooked up to my 4 wheeler with 2 long logs on it.

 

[Den1952]

it would be good to see a photo of that. thanks.
I was thinking of 2 winches for the events that he would have only 7 foot logs. backed over by 5 feet, he would only be raising the rear end I think.
centered up, would be a teeter totter. the nose of the log could dig in while traveling, thus the inverted vee idea.
close by, any cleaning up in the woods wouldnt have any logging trails to drive really long stuff, lots of snaking around to manuever. shorter logs would be much more convenient.

 

[Piston]

You can see how I built mine here if you want. I posted a lot of pics.
http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=45388.0

 

[Arky217]

How about an extendable log arch for easy maneuverability.
Short like this for 8-10' logs; extend for longer logs.

I have hauled as large as 24" x 17' completely off the ground with this one.

[/IMG]

Arky

 

[bcp]

You can see how I built mine here if you want. I posted a lot of pics.
http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=45388.0

Interesting thread. IIRC, you had a ball hitch and were thinking of changing to a clevis hitch.

Instead of that, weld a hitch receiver tube in place of the coupler, then you can have interchangeable couplers.

Bruce

 

[Artisan]

Food for thought...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0XL9-jTP4E&feature=player_embedded]LogRite Junior log Arch Demo - YouTube[/ame]

 

[tree grower]

Trovenn- after seeing all the examples posted, I think you are contemplating something much larger. I have a friend with a logging arch which I believe was commercially manufactured in the 1940s or 50s, not homemade. It is nothing more than a rugged fairlead carried on what looks like 8:00 x 20" rubber. It is comparatively short--8 ft or so- pulled behind a TD6, and uses the dozer's winch. The steel in it is 6" diam or square, and the unit must weigh half a ton. It can carry all the dozer can pull

 

[Artisan]

Trovenn- after seeing all the examples posted, I think you are contemplating something much larger. I have a friend with a logging arch which I believe was commercially manufactured in the 1940s or 50s, not homemade. It is nothing more than a rugged fairlead carried on what looks like 8:00 x 20" rubber. It is comparatively short--8 ft or so- pulled behind a TD6, and uses the dozer's winch. The steel in it is 6" diam or square, and the unit must weigh half a ton. It can carry all the dozer can pull

PICTURES!

 

[Doppelgangar]

Just a couple of Pics of logging arch

One still in use behind what looks like a D5 and the other wth an old D4

I suggested earlier to use duel wheels to give you a bit of flotation You could also mount a PTO winch on the arch so then you can pull the logs as well.

Sorry havent any photos of the one that I built and used behind a tractor and skidder. It was only used behind the skidder when the logs were too big for the skidder.

 

[tree grower]

My friend's arch looks very much like Doppelgangar's.

 

[stowester]

Thank you. After gathering all the parts it only took me one Sunday to build it. I got a deal on the tubing from a buddy, that is why I used it. It also helps I have a tube bender. The tubing is 1 7/8" .125 wall. If I would have used a heavier walled tubing I could have skipped that extra truss on top. I did build it without the truss and when I tested the arch (before I painted it) on a 18" diameter by 16 foot elm log I noticed the top main tube was slightly bowed. So I trussed it and now it doesn't bow at all.

Not to mention the 'cool' factor of the truss. :thumbsup:

Dean

 

[stowester]

I'm looking at Log Arch threads because of a long rang plan to build one. Since I have a rear remote I'm considering a lift mechanism using a piston/cable idea like the wings on plow trucks. Here is a illustration. A 24" piston would yield 48" of lift. Any feed back is welcome...

Dean

 

[vpd66]

I'm looking at Log Arch threads because of a long rang plan to build one. Since I have a rear remote I'm considering a lift mechanism using a piston/cable idea like the wings on plow trucks. Here is a illustration. A 24" piston would yield 48" of lift. Any feed back is welcome...

Dean

If you have the hydraulic remote hookup, I think it would great! If you got real handy with your log tongs you wouldn't even have to leave the seat of your tractor to hook up the log and not even stop to drop it!

 

[WSJ]

vpd66: That's a nice looking unit and exactly what I need to try to build, less the nice welds and purty paint job, but maybe with a forward mounted electric winch. -WSJ

 

[PapaPerk]

You can always go to the junk yard and get the rear axle assembly from a front wheel drive car.... Independent rear end... Like a Camry, Taurus, etc

 

[Chilly807]

You can always go to the junk yard and get the rear axle assembly from a front wheel drive car.... Independent rear end... Like a Camry, Taurus, etc

Exactly what I did when I built mine. 2 stub axles from a Plymouth Acclaim were a great fit.

Sean

 

[bcp]

Several VW models have an axle similar to this. It would be a good starting point, if your logs are not too big for it.

Bruce

 

[Ralph Copp]

A couple of years ago I peeled 109 hemlock and made one up for hauling the logs. Here is what mine looks like. They work good.

 

[plumbstraight]

The initial pics of that lightweight arch is made for a quad. It also doubles as a dump trailer when it is folded down flat and the bed put on. It does work well behind my 650 quad. I did build a larger one with the same design for my tractor back in the 70's. I do like some of the ideas of others, love the diversity.