Question for the pro's....

[SDB777]

Most of the logs I get are onsite, other people's property.  Access is limited to a 4x4 truck or sometimes just a 4-wheeler, and the property has to be left the way I found it...or better.  The logs are from storm blowdown or just old age...if it's not green I can fell it, but otherwise the trees are to remain untouched.
This doesn't bother me, as I'm after spalted wood mostly.

What would be the best way to remove small logs(logs average from 28"diameter and 6'lenght) without destroying property or other trees?  Are those log hauling devices that hook to 4-wheelers worth anything, or are they inadequate for all but pavement duty??

I'd rather remove the logs to cut in a better place....you know, a roof to keep the sun, heat, and humidity from wearing down old bones and a nice chair to sit in when I'm getting sore and need a beverage.  That and I hate snakes, and we have our share of the nasty one's here in Arkansas!!!


Scott (no snakes for me...eck!) B

[Kirk Allen]

This is the best you can get!  And Frank Pender, AKA Tail Gunner is a dealer for them.

http://www.logrite.com/atvarch.html

[SDB777]

What keeps the log from swinging back and forth while being held up in the middle?

I would think the design is perfect, except the swing...throwing the 4-wheeler around some.  I don't have a small wheeler, but it isn't considered a heavy weight either.  ArticCat 500 Auto 4x4, plenty of power...but the steering is pretty hard with just me on it.  Used it to plant a food plot and that was quite the chore on the steering....

Anyone using one of these(above in the video) that would care to give soem real world feedback?



Scott (Frank making payment plans on 'em) B

[Kirk Allen]

IF you look at the log arch behind the guy in the video you can see a strap holding the log.

Thats all you have to do to stop any swing.   

I have used them and they are AWESOME!

[mike p]

pic of mine i built

[mike p]

hay kirk i had a post with pic of my construction of the log arch but cant find it . do you know where its hiding
it might help SDB777 if hes going to build one

[Kirk Allen]

It should be in your album if you created one.  I looked all through my album and didnt see it in mine. 

[SDB777]

I'm seeing a photo that looks like the model for a truck....is that what your talking about Mike?

I'm thinking I drive the truck in the woods, I might as well not come home wife's truck  And my '95 YJ doesn't have the nuts to pull on logs(4-banger w/squirrels powering that ride)  So I'd definitely be needing something behind the 4-wheeler(it's paid for and it's mine to beat up).


Maybe some kind of skidding plate or something?  Although dragging the logs would be my last choice...




Scott (too many choices) B

[Kirk Allen]

I think Mike's could be used behind a truck or a 4 wheeler. 

If your thinking of skidding logs out, your going to need at least a 9,000lb winch (been there done that) or a 30hp tractor or better.

My brother skids logs out of his woods regulary with a 45hp Kabota tractor.

[HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader]

 We devised a different approach to retrieving logs. The photo shows the prototype being used to load logs we retrieved from the river.

  We also built a second model, smaller then the first, to fit a single wheel trailer. It was used to retrieve logs from private homeowner lots. We rigged a short axle with 2 wheels, to set the end of the log on, so we would not damage the grass and leave ruts in the soft Florida ground. Can't find the photos of the second build, but, what are posted here will give you some idea on how simple the system works. We used a Superwinch from a Boat Trailer, 12V, on the second model, and an 8000 # winch on the big trailer

[mike p]

hay kirk i had a post with pic of my construction of the log arch but cant find it . do you know where its hiding
it might help SDB777 if hes going to build one

\
i think it was in the first one you had the old original fourm