Thread: Log Loader for Tandem Trailer

nice job,
i use a couple of 4x4s and either the 10 000 lb winch on teh ute, or my turfir.

verry rarely i have to pick up logs myself now, i usualy just get trucks and dont bother if there is only a log or 2.

Interesting Jon, I like the pivots. How do you get the logs off the trailer?

Of interest is the SHS running across the trailer. I assume to spread the load and help stabilise the post, but wouldn't it be better to run down the trailer (ie T piece)? That way the logs could be more easily dragged off, those ones going across the trailer would cause a lot more friction/jamming wouldn't they?

Cheers

Boys,
The RHS across the trailer keeps the Logs off the floor so that I can get Ropes/Chains under the Log.
How to get the Log out!!
In photo 3 you can see the Rails in the upward position. The log is chained to the rails and then the rails are Pivoted Down by hanging off the End, I might have to put a Winch on this to pull it down or pack on a few more Kilos as the Log was Bigger than I 1st Thought. Once the rails are back down they are latched to the side of trailer and the log is winched back down.
I have made it this way as I can Back the Trailer up beside the Bandsaw mill and roll the log straight on to the Mill bed. I don't have any Big machinery to assist me so I have to work smarter not harder.
Cheers,
Jon

Originally Posted by newjon

.
.
The log is chained to the rails and then the rails are Pivoted Down by hanging off the End, I might have to put a Winch on this to pull it down or pack on a few more Kilos as the Log was Bigger than I 1st Thought. Once the rails are back down they are latched to the side of trailer and the log is winched back down.

In principle I like it (a lot) but lt's the latching down process that would worry me, the possible smack in the chops would more than loosen a few teeth. There must be a simple fix in there but I can't think of one right now,

Cheers Bob, I am happy to have ideas, I might have to go to a Hand winch (Boat Trailer Winch) to pull the rail back down, This would give far better Control and less Effort. If you think of a better solution let me Know.

Cheers,
Jon

I use a similar principle but on a larger scale. The trailer is 14'X6'6" inside. Dual axle, 4 wheel electric brakes, RHS frame,expanded mesh floor.
Sides are RHS web truss. The two ends are the ramps that lift out and drop in. This setup doubles as a car trailer ,tractor and bobcat float or timber "jinker." Logs can be rolled up either side or hauled up from the rear over pipe rollers running up the ramps. I have a couple of portable electric "super winches" mounted on a plate which can be set up on the front or on the side as required.

Some years ago, while hauling logs from up the coast, a bloke arrived with vehicle and trailer. In the interest of safety, he removed the vehicle from the trailer once the latter was in position and then proceeded to fell the tree directly into the trailer!
I believe the trailer and tree are still there.

yes its hard to beat that ,demolition the wheels might be ok cheers Bob

Originally Posted by rustynail

Some years ago, while hauling logs from up the coast, a bloke arrived with vehicle and trailer. In the interest of safety, he removed the vehicle from the trailer once the latter was in position and then proceeded to fell the tree directly into the trailer!
I believe the trailer and tree are still there.

Yep, you can never be too cautious. (What was he thinking!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Willy

Originally Posted by Stef

I had a tow point put on the front of my 4WD just under the bullbar below a 12000lb winch. We then hook the tamdem trailer onto the front tow point wind out the winch cable, set the ramp up in front of the log, hook it up and begin winching. With a snacth block you can actually get a fair size log onto the trailer this way.

bloody good Stef- can't beat a bit of Aussie thinking & ingenuity!

I like Carls setup is much better, he didn't need to unhook his trailer and turn the ute around, then coz he used to run the winch cable around the log and roll it up the side of the trailer, it meant a lot less strain and/or a much bigger log could be loaded

Originally Posted by rustynail

Some years ago, while hauling logs from up the coast, a bloke arrived with vehicle and trailer. In the interest of safety, he removed the vehicle from the trailer once the latter was in position and then proceeded to fell the tree directly into the trailer!
I believe the trailer and tree are still there.

LOL....i bet the trailor is still there

The log Loader/unloader is still working well, I tried it out on another Bloodwood log on the weekend. Here are some Unloading photo's. I can Load and Unload a decent size log on My own using this process. I will post the Photo's of the Log after I mill it in the next couple of weeks hopefully.

Cheers,
Jon