Thread: Derek's Logging Arch WIP

Looks good. What will you use to lift the log into the arch?

why so long?

are you planing on lifting the entire log of the ground?

Carl, yes the plan is to lift the entire log off the ground for transport. I may use a hand winch or boat winch for the lift and then use chains to hold the weight while in transit.

That's the plan but it's a WIP so things may evolve.

another way to do it is to have it pretty mutch the same just have a mutch shorter drawbar and wider arch.

lift one end of the log (small end) and hold it up and drag the other end. this allows you to carry a mutch longer/bigger log. and it you have the wheels behind the winch point it puts extra weight on the wheels of the bike giving extra traction.

I've seen several designs but I decided to model mine on this one: http://www.americanbandsawcompany.co...wood_caddy.htm

yep iv seen those. should be good

this is the style id make

looks pretty neat Derek and not a lot of ponies or a heap of swet needed to shift a fair bit of timber

Here's an update with it operational behind the trike holding a 250mm 3m log. Took it for a quick spin down the road (cul de sac) for a test. I still need to refine the lifting method but what you see is very close to the final product. Needs some rewelds, paint and lifting hooks. A good little exercise to learn stick-welding.

Note, the front rope is not attached for the photo to show the log is in balance.

One very brave or stupid chicken. It obviously hasn't seen my welding

looks good.

should make life easier.

It does look good.

One question, have you considered what maximum speed you should be traveling with a 150 kg log not that far behind you? I say that because I still vividly remember what it was like towing a 1 tonne trailer full of wet cement with an aging Datsun 180B and I had forgotten to enable the trailer brake. I was only doing about 50 km/hr (downhill!) when I had to suddenly stop for a set of traffic lights. I jumped onto the brakes and it was as though nothing happened and I sailed right through the lights - fortunately the other cars saw me coming and stopped. I realize it's only 150 kgs you are towing and you won't be doing 50 km/hr and the log is dragging on the ground, but you could find yourself going downhill one day even at 10 km/hr and just not be able to stop.

Valid point there BobL. That trike is a bugger to ride and steer at the best of times and if I had the money I'd buy a 250cc or larger quad bike. It would be the first time I've crashed the bike. We'll see how it goes when I take it out west to the property. Eventually, I'll add a carry tray for a toolbox, fuel, oil etc.

how is the weighting on the arch.

if you unhook the tow hitch will it sit on the ground or fly up in the air.

i know with our 2 box trailers one is weighted right and puts wait down on the tow ball i have no trouble towing it the other is balanced if you lift the draw bar off the ground it will hover there have a lot of trouble towing it around as there is little weight on the back wheels of the quad.

this is on a 220cc Kawasaki quad bike.

i have the front wheels filled with watter as it aids with steering when i have the 50l spray tank full this has may help you also you can fill the back tyres also to held traction but it dose make punctures more common.

Originally Posted by weisyboy

how is the weighting on the arch.

if you unhook the tow hitch will it sit on the ground or fly up in the air.

This is also a good point with respect to braking. When you brake if the rig pitches too far forward it could lift the front wheels off the ground which can turn nasty. As a general rule it's probably not a good idea to tow a weight (rig and log combined) than is heavier that the towing vehicle (without added weights) since this is what the brakes are designed to stop. Although adding weight may help the vehicle stability it will also increase stopping distance.