Thread: Snigging Logs with a Tractor

Probably wouldn't be too hard using two ratchet straps though Paul, use one til it fills up, then use the other one and like you said just gotta get one end up and that will make the process much easier on the tractor good pic

it is a good pic, it would take a little time getting too work but it if there are no time restraints, why not. The cost of floating machinery for one job is very very expensive, usualy not worth it.
I have seen a manufactured axle made up so it had normal small truck type wheels but the axle was only about 5inches off the ground, I guess you could call them off set. It makes it easier to get the log on

One of those big 4x4 ratchet jacks like BobL uses to lift the end of a log up, might be a simple way of at least getting the end of the log off the ground and from there you can get a strap under to then lift further for axle thingy. Bob made up a clamp arrangement for the lifting foot on the jack, there are pics of it on some of his posts.


Pete

An easier approach is to set the rear wheel behind the end of the log, then just about any wrecking yard setup would do the trick.

The pickup point is still set on the tow beam.

I had a customer who built a log home with one he built, just a couple of spare tires on a 3' wide axle.

Originally Posted by Bushmiller

A hardwood log 6m long around 800mm dia will weigh about 3 tonnes. However, you only have to lift one end. 1 tonne maybe.

Lifting one end of a log a few cm of level ground means lifting half its weight.

The arborist site has heaps of home made arrangements for shifting logs - some of them seem a bit dogdey to me but you might get some ideas there.

My log lifter is described here - the update is about post #17

Originally Posted by BobL

Lifting one end of a log a few cm of level ground means lifting half its weight.

Bob

Yes I may have understated the nature of the problem. I had in my mind that the weight would tend to transfer to the end on the ground, but when I think (more carefully) about it, that transfer would not occur until it was above a 45 deg angle .

Regards
Paul

Here is the theory.

Taking moments around the fulcrum, the sum of the clockwise and antclockwise torques will be zero.



Rearranging the RHS end of that equation gives Lift = - (m x g)/2.

As the log rotates about the fulcrum the Lift = - cosine (ø) (m x g)/2

Where ø is the angle between the ground and the log. At close to vertical the cosine becomes close to zero which is consistent with the log being much easier to hold upright than it is to lift at one end.

...but Paul, regardless its much lighter lifting one end than the whole log

OK let me get this straight. You guys plan to recover fallen and wind blown logs with 80 to 1250cm girth in steep country using a 80hp 4 wheel drive tractor, chain, 15000lb winch and now this contraption which I assume will be towed by the farm tractor.
All we need now is Fred and Barney to give us a hand.

I hope gonetroppo isn't planning to try this!!!!

cheers
Steve

Originally Posted by Stopper

OK let me get this straight. You guys plan to recover fallen and wind blown logs with 80 to 1250cm girth in steep country using a 80hp 4 wheel drive tractor, chain, 15000lb winch and now this contraption which I assume will be towed by the farm tractor.
All we need now is Fred and Barney to give us a hand.

I hope gonetroppo isn't planning to try this!!!!

cheers
Steve

Steve

I think you may have skipped a post or two . The suggestion was that gonetroppo would hire a contractor with either a skidder or a dozer to snig them to a flat ground log dump.

The use of his tractor was only for positioning the logs for milling. However, if Fred and Barney are available, I am sure all assistence is welcome >

Regards
Paul

I ll lend em my banjo

Bob

I think those calcs fit in with my theory.

When people mention trigonometry I usually take the opportunity to trot out my mnemonic for remembering the formulae.

"Silly Old Hitler Caught Awful Headaches Through Our Airmen" .

It appeals to me, but is also a bit of a giveaway as to my era and pome heritage.

Regards
Paul

Originally Posted by Sigidi

...but Paul, regardless its much lighter lifting one end than the whole log

Phew!!

Thanks Allan.

Regards
Paul