Small stuff but had a chance to try the arch out. Learned a couple of things that will make it easier next time but I think this will come in handy around here. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have the smaller one that is human powered , no ATV option I am the power plant. Very nice but I only used it once. All of their stuff is very nicely done.
Mine is next size down. Seems other than mnufacturers ratings the limiting factor is whether or not I can turn the winch handle. Yours has the advantage of a front pulley giving extra leverage. Mine just has the pulley above the arch. I suppose this is their way of limiting what is hung under it.
I dunno, wouldn't it just be easier and less time consuming to simply buck it up on location, throw the rounds in a trailer and off you go? Way less monkeying around and then you don't have to cut wood that's been dragged through the dirt.
Mine was purchased mainly for getting logs out for the sawmill from an area that there might not be access with a truck and/or trailer.
This is why mine is only used sporadically. I used it recently so the soft trails wouldn't have to bear the tractor. The tractor is a mini dozer, hoist and skidder all in one with the blade on the back of it so it's my prefered fishing method. I will say that I can skid at 10mph with the arch where 4-5 is practical with the tractor, so there is a speed factor involved. Makes a huge difference on a 1/4 or 1/3 mile drag.
Well mine is a homemade unit I bought on FB. It came with the smallest, cheapest hand winch available mounted in such a fashion to draw blood every time you used it I mounted a 4500lb Warn winch and never looked back. I like to pick the log up entirely instead of dragging them. With heavy logs I think it puts less stress on the atv which is the weak but expensive link in the chain. I’ve busted the arch a few times but rebuilding it back better is cheap compared to replacing a frame on the atv. This log was the last time I broke it. 16’ long. Normally a log this size I’d cut to 12’ but it was for the sawmill not firewood. It’s rebuilt stronger and with larger more flexible sidewall tires. Dont think I’ll be breaking anytime soon. Now the key is not tear up the atv with it.
Love the idea of a log arch. On them long ones what about using a dolly at the far end for support? Something like this is what I'm thinking, obviously more heavy duty. With a log that long i image the arch unloading the rear tires.
Well I’m hoping that was a one time deal. A favor for the guy that owns the mill I borrow from time to time. Lighter sticks I can carry that long but heavy ones is better at 12+ or - The arch is also expandable. I chose not to. I paid the price for that Ahh, needed an upgrade is strength anyway, was just procrastinating on it. It certainly didn’t have much weight on the rear tires. Felt like driving one of those old Gravely tractors home The dolly in back may work on straight pulls. I foresee an issue with it trying to navigate tight twisty trails in a New England forest. Like doing a slalom course with a double tractor trailer. Severely hamper backing up too. If I ever need to bring heavy long logs home again I’ll just fight off the stubborn lazy streak and stretch out the arch.
Was kinda wondering how maneuverable it would be. I'll bet just having one pivot point back there makes it nice. Some of us gotta learn the hard way sometimes. At least you built it back better, iirr.
I’ve got lots of stuff to get over at the neighbors so with larger loads this should make quicker work getting it to my processing site. This one will supposedly elevate 10’ logs completely off the ground and even when dragging only a small portion of the log is on the ground so dirt is no issue at all. Actually don’t mind sharpening chains. Admittedly I am a gadget guy when it comes to gathering wood. Obviously in no hurry. If you enjoy doing something time and effort are irrelevant as long as I can keep the house warm in Winter.
Agreed on all points. The real nice thing about an arch is there’s no need to load a trailer. That can be a real work saver.
Could weld a couple stubs on the front like jo191145s and make a cradle. Might help to keep the longer ones off the ground.
This is a Logrite Jr. Converted to a hitch type. Works good to carry log out of the woods. I hate dragging them and getting them all dirty.
View attachment 411368 View attachment 411368 View attachment 411368 The older I get, the harder it is for me to back my small trailer or log splitter into tight spots. I finally ended up fabricating a front hitch for my 4-wheeler which made my life a whole lot easier. Something like this may help you to position the log arch close to or over the log without having to maneuver the arch by hand.
