That $@#%$! That was one heavy sum beech...uh, i mean sum oak. Interesting to see the fix you come up with Joe. Youre pretty good with a welder from what ive seen.
absolutely. Eventually I’ll get it right once again I took the fast easy way out. Got to get those logs to the sawyer soon. I think it’ll be fine for 17 footers if the diameter is a little less. Keep the wheels on the ground enough to get them out of the woods is all I need.
Got another stick out today after my morning chores. After looking over and using this arch some more I’ve come to the conclusion it is due for a full overhaul. Not sure when that will happen but it’s inevitable at some point. But hey it’ll work for firewood now. Just not 17 foot logs too well. And that’s ok too.
Nope Not much use for bush planes hereabouts. I’m sure there’s plenty in Alaska that aren’t fit for aircraft duty How about implement tires off of feed wagons, grain carts, balers and such?
Well I found a new pair of shoes for it. Plenty of squishy sidewall on these. Better yet free. Original tires were 22” diameter. The low pro’s are 24” and the new ones are 31” I’ll have to cut and lower the rear posts to keep center of gravity low. It’s already a little high for woods rompin. while I was in the neighborhood getting free tires I stopped by Logan Steel bargain barn. No 2x2.5 tubing of any thickness. Barn is becoming empty. Sign of the times I suppose. Bought some 1/2 x 2 flat stock and I’ll weld up a C channel to make my own. Someday. Parts are here anyway.
Do you have to lift the log all the way up to pull it with the atv? Or can you leave the far end on the ground and drag it? Seems like that would reduce the stress on the unit
Agreed. It’s gonna float like a butterfly instead of sting like a bee. May even build a track and put on log arch races
actually that’s how I broke it. I had it cranked up high and got stuck trying to ride over the low spot in a stone wall. I dropped the log and repositioned the arch and drug the log over the wall. Needless to say it’s not easy dragging an 1800lb log with an 800lb machine. The atv does more moving unless you can wedge the arch tire against a big rock or tree. So I was having a hard time getting the log all the way forward without the arch tires climbing back over rocks, which would leave me stuck again. So I chained it to pull it further ahead with one end dragging. Said to heck with it and just kept driving home. That’s when it snapped. Your question is valid and it’s something I’ve been mulling over in my head. On one hand my brain says the stress on the spine of the arch is less with the log fully lifted. The front of the log is pushing up on the arch spine in its weakest point. The great weight is over the tires. Consider the log is not centered in the arch. To have just one picking point the balance point must be behind the arch. Ergo the front is pushing up. I understand first thought is half weight on the ground should be easier. I’m not a fan of dragging logs either. Gets them dirty and messes up the trails. Even worse is driving through the lawns. Anyone looking at the photos knows I don’t care for mine much. I drive over it so much I could sell my lawnmower. But some of the grass I have to drive over isn’t mine
Interesting setup. You're right, you definately need the tongue weight to get enough traction with the atv. At least now you know a good limit of the log you can move. In true hoarder fashion I'll recommend you head to the nearest Kubota dealer ASAP to pick out something for the bigger ones.
True. Proper tongue weight is crucial. And while the front of the log is pushing up on the spline it’s the picking points that determine how much the spline is pushing down on the tongue. I have another set farther forward in case I need to climb a steepish hill. Sounds complicated but it’s really not. By the time I’m done rebuilding it I think it’ll all be good and it’s not normal to need such long logs. I doubt the original owner ever designed it for the abuse I’m giving it
My days of wearing a harness are over Contacting The Wood Wolverine, he likes racing. Whaddaya say Jason?
