This is a “log truck” in my area and one of the less common self loading log trucks. It’s a regular semi tractor up front. He can also self unload in my yard. This is mostly maple which is great firewood. Doug fir is more profitable at the saw mill. 30’ logs supposed to be 10 cords. This is my first log truck load of firewood logs. Usually I get big dump truck loads that are about 5 cords. I’m a little spooked out about cutting these logs without them rolling and crushing me. Any hints?
30'? The log loads delivered in these parts are typically just over 8'. I'll tell you how I handle those; hope it'll be useful for you. I will place a couple of logs perpendicular to the pile as stringers so when I begin rolling logs off the pile and onto the stringers, they are off the ground and easier to cut. I use a cant hook to roll the logs down the whole while being careful to never stand in the path of the log. More than once, I got more than I bargained for in releasing logs onto the skids. But at 30'.....holy crap! Don't know if the cant hook is up to the task for that length!
Nice load! Cut what you can as is. Use something to wedge the upper logs to prevent rolling. Pry them free with a spud bar while on the end? Ive cut on a big log deck and really had to think it out slowly as not to get hurt or killed in the process. Work carefully either way.
These logs are actually 40’ long and 12-24” across. So far I’m just widdling away from one side. Cut three or four rounds from one log and then work on the next log back. Watching like a hawk for movement. Skipping the base row for last to keep my chain out of the dirt.
Up against a chain link fence on one side and a gravel road on the other that I’d rather not block or pollute with chips.
Wow theres a big one there in the middle. I start on the ends and cut any thing exposed and work my way in.
As mentioned above...... Roll them off in a controlled manner, before they decide to roll themselves. I did just that a few years ago. Rolling them on perpendicular poles, allowed for easier cutting to length.
Hopefully those top couple are more stable than they look...those look pretty sketchy. How far is the pile from the building? If you don't want sawdust in the driveway, looks like the pile is in the wrong spot.....
That’s a cool truck! I’ve seen version of that in Vermont, but it’s a single unit, not a truck and a trailer. I imagine the timber out in your area is a bit longer than what we see in New England!
Yeah, there’s no rolling a 40’ long 2’ diameter green maple log. If this was in the middle of a huge yard I could maybe rig up a chain to the truck but this is a regular home and not a farm. I abandoned the widdling from one side method in order to make the pile safer and working from one side, I worked my way to the top standing on logs to get the height down. The logs feel very stable as the sawdust packs in. I’ll switch to splitting and figure out the best way to proceed once the rounds are gone now that it’s stable. Working hardwoods is clean. No pitch, slivers, and the bark is super thin. My saw looks cleaner after cutting.
I know my veins are popping out tying to dislodge some of the 8' pieces.....can't imagine a 30' length!
Nice load, but playing with fire IMO...I know a guy that was cutting on a log pile and got pinned when the pile shifted unexpectedly...he was stuck there for a long time because he was way back in, by himself, and phone left in truck...broke his leg very badly and had a very long recovery. Care to elaborate on what a load like that runs there?
When I was buying log loads I’d have them put a couple extra sleepers down Al’s spread the pile out so high. It’s been a few years but looks like I might be back in the market for a load.
