Log trailer build

[PROFarms]

Hi guys. I am in the process of designing a versatile log trailer for a quad bike as my A Level DT Major Project. I was just wondering if, as a part of my research, you could tell me what features any of you would be looking for in a log trailer, sized for an ATV or UTV, if it were also designed to do other tasks, instead of just carrying logs. Cheers

 

[GLyford]

Some form of tool rack for long handled tools like shovels, prybars and chainsaws, chain storage for chokers and tiedowns, maybe a winch. Useful for all the tasks associated with working in the woods and general work as well.

If you want to get fancy, you could have a pivoting arch run by either a winch, or chaining to the (unhitched) ATV to lift the logs onto the trailer. Might also be useful for stone picking or moving saplings and shrubbery.

Depending on uses, a flat bed between the log bunks would be useful for bags of concrete, bales of hay, split firewood, etc., and then sideboards would allow it to haul dirt or stone. I don't know what you're thinking for a structure, but if there is a hollow area between the axle(s) and the level of the log bunks, that could also be used with a bottom and sides to be the dirt/stone hauling space.

Just throwing out ideas, I'm sure others here have a few for what has worked for them and what has been a waste of time.

 

[muddstopper]

Every time I think of a log trailer, I start thinking of ways to load the logs. My first thoughts usually go toward adding a small boom with a electric winch to pull logs up to the trailer and lift them so I can just swing them onto the trailer bed. Another thing I like is being able to just dump the logs when I get them to where I am going. If possible, I think I would make the trailer a dump bed and mount a boom. If the trailer is made to dump, the winch on the boom could be used to lift the bed into dumping position to eliminate needing hydraulics. Maybe make the log bed pivot over the axle like a tilt trailer.

 

[GLyford]

One of the traditional ways to do this is to have the stakes on one side of the trailer pivot at the base. Then there is a hook or staple part way up to hold a heavy cable or chain. The two ends are attached back to the frame or bunk, and the center of the loop goes to an over-center latch on the other side of the trailer. The latch is operated with a rod that goes to the end, with a large handle with a safety loop that flips over the end to keep it in place when loaded. When you want to unload, the loop is lifted, the handle is pulled back over center, which releases the stakes to fall down and let the logs roll off. I can't find any decent pictures on Google, but it's a pretty simply system.

 

[Mysfyt]

I would be thinking about brakes for safety reasons.

 

[muddstopper]

One of the traditional ways to do this is to have the stakes on one side of the trailer pivot at the base. Then there is a hook or staple part way up to hold a heavy cable or chain. The two ends are attached back to the frame or bunk, and the center of the loop goes to an over-center latch on the other side of the trailer. The latch is operated with a rod that goes to the end, with a large handle with a safety loop that flips over the end to keep it in place when loaded. When you want to unload, the loop is lifted, the handle is pulled back over center, which releases the stakes to fall down and let the logs roll off. I can't find any decent pictures on Google, but it's a pretty simply system.

they are called trip standards, We used to use that system on our old cable loader log trucks. One turck used to have trips on both sides. The problem with that setup is if you overload the truck or trailer, the stakes would start to sag outward as the cables stretched. for the most part, that type of system worked pretty dang good.
drawing I found of one http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US2788225-0.png

 

[TnAndy]

I would be thinking about brakes for safety reasons.

Amen. ATVs don't weigh much, and any size log trailer would be an invitation to disaster on a down hill grade.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Why not set the bar high, here is what I like, too bad you can not get them here.

Forest Pro Timber Wagon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyUkPM1c6ps

David

 

[Garandman]

Versa-Trailer Utility Trailers | DR Power Equipment

 

[GLyford]

they are called trip standards, drawing I found of one http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US2788225-0.png

This one is a little closer to the one I remember:
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US2891485-0.png