Need to build a log arch. Looking for a little advice...

Cord · Jun 15, 2019

I need to build an Atv log arch. The logs we cut are about 24" diameter and are 21' long. These are poplar, but also have Birch, oak and cedar on the property. What are you guys using for the frame tube? I was thinking of 3/16x2", but I don't know that's too small or too heavy. I was thinking I make the tounge telescopic so it be easier to pull into the woods.

What about brakes? I have hills to go down (not up) and I was thinking I'd prefer brakes over using a trailing ATV. Will a brake controller work on a ATV?

caver · Jun 15, 2019

My EZ Boardwalk arch is at least 3" square tubing. The tongue is heavy. It's usually easier to lift arch onto log but if you don't have a second person then you have to try and back the arch onto a log with the ATV.

MossRoad · Jun 15, 2019

Cord said:
I need to build an Atv log arch. The logs we cut are about 24" diameter and are 21' long. These are poplar, but also have Birch, oak and cedar on the property. What are you guys using for the frame tube? I was thinking of 3/16x2", but I don't know that's too small or too heavy. I was thinking I make the tounge telescopic so it be easier to pull into the woods.

What about brakes? I have hills to go down (not up) and I was thinking I'd prefer brakes over using a trailing ATV. Will a brake controller work on a ATV?

That's darn near a 3000# log according to this calculator (which is very handy, by the way :thumbsup

Log Weight Calculator at WOODWEB

I suppose you could put electric brakes on the log arch, like any other trailer wheels, and use a controller, but you probably would have to activate it manually with the thumb lever VS wanting inertia to activate it.

How much does your ATV weigh?

4570Man · Jun 15, 2019

Pulling 3,000 of log plus the log arch seems like a tall order for an ATV. I’d definitely want brakes.

bcp · Jun 15, 2019

Use the design that lets the log down onto the ground on hard braking.

Here's one, from

Down in Dens Wood: Logging Arch

Bruce

Cord · Jun 16, 2019

There's no way I'll be able to drag one one of the log. Because of the weight I must carry it. I entered the data into the above website and got 2200lb. Will a 550lb Rubicon even move that? I'm thinking not.

MossRoad · Jun 16, 2019

I entered 24" x 21' yellow poplar and got over 2883 pounds.

Regardless, that's a lot of weight to try to control with an ATV.

4570Man · Jun 16, 2019

Pulling my wood splitter that weighs 1100 pounds is pretty much the max my Mule 600 can handle with power being the most limiting part. In poor conditions the traction sucks too. Your 4 wheeler probably has slightly more power and is probably 4 wheel drive and mine isn’t but I don’t think it’s up to the task of pulling 3 times as much especially on hills.

Cord · Jun 16, 2019

Miss, you are making the assumption the log doesn't taper. I also noticed the site is assuming the tree is green with 75% moisture. These have been drying for 6 months, so I'd guess the moisture to be around 35%. Not sure how much of a weight reduction that equates to, maybe 1-200lb. Still 4x the weight of the ATV. Guess I'll have to use the skid steer to move them. That'll suck because I'll need to make multiple trips.