ballast box / log skidder

[jonsstihl]

I'm starting the research stage of my log skidder / ballast box build

If I'm going to build it I might as well including everything I could possibly use. I'm thinking of pouring a concrete block with a loop in it and making the frame around it out of steel so the ballast part can be removed in case I skid a big log out of the woods.

here is what is going to be on it.

- hitch receiver
- ballast, thinking about 3 cubic feet (450 Lbs) to keep it compact
- grab hooks to skid logs or atleast to hold chains and I can skid logs with a draw bar mounted grab hook on the hitch
- a frame to hold small logs off the ground similar to the smart-holder firewood holder from "bailey's"


I have a loader to carry tools so I don't think I want to add tool holders

I know I have to come up with a good way to clamp down the block of concrete to make it safe but does anyone see anything wrong with removable ballast.

 

[GE222]

Sounds like a great idea, but instead of concrete, how about a heavy steel box. It can be filled with heavy items, chains, tools, or steel weights. I know I am now the first person to put tools in a loader bucket, only to get to the destination and find some of them are missing, as they bounced out! :ashamed:

 

[jonsstihl]

what about wall thickness

I'm thinking of building the rack that holds the block of concrete with 2" angle iron that is 3/16 wall thickness (I already have this from another project)

the base is going to be 2" square tube but I'm not sure about the wall thickness

I'm assuming 3/16 should be strong enough. anyone build one and bent it all up on the first log they lifted?

It will have one upright for the top link mount in front and one upright in back for the log skidder the problem is for the ballast to be removable I need to tie in the uprights from the sides instead of across the top.

I'm going to slant the top so I can see the hitch to hook up a trailer.

 

[Tdawg]

I can't really picture your design, but I'm pretty sure that 450 lbs. bouncing around in the woods would bend 3/16 angle pretty quick. For tubing use at least .250 wall.