Loading logs

[goaliedad]

Given the access is only from the rear of the trailer, and the boom most likely will not pick up the whole log I would lift one end of the log onto the trailer, and place a pipe or small log under it, then pick up the other end of the log with the boom, and slowly back the log onto the trailer. Piece of cake! You could also use a come-along to pull the log in. Of course you have to make sure the tongue doesn't go up!

The first logs I loaded were on a similar trailer- no tractor, lots of "sure we can do this.." we unhooked the trailer from the tow vehicle, and used a comealong to pull the first log onto the trailer just enough to hold it, tongue up. Then two more logs were pulled in. We kept pulling one, then another until the trailer was just about balanced, Pulled the tongue down and pulled, pushed the logs in the rest of the way. Lots of work, and not real safe, but hey, it worked.

I now have an old boat trailer frame that makes a great log hauler- no sides help a bunch!

 

[Jstpssng]

Chain I got, I am gonna buy Tractor Supply Company - BOOM POLE and give it a shot. It is much easier than building a graple.

Thanks

Just a word of caution, a 12foot log 15inches on small end is about115 board feet, and will weigh around 1200 LBS.

 

[Highbeam]

Er, uh, that trailer looks to be at most 8 feet long. Single axle trailer, heck any trailer, needs 10% or more tongue weight. 12 foot long log. I see a problem. Do you intend to cut the logs to fit within the trailer bed?

I have winched, with a come-a-long, my dead 4500 lb tractor up and into my car hauler trailer. It took a little while and I got thirsty but the experience tells me that a come-a-long will get this done for you.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Er, uh, that trailer looks to be at most 8 feet long. Single axle trailer, heck any trailer, needs 10% or more tongue weight. 12 foot long log. I see a problem. Do you intend to cut the logs to fit within the trailer bed?

I have winched, with a come-a-long, my dead 4500 lb tractor up and into my car hauler trailer. It took a little while and I got thirsty but the experience tells me that a come-a-long will get this done for you.

You are right, the trailer is 8 feet, but I can load it all the way to the end of the tongue and it gives me 2.5 more feet. I moved long logs with this setup, just has to take it slow and easy.

But thanks for the warning, always good to bring the attention to safety.

 

[1948berg]

An easy way to lift logs is to use two parelell "ladders" standing quite close together. The log will almost balance, so you can lift it from step to step
http://www.logosol.no/media/sawmill/accessories/log_ladder/x300/log_ladder.jpg
Maybe the pyramids were made this way?
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