Log Hauler

[HawkinsHollow]

I need a way to move logs to the sawmill. A buddy of mine runs a scrapyard and got this propane tank hauling trailer in. I began to wonder, how would that work as a log hauler. Now I am not talking about huge logs, but 2 or 3 15-20" pine logs winched up and then set down on cross beams to head down the road. Seem like it would work well to me. No machinery needed in the whole process, that is a plus. What does the TBN braintrust think? He only wants $500 for it, seems fair.

 

[MossRoad]

Looks doable and it's road rated, correct?

 

[HawkinsHollow]

The other option would be a deck over trailer and parbuckling the logs up. Cheapest deck over trailer I have found on Marketplace is $1100.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Looks doable and it's road rated, correct?

I imagine it is road rated.

 

[2manyrocks]

May need some tires...bearings? Also need a way to secure logs to the trailer when on the road.

 

[MossRoad]

The other option would be a deck over trailer and parbuckling the logs up. Cheapest deck over trailer I have found on Marketplace is $1100.

I've thought about parbuckling onto my car hauler. I've also thought about putting an arch on the back of it and using hydraulics and/or winch to do it.

Reality sets in and I no longer need to move many logs because the winters have changed so much here that it doesn't get cold enough to use wood heat most of the winter. Went from 6 cords per season down to maybe 1.5 cords.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

I've thought about parbuckling onto my car hauler. I've also thought about putting an arch on the back of it and using hydraulics and/or winch to do it.

Reality sets in and I no longer need to move many logs because the winters have changed so much here that it doesn't get cold enough to use wood heat most of the winter. Went from 6 cords per season down to maybe 1.5 cords.

Yeah, I like the log arches on the back that uses a winch to lift the log onto the trailer. That would require me to buy a trailer, buy a winch and fabricate it. Also log removal is a bit more awkward. This would require none of that. And be $500 all in. IF IT WORKS!

 

[MossRoad]

Back over the logs, lift them up, slide support beams under the logs, lower them down on support beams, chain and ratchet strap everything down, be on your way.

Sounds easy on paper.

 

[MossRoad]

Maybe pin the support beams in place for safety. You could use bolts with clip pins for ease of use.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Back over the logs, lift them up, slide support beams under the logs, lower them down on support beams, chain and ratchet strap everything down, be on your way.

Sounds easy on paper.

Yep, that is what I am thinking. The arch seems quite sturdy, there are numerous pulleys in the lifting apparatus increasing the lifting power. Seems to me like it would work.

 

[MossRoad]

Looks like a photo thread is in your future!

 

[CliffordK]

Do you know your log weights? Trailer weight rating?

That appears to be a 6 bolt wheel, so somewhere around 5K to 7K.

I'd really prefer using a dually, tandem, or tandem dually.

It appears as if there is a rear cross member on the trailer, but is all of that removable so it can drive over tanks?

Oh, what is the weight rating on the winch? It could well be worth more than the trailer.

Whatever you build, it will have to be SAFE. So, it won't be throwing a couple of wood 4x4's under the logs and heading down the road. Think like 1/4" 6x6 steel, or I-Beams. They could be heavy to safely drag under your trailer and up onto the beams.

I believe Cheese Blocks have been illegal for quite some time, at least around here.

 

[Rockbadchild]

that would be perfect, it look sturdy, HWY road or dirt road ?

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Do you know your log weights? Trailer weight rating?

That appears to be a 6 bolt wheel, so somewhere around 5K to 7K.

I'd really prefer using a dually, tandem, or tandem dually.

It appears as if there is a rear cross member on the trailer, but is all of that removable so it can drive over tanks?

Oh, what is the weight rating on the winch? It could well be worth more than the trailer.

Whatever you build, it will have to be SAFE. So, it won't be throwing a couple of wood 4x4's under the logs and heading down the road. Think like 1/4" 6x6 steel, or I-Beams. They could be heavy to safely drag under your trailer and up onto the beams.

I believe Cheese Blocks have been illegal for quite some time, at least around here.

Those are all excellent questions. I am going to look at it after work today.

I think the winch might be manual, that is what the lever is on the side I think.

What are cheese blocks?

 

[MossRoad]

You could use some rectangular steel tubing for cross members. Make one pivot at the front of the trailer, one on the opposite side pivot to the middle, and one on the back if necessary. Then you only have to disconnect one side and leave them pinned along the frame rails until you get the log raised, then swing them under and across.

But in reality, rectangular steel tubing isn't that heavy. You could weld a guide onto each side of the trailer and just slide them in and out by hand. Maybe weld on a handle for convenience.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

that would be perfect, it look sturdy, HWY road or dirt road ?

Highway road. I initially have about 10 15-20" pine logs I need to grab with it. I can stay on 2 lane country roads for about 5 miles to get from there to my property.

 

[MossRoad]

...

What are cheese blocks?

I don't know buy you can get them in HO scale.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

You could use some rectangular steel tubing for cross members. Make one pivot at the front of the trailer, one on the opposite side pivot to the middle, and one on the back if necessary. Then you only have to disconnect one side and leave them pinned along the frame rails until you get the log raised, then swing them under and across.

But in reality, rectangular steel tubing isn't that heavy. You could weld a guide onto each side of the trailer and just slide them in and out by hand. Maybe weld on a handle for convenience.

Yep, heavy rectangular or heavy c channel is what I was thinking. I posted on a sawmill forum and one guy recommended pipe rollers as supports so I could just attatch to a tree and drive out to unload.

 

[jyoutz]

Research the appropriate weight of the logs and see if the weight rating of the trailer is appropriate. Weight of logs can be approximated by the weight per board foot by species.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Research the appropriate weight of the logs and see if the weight rating of the trailer is appropriate. Weight of logs can be approximated by the weight per board foot by species.

There is a log weight calculator online as well.