Log trailer

[SI2305]

Hi All,

I wanted to avoid a bit of confusion about how this actually works. I actually considered threaded rod, but since it would have to go through 2' of 4x4, it just did not seem practical. In effect, the 4x4 is the axel for strength purposes while the lag screw is the axel for bearing purposes. It has been mentioned on this thread that an arch structure could help. What I did instead was use some materials at hand, buy a little hardware and one hand cranked winch. Here are a few pictures. I admit, they are posed, but they do show the intended purpose. Normally, the tractor would be at the other end, but these pictures show how the arch (a well-built stepladder), and a marine hand winch attached to some left over 4x4 can be used to lift a surprising amount of timber just high enough to get onto the log trailer.

As always, any thoughts are appreciated.

SI2305

JD 2305
200CX, LX4, 60" Grader blade, 60" LandPride finish mower that replaced our old lawn mower, middlebuster, home made grass rake for long field grass collection, and now a specialized trailer to move heavy logs

Thanks

 

[bcp]

Go to a wrecking yard and find an old VW Rabbit (and some others) rear end.

Rotate it so the crossbar is on top and weld a long trailer tongue to it.

You just made an "instant" logging arch.

Bruce

 

[SI2305]

BCP,

Actually, I like your idea, problem is two issues with me:

1) Wood is cheap and metal is expensive (war and housing crises?)

2) My entire skill set (and tools) is in wood, zero in metal

A further complication is that while I love my tractor, I love my wife more. Consequently we own a compact car, a minivan--and that is it! I doubt I could have carried away the axel you suggested. Moreover, this was a cheap project. The entire project cost around $45. $30 went into the hand crank and other metal attachments. The rest of the cost went into the wheels, some of which I already owned, the rest I matched at a local farm supply store. As I stated before, I have absolutely no experience in metalworking (though I may have to change that!) but I do have some fairly good carpentry examples. Case in point: the bolt "axels" were drilled into endgrain 4x4. To make sure they were in the center, I used a simple carpenters square (maybe the handiest tool on earth!) and made an "x" by drawing from corner to corner. The intersection was the location of the pilot hole. I then drilled by removing the ruler from the carpenter's square and eyeball aligning the bit with the square, still in place and I drilled a reasonable straight and centered pilot hole. This worked for the roughly 4 inches I drilled, but since I own neither a drill press, nor a horizontal boring machine, I doubt I could have drilled straight through 2 feet of wood as some have suggested (even though I like the idea).

Finally, this can be packed up and stashed away in the garage and basically disappear into the clutter or it can be loaded into the bucket and hauled to the worksite.

Don't get me wrong, I like you idea, and the thought of a true log arch with built in wheels and one great big lever certainly appeals to me but I don't think it is in the cards for me right now. I nevertheless appreciate your input as these posts do wonders for influencing my next project (and there is ALWAYS a next project--what would I do without them?!?!)

Thanks for you posts

SI2305

JD 2305
200CX, LX4, 60" Grader blade, 60" LandPride finish mower that replaced our old lawn mower, middlebuster, home made grass rake for long field grass collection, and now a specialized trailer to move heavy logs

Thanks

 

[sfloggie]

SI,

I would add the Roleezｮ wheel which one company is calling by another name. This shows what they look like from the other company by another name.
Hotshot Products - Roleez Wheels for Sale

The Roleez wheel conforms to any terrain and can be moved by even a child. It is used on the beach handicap chairs and to move jet skies. Truly a great product. It will raise the cart and conform to the terrain as noted.

It was invented by Dr Bill Tuggle who can sell it through this address.
New Concept Products, Inc
Attn: Dr Bill Tuggle
5717 Sellger Drive
Norfolk, Virginia 23502

Jim

 

[SI2305]

sfloggie,

THAT is a great idea. I used the largest wheelbarrow/cart tire I could get locally specifically so that it would roll easily. How did you hear of this? I have a couple of questions:
1) Is is a wheelbarrow wheel in that it has its own bearing?

2) Does it match a wheelbarrow size shaft?

3) A big, fat tire really helps to roll nicely over uneven, disrupted ground, but I am concerned about raising the log too much. My thought and designs for my trailer was to make the load bearing surface as close to the ground as possible. It does not look like be a problem but the issue is never far from my mind.

4) I don't have these, but is there a solid tire option? I almost bought 2 of these and then decided against it. I retrospect, when I look at what I have cleared, solid tires would be a blessing.

Thanks for the great advise, you can be I will take this under consideration for future modifications. If you have any info on issues 1 and 2, I would love to hear back.

As always, thanks

SI2305

JD 2305
200CX, LX4, 60" Grader blade, 60" LandPride finish mower that replaced our old lawn mower, middlebuster, home made grass rake for long field grass collection, and now a specialized trailer to move heavy logs