Trusty JD and a big Log

[4570Man]

That's the same volume I got and I said I seriously doubted that pine was that heavy. I also seriously doubt that the volume is actually 70 cf if it was 36" at the butt end. I find most charts are on the high side.

 

[Xfaxman]

Yep, a chart can give a good estimate. I used my platform scales to weigh this cottonwood trunk back in 2009:

 

[jerrybob]

If you have to strain its big enough.

That applies to a lot of things at my age.

 

[oosik]

You must use the charts in the correct manner. The ten foot chunk of P. pine is 38" on one end and 35" on the other. So - I used 36" as an average. Its close enough for my concerns. I have no platform scales like Xfaxman and I'm dam sure not going to tote it into the ADM grain scales in Cheney.

 

[Xfaxman]

Here is one that lets you input the measurement at each end: Log Weight Calculator at WOODWEB

 

[4570Man]

There's a set of truck scales at the sawmill. I really should figure the volume and the actual weight. After a couple tries I could probably have a fairly accurate weight per volume.

 

[oosik]

I use - forestryforum.com. I think the BIG variable in - "how much does that log weigh" - will be found in - how long has it been since the tree was fallen and how much moisture has the "chunk" lost.

Lordy Lu - I've even seen web sites where you can factor in the moisture content of the "chunk" if you have the equipment to measure it.

I've often though it would be nice to have a gantry crane and some form of hanging scales - but then again I'm not weighing gold bars.

 

[4570Man]

I use - forestryforum.com. I think the BIG variable in - "how much does that log weigh" - will be found in - how long has it been since the tree was fallen and how much moisture has the "chunk" lost.

Lordy Lu - I've even seen web sites where you can factor in the moisture content of the "chunk" if you have the equipment to measure it.

I've often though it would be nice to have a gantry crane and some form of hanging scales - but then again I'm not weighing gold bars.

There's a lot of big variables. 1 assuming the log is a perfect cylinder or even taper. 2 assuming the moisture content. 3 assuming all red oak trees weigh the same.

 

[MossRoad]

You could always start filling your FEL bucket with sacks of cement and see how many it takes to get the rear wheels off the ground. Then you'd have a known number to deal with.

Then, the next time you pick up a big log, drive it over to your pile O cement sacks, and add some until it tips again. Then do the math...................... or not. Sounds like work. :laughing: