Tips on moving large Logs???

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English Oak

ArboristSite Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2006
Messages
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Location
Derby, derbyshire , England
Hi guys,

I am always getting offered wood, but as I only drive a motobike and a small car, shifting logs around to be milled is sometime abit of a problem. So I turn down loads of stuff which is very annoying. Does anyone know of any tips or hits on moving large logs around (i.e 20" +)?

Thanks
Tom
 
What about a log peavey or a cant hook? google either and you will get an idea of what they are, if you don't already.

Also maybe some type of hand winch?
 
If you don't have a peavey you should get one. They are essential to roll and position large logs.

I assume your question is about moving logs from place to place. A 20" log 8 or 9' long isn't really that heavy so any kind of low, light trailer you can roll a log up some boards onto should work. I have a friend that tows a boat using a Toyota Echo (Yaris in the UK I think) so if you can buy a hitch for your car you can tow a 20" log.
Ian
 
Moving a log is on my top two list of things that are taken for granted. Moving a boulder, you think right away, that's going to be hard. But moving a log is like, oh ya, I can get that here, until you go to move it then your faced with the reality. They are heavy ruther muckers. They flip end over end if you can get at least one end over your head. The cant hook is great for rolling. Come along for pulling or a winch. Over the road, well I haven't figured a way. And I have a dump truck and a few trailers. The truck and trailers can haul logs but they have to lifted to the bed. And lift off. The log arch looks like a great tool but the expense puts it off my list.
Good luck, English, and let us know how you get it done.
 
Hi guys,

I am always getting offered wood, but as I only drive a motobike and a small car, shifting logs around to be milled is sometime abit of a problem. So I turn down loads of stuff which is very annoying. Does anyone know of any tips or hits on moving large logs around (i.e 20" +)?

Thanks
Tom

If I have a log of 24" or so and cannot get near the log with my band mill, I now have a petrol driven winch to help drag it towards the cutting place, see

http://www.ryderswinch.co.uk/product.asp?pgid=18&prodid=87&catid=84

The set up can pull a straight ton and more if you double or treble up, well worth the money if you need to move a big walnut or similar.

There is also a wire rope winch made by Bluebird Italy see pictures att.
 
Thanks for all this info, is really good. I think a good cant hook and I'll start saving for a medium sized winch. I'm quite new to all this as i'm only 23, so any advice is great. I will post some pics at the weekend of some of the logs I've cut up.
thanks
Tom
 
Thanks for all this info, is really good. I think a good cant hook and I'll start saving for a medium sized winch. I'm quite new to all this as i'm only 23, so any advice is great. I will post some pics at the weekend of some of the logs I've cut up.
thanks
Tom

Save yourself some $ and only buy from a company out of Tolland, CT named Logrite. I just bought one of their peavey's with a stand. These puppies are indestructable and warrantied for life. The whole shang-bang will cost you about $130, but it will be the best money you ever spent.
 
Ford 555 Front end loader/backhoe with clamshell bucket.

With this setup, I can pick up a 14 ft 20" log in the front bucket and gently set it down on my support posts for milling.

Works great

Larry
 
Takeuchi TL140 w/ grapel bucket does it for me.

4000lb logs are a breeze.:D

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I once made the mistake asking about big logs. On my land a 24" log is big and a 28" is huge. To most people making a living off the forest these numbers are very small. Following is how I move my little logs on my flat land.
I have an old metal stand I place over the top of the log with a boat winch on top of it. I raise one end of the log up. With my ATV I back up the four wheel wagon (looks like a little hay wagon - Northern Tool $249.00 and holds 2000lbs). I then pull the log onto the wagon with a come-a-long. This process does not take long. I can do it by myself safely.
Don't forget, you can make a big log small. You can't make a small log big. For your big stuff for now, try quartering it were it sits and then move it. Good luck.
 
Here's one of the ways i deal with big logs...

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It's nice for loading them on the mill too, like this 20' 6" blk. Cherry...

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Rob
 
How much can you lift with that rig?

It's rated for 3,650 pounds but the best part is, it will go down the road at 22 mph to get those logs or maybe some firewood that's a few miles away...

Rob

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you just gotta think like an old timer...they used to leave a standing tree and rig it to yard and load logs with animals and ropes...nowoadays if somebody wants to do something theres a damn product you NEED!! ooooooooohhoooo:pumpkin2: But you dont need all that...everthing you need is around you you just have to have the time..a plan..and extra time and money when it takes longer than you expected...im in the same boat of masterign the art of turning a fallen tree into a house somewhere...it'll happen because i went and sold my motorcycle and car when i was 17 and bought a old ass truck ....of course it's a sacrafice but before you know it you'll have to trucks ...maybe even one big enough to pull a trailer....i'd say go big...i have a toyota 2wd for going out and doing residential tree trimming....then clean ups and hauling...winching..skidding with my 86 4x4 ford turbo diesel......my suggestions are get your rigging figured out and have a buddy with a full size truck rent a dump trailer or tie down to a flat bed...and use a tree to winch up logs and back the trailer under...or jack up a log if theres no trees and get a come along.....All of this rigging is absolutly crucial .....but useless without the knoledge to do it:newbie:
 
well while you're at it how would you suggest moving really big logs 60" plus without the benefit of a tractor/himac/skidder? there's just me & my station wagon and a more than enough determination (read:stubbornness) to get it it home by hook or by crook. I'm always looking for the ways and means to make my life a tad easier.
 
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