I just built a sled to help skid logs out of the woods.
Plan is to roll the log on, get a good bite with the chain & drag it out with the rope around the ball.
I think if I keep the nose of the log from digging in, I should be able to pull it.
The terrain is not good solid & level, it's un-even, hills, roots etc. & making a good trail only lasts for a few logs then I have to move.
I made it narrow so to go thru where I can drive the ATV.
My system las year was a modified hitch that sat on the ATV ball & hooked to the rear rack. Most of the
weight is on the ATV ball but some pull stress o on the rack, so far now rack issues.
Pic show the hole in the bottom that sits over the ATV ball
I hooked the chain hook to the chain around the log & it drug the logs OK most of the time.
It works good for hauling around the log splitter & OK for skidding, but I broke it a few times & beefed it up after each failure.
If I can chain the log tight, as I move the ATV forward it lifts the front of the log off the ground . The down side is;
up hill pulls lift the front wheels off the ground & loose steering & risk a back flip :bug:, & no rear suspension.
Pulling low down on the ATV ball with the sled , the ATV should better front end weight & traction.
Came up with the sled after looking a BWS "dray". I think if I keep the front of the log from digging in, it will drag OK.
I'll give it a test this year & post success or failure pictures.
The chain connection to the sled may be the weak link, 3/8 bolt thru the chain & the 3/4" plywood with a big washer.
The rope could be a "Y" of metal with a trailer hitch too.
Want to see if it works & modify if it does & some part fails.
Plan is to roll the log on, get a good bite with the chain & drag it out with the rope around the ball.
I think if I keep the nose of the log from digging in, I should be able to pull it.
The terrain is not good solid & level, it's un-even, hills, roots etc. & making a good trail only lasts for a few logs then I have to move.
I made it narrow so to go thru where I can drive the ATV.
My system las year was a modified hitch that sat on the ATV ball & hooked to the rear rack. Most of the
weight is on the ATV ball but some pull stress o on the rack, so far now rack issues.
Pic show the hole in the bottom that sits over the ATV ball
I hooked the chain hook to the chain around the log & it drug the logs OK most of the time.
It works good for hauling around the log splitter & OK for skidding, but I broke it a few times & beefed it up after each failure.
If I can chain the log tight, as I move the ATV forward it lifts the front of the log off the ground . The down side is;
up hill pulls lift the front wheels off the ground & loose steering & risk a back flip :bug:, & no rear suspension.
Pulling low down on the ATV ball with the sled , the ATV should better front end weight & traction.
Came up with the sled after looking a BWS "dray". I think if I keep the front of the log from digging in, it will drag OK.
I'll give it a test this year & post success or failure pictures.
The chain connection to the sled may be the weak link, 3/8 bolt thru the chain & the 3/4" plywood with a big washer.
The rope could be a "Y" of metal with a trailer hitch too.
Want to see if it works & modify if it does & some part fails.