Log skidding

[D8Chumley]

I've been kicking around a log arch for my atv to haul logs out of my woods easier. The one I saw on Northern tools got terrible reviews, so I started Googling and found this

http://www.landmsupply.com/departme...=google_base&gclid=CPq3zqak3soCFU6QHwod87gBBA

Looking for opinions, I was thinking I could make something cheaper but maybe with my lack of fabricating tools and supplies it might be easier to just get this and try it. Anyone have one, use one, or have other alternatives to recommend?

 

[cachunko]

I've never used either one, but that timbertuff one looks decent, and takes up less real estate than an arch would. And you could SURELY make one like that timbertuff easily enough and for a whole lot less than $180. I'd give it a shot. You wouldn't be out much! It has pretty good reviews on Amazon - 4.1 stars. I could see it being a pain in the butt to get that little skid underneath of a big heavy log though.

 

[D8Chumley]

For the amount that I will use it, I can't see spending ~ $400+ for an arch, especially if the wheels are going to break off. I might have to talk to some of the mechanics and welders at work to see if we have any scrap I can make the "skid" out of, and I could buy the spreader chain at TSC or the like. I have some old chain I could use for the log cinch and an old binder I found on a job. Hmmmm wheels in my head are turning...
Edit: I'll be pulling this with my Honda Rincon 650 and probably by myself, so I will have to keep the pieces to a manageable size

 

[cachunko]

For the amount that I will use it, I can't see spending ~ $400+ for an arch, especially if the wheels are going to break off. I might have to talk to some of the mechanics and welders at work to see if we have any scrap I can make the "skid" out of, and I could buy the spreader chain at TSC or the like. I have some old chain I could use for the log cinch and an old binder I found on a job. Hmmmm wheels in my head are turning...
Edit: I'll be pulling this with my Honda Rincon 650 and probably by myself, so I will have to keep the pieces to a manageable size

No way would I spend $400 on an arch. I think if you had scrap stuff laying around you could build one easy enough - that's what I was going to do but then decided I didnt really need it. A honda would have zero problems pulling the logs as long as it has enough weight to keep the tires from spinning. I have a ranger 400 that pulls logs no problem. Like I said, you don't really have anything to lose. Some steel mills may even have a piece of scrap they would let you have. Try a junk yard for a piece of plate steel too.

 

[cachunko]

Check this out
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200452219_200452219

 

[rustynut]

i thought the idea was to get them out of the dirt & mud so you wouldnt have to run your saw thru that stuff?......might want to look a bit further at the ones that allow you to lift the nose dragging only the tail end. prolly save saw chains & bars which would justify that cost difference......rn

 

[D8Chumley]

RN I try to skid them out when there's still snow on the ground but I agree with what you're saying. I have an old axle from a little red wagon that will probably bend in half but something like that I'm thinking if the log was light enough I could pick it up and ratchet strap that to the back ( or front ). It will be some trial and error for sure. Cachunko that's not a bad idea with that link, but I'm not paying that much for that. I like the concept but not the price tag.

I went to our shop and found a few old chains that were broken, so that part I'm good with. I have a few shackles also, so it's a matter of scrounging up the rest of the materials. I found an old steel shelve in the metal dumpster, probably too light but I'll try it. As far as having enough weight to keep the tires from spinning, I'm a svelte 230 lbs and I could always ratchet strap an oak round to the racks front and back if need be

 

[DUMF]

Used a hood from a 50's Ford truck as a skidder. Dead cheap--free. Deteriorates quickly though.
I have tried an arch for the ATV once, it is more a PITA to get to the log. So now I just cut the timber into manageable lengths, tie a line to an end, pull it to where I can buck it. Love the KISS principle.

 

[FTG-05]

Keep it simple:







I got the tongs from Logrite years ago. One of the best tools I have for skidding logs and whole trees (like that medium Poplar shown above) that I have. (broken link removed to http://www.logrite.com/store/Item/logtongs)

Good luck!


ETA: And don't forget to order one of these while you're at it! (broken link removed to http://www.logrite.com/store/Item/bottle-opener)

 

[Dantheman300z]

The Timber Tuff items I used at my last landscaping job were very poorly made. The rings and chains do not hold up to much strain or weight.

 

[MaulMan]

I skid logs with a utility vehicle and a 12' long choker cable I got from Baileys. The logs get dirty, for sure, so sometimes I clean the area I'm going to cut with a scrub brush or wire brush. I'll roll the log so the cleanest side is up, cut it, then roll it and cut up (with the top of the bar) so I don't go through the dirt on the top of the log. It works darn good.

 

[mark cline]

I skid logs with a utility vehicle and a 12' long choker cable I got from Baileys. The logs get dirty, for sure, so sometimes I clean the area I'm going to cut with a scrub brush or wire brush. I'll roll the log so the cleanest side is up, cut it, then roll it and cut up (with the top of the bar) so I don't go through the dirt on the top of the log. It works darn good.

When I cut muddy wood , I'll start the chain through the clean wood and let the chain come out through the mud. The chain never touches the mud. I can cut a cord or more before I change chains.

 

[D8Chumley]

The last 2 posts are what I do now also. Just looking for something to make skidding them out easier from deeper in the woods where I want to go next. Thicker woods, more grapevine, stumps and snags to work aroumd

 

[rustynut]

i used to drag them out with 4 whlr.....was pulling over ice once and log broke thru. stopped me instantly bending my rack.
had the chain tied to the rack trying to keep the nose up........bent it back.........rn

 

[sportbikerider78]

In my brief 37 years on this earth, I have learned a couple of absolutes. One of them is getting the right tool for the job. Purpose built equipment is the only way to go. That is why I don't put a plow on my ATV or turn my chainsaw into a leafblower.

Logs are heavy. ATV's are light. Heavy towing and skidding with an ATV will likely cost you in the long run.

If it was me, I'd buck the logs where they drop or buy a tractor.

 

[D8Chumley]

In my brief 37 years on this earth, I have learned a couple of absolutes. One of them is getting the right tool for the job. Purpose built equipment is the only way to go. That is why I don't put a plow on my ATV or turn my chainsaw into a leafblower.

Logs are heavy. ATV's are light. Heavy towing and skidding with an ATV will likely cost you in the long run.

If it was me, I'd buck the logs where they drop or buy a tractor.

My father in law has the tractor in my sig. He lives with us. He is too lazy to fix it even though he is retired and does nothing but eat and steal my oxygen. I would finish fixing it, but why should I when I normally work 55-60 hours a week? I mean, it might eventually come down to that but right now I'm making do with what I have. I thought it was a good "tinker" project for him when he bought it, turns out not really

I drug a few out today with a cable until it got muddy then I bucked more up and strapped them to the back rack. Probably got 1/3 cord of standing dead dogwood, a few pieces of cottonwood ( didn't waste too much time with this but it was in my way to get to the dogwood ) some pin cherry and black walnut. Roamed the woods with the saw and cut up what I found, it was a good morning! More to get, but really I didn't feel the need to rush into it lol. Looks like I'll be off at least through Monday

 

[English BoB]

Isnt this thread turning into a real drag.

bob

 

[D8Chumley]

Good one Bob!

 

[Boiler74]

Build a dray.

 

[heavy hammer]

That thing could be made for much less I competed in strongman for years that is pretty much the same sled we had at the gym or competitions. I like Boiler74 s sled simple and effective. Or as others have said a tractor is not a bad option either, there cool plus a lot of fun. No matter how powerful you think your back is or how great your endurance is that tractor will win. It never gets tired and is much stronger than any lifters I have ever seen.

 

[D8Chumley]

Build a dray. View attachment 174053

How well would/does that hold up in the woods? I thought about making one, does it do ok without snow? There is a lot of uneven ground, vines and saplings, underbrush etc to contend with in my woods. Just wondering how durable it is, but I guess it's easily enough to rebuild or fix. What did you use to attach the chain to the front, eye bolts? Any pics of the front? I have a few of those landscape timbers and I have a bunch of oak 3"x3" I got from the job I've been cutting up for the stove but I have plenty and could use some to make those cross braces

Heavy hammer I kinda have a tractor, and yes it would work well, if it worked... Where I was playing yesterday the quad worked pretty good, just need a drag or dray to keep the logs from digging in. I'm happy to see I'm not the only one that would rather make something than buy it. And regarding the strongman competition, that is awesome! I was a gym rat before the family also but nothing to that extent. So, I guess you can run one saw in each hand then? Lol

 

[Boiler74]

How well would/does that hold up in the woods? I thought about making one, does it do ok without snow? There is a lot of uneven ground, vines and saplings, underbrush etc to contend with in my woods. Just wondering how durable it is, but I guess it's easily enough to rebuild or fix. What did you use to attach the chain to the front, eye bolts? Any pics of the front? I have a few of those landscape timbers and I have a bunch of oak 3"x3" I got from the job I've been cutting up for the stove but I have plenty and could use some to make those cross braces

I don't have one. Just know of their existence. Dennis, a former member here, was a proponent. Check out this thread.

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/atvs-for-snaking-logs-out-of-the-woods.122483/#post-1641191

 

[D8Chumley]

I don't have one. Just know of their existence. Dennis, a former member here, was a proponent. Check out this thread.

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/atvs-for-snaking-logs-out-of-the-woods.122483/#post-1641191

I thought I recognized that pic as his dray. I remember seeing his post with that pic. Where did he get to? Thanks for the link, I might have to throw one of those together and see how it works.

 

[Boiler74]

I thought I recognized that pic as his dray. I remember seeing his post with that pic. Where did he get to? Thanks for the link, I might have to throw one of those together and see how it works.

He's on another site. I found him by googling his screen name.

 

[heavy hammer]

Never been a big saw guy D8Chumley I have always been the guy that wants to swing a maul or a 20 lb sledge all day. But for your skidding solution just find some thin plate steel drill a couple holes put some eye bolts for hooking up to atv. For the angle heat and a vise could have a steel place cut you the size and length you want and ask them to put a bend in it. Around where I live there is a iron and steel dealer that has whatever you need, or can make it. If you know how to weld or someone that does your set. That is how I had all my strongman implements made. To expensive to buy.