Log Skidding Arch

[c203862]

Good afternoon Folks,

I am building a log skidding arch to tow behind my atv. I am at the point that I can affix my axles but I have hit a bit of a road block. I have 1.5" pipe but the fit to the axles is kinda sloppy or would it be best to pass the axle thru a piece of 3/8 weld both sides and affix that to the arch?

[Mondo]

You don't say the schedule of the pipe or the diameter of the axel, just note that it is a sloppy fit. Shooting from the hip I would say pass the axle thru a piece of 3/8 drilled to fit and welded to the ends of the pipe then weld the assembly to the arch. If it developes problems you have a welder and other metal working tools so you can revise as necessary later.

Are the wheels afixed to the axle such that the axle rotates as the wheels roll, or are the wheels going to roll independently of the axle and each other?

If the axle is of sufficient diameter and the wheels are mounted on it with bearings then you may be able to just weld a stub axel onto the 3/8 plate on each end of the pipe and save on materials and effort (no drilling the plate!) and the entire assembly may be quite a bit lighter.

- Mondo

[c203862]

The pipe is sched 40 and the axles are fixed and just the wheel rotates. The OD of the axle is 1.5"

Thanks in advance

[ThorsHammer]

Based on the pictures shown I don't see anything attached. As the wheels will rotate freely. than I say just weld the axle to the plate. drill the biggest whole you can in the plate to do a plug weld to the end of the stub axle and weld the circumfrance on the other side. then weld the plate to your frame. skip trying to put the axle into a tube all together. K.I.S.S!

[Reebs]

Please post when done I could use something like this I think.

[ThorsHammer]

Please post when done I could use something like this I think.

They are VERY useful.

[c203862]

Please post when done I could use something like this I think.

Will do it should be finished in 3 weeks or so its deer season the next two weeks doesnt leave much welding time!!!!

[Rkott4]

Try typing in "Atv logging arch" on google images. A lot of them look like they have added bracing to the outside of the arch and a plate or tube to mount the spindles to.
BTW it's looking good so far! Keep the pics coming.

[Rkott4]

Will do it should be finished in 3 weeks or so its deer season the next two weeks doesnt leave much welding time!!!!

Good for pulling deer out of the Bush as well!

[ThorsHammer]

Good for pulling deer out of the Bush as well!

I sure hope you're not dragging the deer out. a stick or a stump, or god forbid a gravel road will eat your hide up like no ones business.

[Rkott4]

I sure hope you're not dragging the deer out. a stick or a stump, or god forbid a gravel road will eat your hide up like no ones business.

LOL, didn't think I had to say not to drag your kill across town

[ThorsHammer]

LOL, didn't think I had to say not to drag your kill across town

they have to tell people not to let their kids play with their tools and guns. one would think that we shouldn't need to tell anyone that either.

[a1998z3]

keep showing progress...never thought about using one of these to remove kill from the hard stuff..we usually take a sheet of 3/4 plywood and drag the beast ...like this idea better..

[Tool Junkie]

I built one of these 6 years ago and have used the devil out of it.I have skidded logs that were 28" around and 80' long and the only problem was maintaining traction.
I put the handles on the back to make positioning the arch over the log easier, I found that in the trees it was easier to un hook from the ATV, move it to the log and hook it up, and then hook back up to the ATV.

Here are some pics of my rendition of this handy implement.

In

[c203862]

Tool Junkie I like that machine I hope mine lasts 6 years too!!

[mrmikey]

Not to be picky but I'm wondering if your ramp angle might be a bit steep? I'd make one of these but I cut and split all my wood in the woods, leaves the mess there.......Mike

[DSW]

Hmmm, with all the trees down on one customers place after Sandy, I may need to think about one of these.

1st thing I'll need is an ATV or small tractor though. That's been on the list, looks like it might need to be bumped up a few notches.

[c203862]

Not to be picky but I'm wondering if your ramp angle might be a bit steep? I'd make one of these but I cut and split all my wood in the woods, leaves the mess there.......Mike

It is to steep to let the chain ride up it. I am going to mount a winch near the topof the ramp to lift the logs and that way I can also pull logs to the arch if I cannot get the bike over to them There are alot of steep banks on our property with some good timber on them!!

[mrmikey]

Understood, thanks for the explanation ( nice job btw) .....Mike

[c203862]

Just a quick update

I got the axles welded to the plates. I ended up welding them to 1/2" plate and drilling a big hole and plug welding the other side. One may make the wall of shame!! i havent quite mastered the ability to run one continus pass around a round piece!! I did three passes on the outer side
I have to track down my camera so i can post up some pictures of the progress

[vpd66]

Here is the one I built.

[ThorsHammer]

VPD,

I like that set up. but why didn't you continue the truss design down to the coupler? what kind of tires are on that? space savers?

[c203862]

Vpd
I agree thats a nice looking set up

[vpd66]

VPD,

I like that set up. but why didn't you continue the truss design down to the coupler? what kind of tires are on that? space savers?

Thanks, The tires are space saver spare from the junkyard. I bought 2 rear Chevy Cavilier hubs and they threw in the mini spares. Don't quite know what you mean about continuing the truss?

[ThorsHammer]

your main bar across the top is a truss, but it stops when you drop it down to the hitch. why?