Author Topic: log grappling trailer (Read 9233 times)

aniakhenry · « **on:** November 18, 2006, 12:27:08 pm »

Hello,

I have been looking at the different hydraulic log boom style loader trailers with grapples. I have looked into Gohardy, Hudson & Remorques just to name a few. I'm wondering if there are any small woodlot owners who have built a log grappling trailer using your own trailer. I'm looking for something smaller that could tow behind a truck. The hydraulic boom and log grapple is all I will need as I have a great trailer that I could weld and convert it to work well. The hydaulic booms have down riggers they are equipped with. Anyone out their buy a log loader and mount it on their own trailer? What brand did you choose and why? Are you happy with it?

Thanks....

Brad_S. · « **Reply #1 on:** November 18, 2006, 12:43:29 pm »

I have a Majaco loader on a forestry trailer and am debating on moving it to standard OTR gooseneck trailer. Alternately, since I use it so infrequently, I am thinking of selling it outright and getting a crane like Ried Crosby and Brian Bailey have. See this link. http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=17897.0

A local tree surgeon liked my Majaco loader and bought one and mounted it on a tag a long dump trailer. He loves it but he cuts his wood short. I wouldn't be able to clear the high sides of the trailer with some of the logs I get.

Here's a custom made trailer with a Majaco loader that sold on ebay a while back that might give you some ideas.

jpgreen · « **Reply #2 on:** November 18, 2006, 01:48:22 pm »

I'm considering the same thing, but I need to be able to hoist beams up on buildings also.

I missed out on a 5000lb crane like Reid's for $1500..

I like the crane idea, but what to put it on is the question? It would tie up my pickup, and a trailer maybe harder to get into tight spots. If I could easily mount it from truck to trailer, that would be the ticket.

Furby · « **Reply #3 on:** November 18, 2006, 02:15:34 pm »

Have you looked at the Blue Ox on the left hand side of the screen?

Brad_S. · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2006, 02:41:33 pm »

jpgreen,
Brian Bailey seems to move his crane from truck to trailer rather easily. Check out his description in this thread.
http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=1766.0

aniakhenry,
GregS also has a trailer mounted home made unit. Here's a photo from his gallery.

Captain · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2006, 05:30:35 pm »

There's a big 5th wheel Metavic on EBAY right now, for a steal of a price BUY IT NOW.

Captain

Ironwood · « **Reply #6 on:** November 18, 2006, 06:08:32 pm »

The one in the picture belonging to GregS started at my place (sold it to him), I decided to keep the telescoping unit, also sold one to a FF guy in Portland Ore, it was an IMT knuckle w/out a grapple. There out there if you keep looking and use some patience.

THIS IS THE IMT

Reid

woodbowl · « **Reply #7 on:** November 19, 2006, 12:36:52 am »

aniakhenery, there are some grapple trailer plans around too if you want to build it yourself. This is not the one I was looking for, but it's a start.

Shortened link to Ebay

Modified Nov. 20, 2006 > I was going to take this ebay link off because It is an unproven design. I think now I will leave it so you all will know what NOT to buy. It seems he likes to draw up plans, but has never built them.

See for yourself. http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=19191.msg275265#msg275265

GregS · « **Reply #8 on:** November 19, 2006, 06:39:55 am »

aniaherery, I have more tweaks to do this winter and then I will paint the package. I am happy with the way this project turned out, but as with any homemade project there are bugs to work out. I actively use it and have picked up some pretty large trees...some larger than I should have tried. Please don't ask how I know this. It is the length of the trees that kill me.

Ok, I will tell you...I tried to unload a 25', 30" diameter Hemlock and ripped the grapple clean of the machine including the hoses

. A full size loader had loaded my trailer at the logging yard and I tred to unload it using my little machine.

The outriggers are manual and work well. The outriggers slide out 18" on each side giving me a wider stance. They are crank down trailer jacks welded to slide-able tubes. The the cranks are tied together so you can crank from either side and both will move together. I will take more pictures if you ask. Here is the only picture that shows the outriggers in my gallery.

As for finding a used grapple loader...Reid is right have patience. Keep your eyes open as you drive through logging towns for used loaders. Ebay is getting expensive but good deals can be found.

Good luck and don't hesitate to bounce ideas around, that is what we are here for.

jpgreen · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2006, 09:24:44 am »

Thanks for the link Brad. That's exactly what I want to do. I can kick myself for not moving on the Auto Crane for $1500. My father inlaw is in the truck hoist business, and this was one of those back in the yard deals.. ::)Oh well- another will come up.

I wonder how Brian moves it from his truck to his trailer?..

Thing can't be light..

A grapple loader would be easier to fabricate, as it doesn't telescope. I may have to do something like that. No way could I cough up 15K for a new crane.

jpgreen · « **Reply #10 on:** November 19, 2006, 10:08:26 am »

Anyone used one of these?...

Cheapyloader

Raphael · « **Reply #11 on:** November 19, 2006, 11:14:30 am »

We had a simple jib very similiar to that welded up to attach to Howard's excavater.

Not extendable but given the machine we had plenty of reach.

The disadvantage of a simple beam is you often need someone on a tag line to keep the load from rotating. Having two points of attachment (one either side of the beam) can mitigate this a little. It'd be a handy thing to have unloading logs but you've got to get them on the trailer first.

Ironwood · « **Reply #12 on:** November 19, 2006, 11:51:47 am »

JP Green,

I move my loaders all the time, both on and off the trailer for the hydraulic one and on and off the truck to get more deck space with a Venturo. I also have a removable man lift bucket that comes and goes. I welded on some pockets on each so during the on/off deal, the units are captive and can fall off the forklift forks. I have had some close calls before were steel to steel thingys slide easily.

aniakhenry · « **Reply #13 on:** November 19, 2006, 06:32:54 pm »

Thanks you all for your advice and posts...

Brad S.- Thanks for the pictures and comments, that trailer crane is going to be out of my price range, but a great looking rig. Greg S's trailer is more of what I'm looking at building only not a goosneck and smaller.

Woodbowl- I went to that site and like the idea of the plans, I have more time and enjoy the projects. We will see...

Greg S.- I love the boom that loads the logs to your mill. That is what I am looking for to mount to a trailer or to build. I would love to see more pics.

I guess it would help to explain my situation a little more. For starters I live in the middle of nowhere... Actually the middle of Alaska. No road system. The only way in and out is airplane. There are about 500 people in the Yupik village that I live in. Most of my logs come from the river in the spring. I haul them with my boat, build rafts and get them to the beach. Then the trip home is only 2 miles max. I have a homemade log arch that I haul them with to my house wioth my fourwheeler. I just drag them down the road. I burn around 12 cords of wood a year also. So I need a more efffecient way to move the logs. I like the idea of ebay or looking around, but that is more than difficult in my location. It costs around .75 a pound to fly anything in. So I would like to use what I have (a trailer) and mount a crane/winch or hydraulic to the trailer. I would even consider building a simple crane that would run on winches as I think it wouldn't be that difficult to build. I'm not a big time operation by any means. Although I would like to start milling for profit. Dimensional lumber costs an arm and a leg due to shipping. A standards 2 x 6 would cost around $15 to buy and ship in so there is market for rough cut lumber. Hope this helps. I will try to post some pics soon of my efforts for getting logs to my house and my river rafts that I make.

Furby · « **Reply #14 on:** November 19, 2006, 06:40:23 pm »

I'm wondering if the DanG/Deadheader log loader would be just what you need.

A problem with mounting a boom on your bumper pull trailer is the amount of weight it adds to the trailer.
And the location of that weight on the trailer.
When towing, most of the weight of the boom is on your hitch.

Furby · « **Reply #15 on:** November 19, 2006, 06:56:15 pm »

Here are a couple of threads:

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=6803.msg94732#msg94732
http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=17613.0

jpgreen · « **Reply #16 on:** November 19, 2006, 10:15:28 pm »

aniakhenry...

Man I thought I lived remote. That's some serious outback living there!

I've got a deadheader and parbuckle setup on one trailer, and that makes log moving pretty darn easy, and costs next to nothing. You autta really check that out.

My main need for a crane is to get beams up for building...

DR_Buck · « **Reply #17 on:** November 19, 2006, 10:19:02 pm »

Quote

Anyone used one of these?...

Cheapyloader

Yea.....and I bet it's hard keeping the back wheels on the ground when you try and lift a 2500 lb log.

jpgreen · « **Reply #18 on:** November 19, 2006, 10:31:26 pm »

Quote from: Reid Crosby on November 19, 2006, 11:51:47 am

JP Green,

I move my loaders all the time, both on and off the trailer for the hydraulic one and on and off the truck to get more deck space with a Venturo. I also have a removable man lift bucket that comes and goes. I welded on some pockets on each so during the on/off deal, the units are captive and can fall off the forklift forks. I have had some close calls before were steel to steel thingys slide easily.

Reid what's a Venturo?

Ironwood · « **Reply #19 on:** November 19, 2006, 11:36:16 pm »

JP,

Venturo is a brand name, like AutoCrane. Sorry, that is the electrohydraulic unit on the back of my truck. Fairly light, 900-1000lbs but will lift 3200lbs. People have said "your gonna lift that with your little crane" The thing has earned some serious respect round these parts. I always make a point to say "Yeah, gonna lift it with my little crane" We all smile.

R

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Author Topic: log grappling trailer (Read 9233 times)