Looking for Design Input on my New Arch (updated with pics)

[RSteiner]

That looks just like the arch I built 20+ years ago, I saw the plans in Mother Earth News. 

I did the telescoping feature and found I never used it.  The arch I made measured 8' from center of wheels to the vertical piece going down to the tongue which allowed me to handle 18' long logs when you put the large end of the log in the front.

I attached a 2 speed boat type hand winch at the rear of the arch to lift the log so it could be slinged with a chain.  Some times I wish I had one in the front also.  Most of the time I can lowed the 3PH chain up the front of the log and lift the log off the ground with the 3PH. 

If your arch finishes up as good as your drawings look you will have a fine looking project.

Randy 

[ickirby]

How is your arch design (construction?) coming along?

Finally Finnished!!!

I have not had a chance to drag any logs anywhere with it yet the primer is still drying.

I want to thank everyone for their input/feedback on my design.  I incorporated most of the suggestions that you made (or will in the first round of add-ons).

I forgot to mention total budget for the arch including all the fabricating snuck in under $1000 cdn.

Here are some pics (there are others in my gallery)

Extended Tongue


Retracted Tongue


Close up of Tongue and Coupler


Rear Portion of Arch


Rear View of Fairlead


Hub Attachment

[RSteiner]

Nice work!!

Now I bet you can't wait to scratch the paint. 

You will find it to be a very useful tool. 

I had to cut down two ash trees that were on the way out which were within 8 feet of my house.  I used my arch to pick up 15 foot lengths of the trees, one was 18" dbh and the other was 10" dbh.  Using the arch saved draging the stems across a softening lawn.

Randy

[trapper]

When my stepson built my arch I hade him put angled bumpers in front of the wheels to push the arch away from trees when i turn too short with the atv.I use a bungee cord between the two uprights to keep the log from swinging when i am traveling.  I go from an eyebolt on one upright arround the log to an eyebold on the other upright I like the idea of a fairlead for the cable to go through.
marv

[tonto]

Nice looking arch, can't wait to see it action. Tonto.