Outrigger Log Arch

[Magicman]

After I installed the Fine Adjust Outriggers (FAO's) on my sawmill I was contacted by a member about the old ones.  Sadly (for him) I had to inform him that I had other plans and those plans were building a much needed log arch.  I realize that using the proper lengths of steel would have probably been better, but this was what I had.


 
The first thing that I did was to chop the feet off of the outrigger posts.


 
I beveled the ends and welded them together end to end.


 
I had a mobile home axle which I chopped off leaving enough stub to weld my arch frame to.


 
After the "arch" frame was welded up and wheels attached,  I welded my outrigger tongue to the arch.


 
All of the frame is 2"X3" tubing and it has a 10' clearance to haul a 20' log.  It is 48" high and 44" between the axles.  I have a section of "sucker rod" at the farm that I will use across the top for a strongback. 

My only cost was the $15 for the trailer hitch.

[wood monger]

That's some nice magineering, MM.

[drobertson]

Not too shabby Lynn, I have been giving the idea of building one myself, I'm sure when I do I'll wonder what took me so long in doing.  I have some long skids and can only drag one at a time anyway, so why not?  good job man!
david

[Magicman]

I forgot to mention it but I oriented the outrigger holes on the top.  That way I can hook my cable hoist or tongs at any point.  Also wasp will not be building their nest in it.  I don't really know why I put the overhang on the back.  I reckon because I could.   ;D   :D

[Andy White]

Lynn,
Looks to me like you are going into the log cutting/hauling business! That arch should haul the big ones with no problems. Good looking design. A good coat of WM Orange will have it looking like a new one.    Andy

[21incher]

Nice job. That arch will handle a huge log. Would look nice John Deere green.

[Magicman]

Actually Andy, I have a special tree felling, skidding project scheduled for next week.  I was not wanting to actually skid the logs, so I was on a mission to finish the arch.  I believe that even without the strongback, it will serve the purpose well.   ;D

[m wood]

cant wait to see it put thru the paces Lynn.  21incher, mine would have to caterpillar yellow :laugh:

[thecfarm]

That's how I build suff,whatever I have handy. I have a lot of handy out behind the house too.

[justallan1]

Looks good. Were you planning to add gussets to the up-over-and-down, between the wheels? I know I over build the heck out of things and granted I've never built or used one, it seems a 20' log may add a bunch of stress to those corners.

Allan

[Brucer]

The highest bending stresses are going to be in the center of the horizontal cross member between the two verticals. It would be worthwhile to weld in a piece about 1/3  of the length of the cross member directly beneath it.

A couple of diagonal braces between the verticals and the cross member would stiffen the corners a lot. If you keep off side slopes, the braces will most likely be in tension so you'd only need some light stuff.

The extension out the back will let you use a second winch/cable/tongs to support a log entirely off the ground.

[OneWithWood]

Nice job, Lynn.

[LeeB]

Looks good Lynn. I would have put the holes to the side and drilled some of them all the way through to be able to put a sheave on a bolt that could be moved to the different hole as needed to act as a fairlead for the winch line. I assume you will add a winch. The one I have is homemade, albeit by someone else. It has 5 different places I can position the fairlead.

[Jemclimber]

Looks very good MM.  I built mine with the overhang out back and it is nice for supporting the long ones completely off the ground when attaching two anchor points. Mine has a clevis in the very back of the spine to wrap a chain around the log.  I would agree with others that you may want to put a gusset in the uprights. The few minutes it takes might save some aggravation later.   

Now we need some action shots.

[Magicman]

I was sorta in a rush to have it ready for transporting some special logs next week, and there will be pictures.  That suspiciously sounds like there is a Walnut tree involved.  ;D

There are several areas targeted for bracing, and also there will be a swing-away jack on the tongue.  I may can get some of that done Thursday/Friday.

[Billbob]

Good job MM!  Consider putting an inverted Y on the long top spine two feet from the front and two 45 degree braces from the spine to the verticals at the axles.  That way you'll be able to winch the log up tight and it won't sway during transport.
Bill S

[orion388]

Very nice. I repurposed two of mine to a little boom pole



 

[Ga Mtn Man]

Nice job of re-purposing materials  MM.  What's the reason for the short pieces of tubing at the corners? ???

[LaneC]

Great job. Excellent planning. I think you may have been stung by a wasp or 2 like me. Anytime I go to hook up any kind of trailer, hitch etc. I will hit it a few times with something and step back and prepare to high tail it to the nearest can of wasp spray :D I don't know which are more painful, the ginney wasp or the red wasp. :D

[Magicman]

What's the reason for the short pieces of tubing at the corners? ??? 

I was wondering if anyone would notice or ask.  More places to hook stuff to.

[losttheplot]

A built in Peavey holder is as handy as a pocket on a shirt   

[Bill Gaiche]

Looks good MM. Next photos should be with all the bracing and a nice walnut strapped under it headed to the mill. bg

[Sixacresand]

Nice looking rig, MagicMan.  It will be handy right behind your 4 wheeler.  Good job.

[Magicman]

Next photos should be with all the bracing and a nice walnut strapped under it headed to the mill.  headed to a trailer.  ;D

[Bill Gaiche]

Ok MM, so you are in the transport business also. Hope it doesn't snatch up a sweet gum.  It doesn't know you hates sweet gum yet. bg