Also, of course there is a safety issue with the metal wheel spinning too fast, but I'm not going to preach safety. I melted a few plastic parts and had to replace them (I didn't feel so bad since I got the saw for a third of the new price at a garage sale, but still it angered me as I like to keep my gear in good shape). Most importantly, it's not a good idea to use a metal cut off blade on a otherwise perfect condition $600 dollar compound mitre saw. I have learned a couple things since building this arch. He's a good guy to have around!Īgain, I apologize for the copy and paste, but it was either that or I wouldn't have posted In the end my father helped a TON, both in the log arch as well as clearing, cutting, and building the fence. It really does make it pretty easy to skid a huge log! Also helps with my chain life on the saw when I'm cutting firewood. The arch has saved a lot of grass, and keep the logs nice and clean for the mill. The width of the inside of the arch is about 38" I don't have a tree on my land that is that large but I did this so it will make it easier when picking up multiple logs, like say 5 or 6 firewood logs.
I think if the width of the arch is enough to fit around the mill frame (so I could back the log right onto it) but I don't have enough vertical clearance, then I might keep my eyes open for some large military type tires and rims, that would give me enough clearance I would think. If I ever built another one I think that would be the main consideration in sizing it, however I don't think I'll ever need to build another one, this thing will outlast me and is built like a tank.
If it works then great, if not then oh well, however something to keep in mind for someone who is planning on building an arch and not worried about the size. I think if it is wide enough the the vertical clearance will be the next obstacle. I haven't tried this yet (or measured the width of my mill) so maybe it will still work. One thing that I thought of after I built it, that I wish I had planned into the design, was to make it wide enough so I could back the arch over my LT15, and lower the log right onto the arch. I knew I would be using it behind the tractor so I made the width of the outside of the wheels about the same as the tractor, however still a bit skinnier. I am very happy with the size, I read a lot about the advantages of the smaller ones in tight woods but I'm glad I went with the one I did. I think that about does it for my log arch build, all in all it has worked great, aside from the cheapo winch. (I'm still keeping my eyes out for a good used heavy duty winch I never should have skimped on these two important things, I should have bought the heavy duty, expensive winch. The fairlead worked well, but the diameter is too skinny for my liking, I will buy a larger diameter heavy duty one that should last a good while.
I still need to buy a heavy duty winch for it, any recommendations?
We ended up using a cumalong to get us through the first few days of use. I wanted a self braking worm drive winch which is what I got, however it was way too cheap for what I was using it for. This was my only mistake, up to the point of needing a winch and fairlead I hadn't spent a dime on the log arch, so I made the mistake of buying a northern tool Note lease read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company :AKA JUNK AND CRAP STORE cheapo winch. The cup holders are made of a solid piece of steel going across the bottom, and 2 spare muffler clamps welded to the main beam, this was another perfect fit.
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