Hauling cut up logs by hand... tips needed

[dean]

Hello all,

I frequently have to role or carry several tons of wood across rough terrain to get to a trailer, without the use of any machines. Generally from a few trees that I have cut up into 2 foot sections. I usually roll the larger logs, or pick them up and carry them if they are not too big.

I was thinking about turning each into a wheel of sorts, maybe by hammering in a 6-inch nail in the middle of each end and pulling it with a doubled-over tow strap. Or is there something made for this purpose? Problem would be getting the nails out efficiently and re-using them.

The bigger logs are 2+ feet in diameter and weigh several hundred pounds. And I can't get my splitter near to them generally.

Thanks for any tips,

Dean

[robson]

I'm not sure where you live or the climate but where I live we cut the majority of our wood in the winter months. Thus using sleds / skidoos and taking advantage of frozen lakes.

[louie]

Sounds like you might need something like this:

Not sure how rough the terrain is, but a large-wheeled cart might be just the thing.

[barry]

Okay, if Mohammed won't go to the mountain ... :')

I'd consider taking the splitter to the wood, assuming it's got wheels. Then, splitting the wood to manageable pieces, and stacking it there for initial seasoning/drying.

Many hardwoods (you don't specify which species) are close to 50% moisture on the stump. Good idea to not pop a disc hauling water.

Depending on your specifics, a cable hoist might work.

J

[spamTHISbrp]

Make your own cant hook

If you make the arm holding the hook hinged, you can grab a large log with it, and still be able to grab smaller logs.

Dave

[dean]

These logs are 2 feet across, and white oak is extremely dense. I really need to roll them, rather than lift them.

[Goedjn]

Split them in place, with hand tools, use a winch, or block and tackle, possibly in conjunction with a sledge, or find someone with an ox team. Are you trying not to tear up the ground, or are you just not able to get heave equipment in?

If you're not worried about tearing up the forest floor, then the easiest, if somewhat tedious method, is to hook a block and tackle between a tree you CAN drive to, and the log(s) in question, and tie the loose end to your truck. It will help a little to put the fixed block as high in the tree as you can, without risking pulling it over.

Of course, unless you find a better source than I've been able to, you'll probably be able to buy an electric winch as cheaply as a decent Block & Tackle set.

[spamTHISbrp]

The hook grabs them, and then you use the long handle to roll it, albeit a little at a time.

D

[dean]

and tackle, possibly in conjunction with a sledge, or find someone with an ox team. Are you trying not to tear up the ground, or are you just not able to get heave equipment in?

Too much to split there and then, by hand. Cannot get splitter close enough.

then the easiest, if somewhat tedious method, is to hook a block and tackle between a tree you CAN drive to, and the log(s) in question, and tie the loose end to your truck. It will help a little to put the fixed block as high in the tree as you can, without risking pulling it over.

Its too far from the vehicle. I can get maybe 500 feet away. I have a winch and a 100' cable, and a couple of 100' extensions, but its slow to get all that out and use.

If the worst comes to worst, I have to roll the damn things by hand (or foot). I do like the cart idea, except that it would have to be stronger than that one IMHO. Maybe I can make one that's got trailer wheels and more clearance. Sounds heavy even by itself though!

-Dean

[Charles Spitzer]

i was just reading in a recent national geographic about the use of elephants in thailand for logging. perhaps you can find one. they make dandy pets, although they need a rather large kitty litter box.

lol

regards, charlie

[Bob]

across rough

machines. Generally

I usually

they are not

maybe by

pulling it

for this

efficiently and

hundred

generally.

Have you tried a wheelbarrow or appliance cart? With the appliance cart, I just set the handle on the bumper and slide the rounds up into my van.

You could make a re-usable handle for this. Make a big "U" with a threaded "axle" on each tip of the "U". Make 2 axles out of threaded rod, tapered to a point on the inside end of the U and with a handle welded on the outside end. Position the points on either side of the center of the round, tighten them into the wood. grab the center of the "U", or a handle welded onto it, and drag it behind you.

Bob

[Goedjn]

This is a good way to get seriously hurt. If moving the first one is an effort, then moving a lot of them will make you tired and stupid. If you can get the logs out, you can get the splitter in. you only have to make THAT round trip once, after all.

[robson]

your not giving enough info about the terrain. If it's for firewood, and there is a lot in there for long term use you would be wise to start a decent trail and get youself an atv or borrow a horse or in my earlier post - wait for winter and use skidoos and sleds. If you can't do that then you should either split it at the cuttting site (and let the suckers dry out) or find another place to get your wood - you are gonna have a heart attack. I have 21 acres of old growth forest land and the terrain sucks. There is a lifetime of firewood, posts etc for me there. I just widen the boundry line that runs parrallel(sp) to the property as I go to allow a skidoo (winter) and atv(summer) to get it out. The time it takes to make the drivable path is well worth it.

[dean]

Now that's not a bad idea Bob, not a bad idea at all. I think I could weld that up too.

Thanks,

Dean

[HerHusband]

Options...

1. Cut the wood into smaller pieces you can manage easily, using a wheelbarrow or whatever.

1. Split the wood on location. Use an axe if you can't get a power splitter to the site.

2. Wrap a chain or nylon strap around each log and drag it out with a pickup truck.

1. Rent a Bobcat or other tractor with a bucket. Scoop up the log(s) and take them where you need them (I moved several big logs earlier this year with a Bobcat. It works great).

2. If this is a repetitive task, buy a tractor or an ATV that can lift or drag the logs out.

Anthony

[Bob]

think I could

Give it a try, and let me know how it works out.

Bob

[HeyBub]

Loggers have cables maybe two miles long.

Hook five 100' cables together. Hook log to end of cable. Unspool winch to closest (to vehicle) junction. Reel in 100' of the 500' cable. Unhook from winch, move to next 100' junction. Repeat until log close to vehicle.

Post back on how to get 300# log into back of truck.

[dean]

Yeah, continuing on with that process....

Go home at 3 am having only finished 20% of the logs.