Unloading logs

[Kojba]

I have a neighbor that works for a logging company, and he has offered to bring me some logs at a decent price. Only problem is I don't have a piece of equipment big enough to reach over the sides of the truck (typical logging trailer with tall sides). I thought about building a loading/unloading ramp, then thought about digging a road/pit to drive the truck in, but that would create a problem if I had to reach down and inside. I guess I'd have to invest in a "log arm" if I wanted to unload from him. Just can't seem to afford that luxury yet. Is there anyone else who has tackled this problem before? If you got a suggestion, I'm ready to listen.

Thanks,

[wvufan]

Before I had the kubota,I would chain the logs to a large tree and then drive out from under the log.

[Kojba]

I could pull the logs off the back of the truck with my tractor, but being as I don't own the truck, I didn't want to tear things up. I know I can come up with a Gerry rig if I try hard enough. I ran into a neighbor that has some pine logs he wants milled. That work doesn't require any equipment, he has the logs already on the ground, hopefully they will be stacked for sawing. I've sawed for him before, and I think he knows the drill.

My red head wants a green house this spring, going to need some lumber for that. I'll probably put it against my wood/boiler shed facing south, and use the wood boiler to heat the greenhouse on cold days. My shed is 16 feet wide, so I guess she will get a 16x 10 greenhouse if all goes right.

[Kojba]

WV, I noticed your signature says "pity me, I'm married to a red head". I married a red head too, and 34 years of marriage tells me you shouldn't let her read your signature. We wouldn't want you to go AWOL.

[wvufan]

Hahaha, she a new wife ,less then a year...... And she doesn't know I'm on here.

[Kojba]

You sir, are as smart as you are talented.  Seven kids should keep her busy, with any luck you can dodge a frying pan ok.

[Harry]

You guys are funny.... Been married 40 years to a beautiful blond (real hair). She's smarter than me for sure, except for computers... Thank God!

[CuttingEdge]

Jan 23, 2015 22:44:06 GMT -5 Kojba said:

 I don't have a piece of equipment big enough to reach over the sides of the truck (typical logging trailer with tall sides).  Is there anyone else who has tackled this problem before? If you got a suggestion, I'm ready to listen.

Thanks,

 KOJBA,

I've been pondering on this a couple days.  I dunno how capable/heavy your tractor is but here are a couple thoughts...

Some log trucks/trailers have standards that can have the uppper portion removed off the "stub" on the bunk.  Some even have them on hinges.  Some don't have any accommodation to reduce the height.  I guess you don't have a front loader on your tractor, but... 

1.  What about using an oversize pig pole with a set of tongs on the end.  This is all subjective to truck and load height, but if he was just bringing select loads to you, he might not be loaded full up.  If you have enough weight in the front of your tractor to counter balance, it can be done.  I know this wouldn't be the fastest and definitely not the safest, but it can be done like this.

2.  Go pick-up the logs yourself, on your trailer.  Refer back to #1 for unloading.  Should work with a standard pig pole just fine.

3.  Pay the extra $$$ and have them delivered on a truck with a knuckleboom.  Faster, safer, and less chance of add'l gray hair and a bleeding ulcer. 

Good Luck, however you decide to tackle it. 

[Kojba]

I think I'll build a 3 foot tall ramp of earth, and try to unload with a set of grapple hooks.  My loader can top out at ten foot, but only has a 2500 pound max lift. I measured his truck sides at twelve feet.

I also need to find someone with a knuckle boom truck, that would be awesome.  Just not many people with those around here.