atv skidder trial

[Scott V]

New York New York!But if she would go to LA that would work also.

[Hobart Expert Rock]

BITTERNUT...........HAHAHAHA.............THAT IS WHAT I'M HAVEING FOR SUPPER TONIGHT..........WISCONSIN RING NECK AND IT IS MY LAST ONE................BOOOOOO..................ROCK.. .........
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[Henro]

Bitternut,

Very nice work and interesting concept!

One thing that came to mind is: I wonder if you should put a stop on the tube that the clevis slides up, to limit the amount of lift you get from the log as you are moving forward?

The reason I am bringing this up is that should the log grab on something, while you were moving forward, it could cause the log to get pulled up real high [maybe] and perhaps the center of gravity going that high might make tipping over a possibility. Might also cause a lot of upward lift on the back of your buggy at the hitch point.

Just a thought related to safety, not sure if it is a valid concern or not.

Do post a pic of your rig in action if you ever get the chance. Really neat!

[bitternut]

Hi Henro

There actually is a stop sort of when the slider reaches the top. At the top there is a short horizontal section and the slider will ride up on to the horizontal section till it hits the end of the riser. I can limit the height by leaving more slack in the chain when I hitch up the chain on the grab hook. In my limited trial I found that it is best to leave some slack in the hook-up in case the log lays different when you get to where you want to drop it off. The first log I skidded was sitting on a hump and I hitched it up tight. When I tried to unhook it on flat ground I had to jack the log up to get enough slack chain for unhooking. Also by leaving some slack in the hook-up you get more of a horizontal pull which allows the slider to ride up the inclined bar easier.

I think the danger would be having too little lift rather than too much. You are limited by the diameter of the log and the height of the arch section. If you don't have enough lift you run the chance of the butt end plowing into the ground when you go through ditches, dips or water-bars.

I was really amazed at how little you actually had to lift the end to slide the logs. I was lifting the larger end of the logs which I think is the right way to do it. Weather permitting I will be giving it some more trials this week-end. I will pay close attention to your concerns and let you know if I discover any problems or weaknesses. Here is a picture of the top part of the lift bar also.

[Henro]

Bitternut,

Sounds like you got all your ducks in a row.

Now all we need is an action shot!

Have fun draggin' them logs!

[Guest]

Originally posted by aweaver
Bitternut,

Don't let RockyD see those open tubes!

Aaron

Too late, Aaron....I seen 'em!

[Roger]

You've built a practical device that I expect will be copied by many more than you can imagine and produced commercially.
Great job.

A little modification and your log skidder becomes a rough terrain engine hoist. Add some longer shear legs making taller A frame and chain hoist. Maybe a 55gal drum on tongue for water ballast or stabalizer legs with casters extending aft. If you need to transport your load then sling it forward to top level section of slider bar.

[Hobart Expert Rock]

ROGER....BITTERNUT...........THAT IS A NICE CONCEPT....... AND YOU CAN MODIFY IT FOR MANY DIFFERENT FEAURES....AND MAKE IT DO DIFFERENT THINGS.............. I WAS THINKING DEER CART FOR ATV...........BETTER THAN MY SLED I USE NOW......... .... GOOD PROJECT THAT SPARKED A LOT OF INTEREST..........GOOD JOB GENTS...........................ROCK.............. ....... [email protected]