Log Arch Users

[AndyO]

Hi folks, looking for peoples experiences of using either TCF or Logrite log arches, particularly the big ones.

 

I’m thinking one for behind an Alpine tractor or Defender 90 would be handy for extracting large stems for milling. 
I see there was some chat previously about them but not much recently.

 

Image from when I borrowed a Logrite jnr  arch to help skid some Ash and keep it clean. Despite being way overloaded it made life a lot easier!

 

Cheers

 

Edited December 28, 2023 by AndyO
Clarification

[doobin]

Looks a monster alpine, what is it?

 

I use a skidding grapple behind my alpine, it's handy to be able to transfer a lot of the log's weight to the back wheels. If it's milling lengths, they will be short enough that you only drag 'just the tip' (ooeer missus!) along the ground. Works for me. I've got some beech I left spalting to mill later today that I extracted like this.

 

I've not used a logging arch but I'd imagine it take a bit of a while to rig it all up? Probably ace for longer extraction routes or timebr lengths though.

Edited December 30, 2023 by doobin

[AndyO]

It’s a Goldoni euro 45 so not huge. 
 

I do like the idea of a skidding grapple but I’m thinking with large logs it just won’t have the capacity to lift one end off the deck which is part of the problem I have with the winch although it’s fairly heavy to begin with before adding a log. If it does lift one end up, the front end is in the air and being articulated steering I don’t have independent brakes so extraction is tricky.

 

I reckon a big arch would take most if not all the weight of a big log? Agreed about faff setting it up but for decent logs it’s worth it?

 
Love a bit of spalted Beech 👌

[doobin]

2 hours ago, AndyO said:

It’s a Goldoni euro 45 so not huge. 
 

I do like the idea of a skidding grapple but I’m thinking with large logs it just won’t have the capacity to lift one end off the deck which is part of the problem I have with the winch although it’s fairly heavy to begin with before adding a log. If it does lift one end up, the front end is in the air and being articulated steering I don’t have independent brakes so extraction is tricky.

 

I reckon a big arch would take most if not all the weight of a big log? Agreed about faff setting it up but for decent logs it’s worth it?

 
Love a bit of spalted Beech 👌

My missus is happy cause I’ve used a few scraps to ‘poshen up’ our kitchen cabinets! 
 

With the grapple you wouldn’t have the weight of the winch, so much work well? Mine on a 38hp AC is a good fit. Riko. 

[doobin]

Found a couple of pics. Not the biggest timber but you get the idea. 

[lux]

1 minute ago, doobin said:

Found a couple of pics. Not the biggest timber but you get the idea. 

Is that the job near me we still need to winch some trees over or something ?

[AndyO]

Cheers for the pics. The shelves look great 👍 

 

Do you have a hydraulic top link on your grab? 

[doobin]

On 30/12/2023 at 16:18, lux said:

Is that the job near me we still need to winch some trees over or something ?

No, still need to do that! Plus the neighbour wants a load doing also. 

[doobin]

3 minutes ago, AndyO said:

Cheers for the pics. The shelves look great 👍 

 

Do you have a hydraulic top link on your grab? 

Yes, I find a hydro top link is invaluable on almost every implement. 
 

Just look at the finish on these contours- you just set it to float and it follows beautifully. 

[Mr. Ed]

 

I’ve used this a bit,including on back roads (shhhh). Not in the woods yet till we get our nimbler tractor. The winch is a bit feeble. I have fantasies about using a tractor winch to pull big logs up close and then swapping out lines and using it to lift them up. A very good idea to strap the sticks in!