Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

Horse Arches/Forwarders


TRADITIONAL LOGGERS
 Share

Recommended Posts

Log in or register to remove this advert

If you want a lightweight and durable forwarder without a crane I have heard nothing but good things from Osterby Smedja in Sweden:

 

Österby Smedja

 

They have started selling to the UK market and I know 2 people who have one on order.

 

There is a second hand forwarder available on the BHL website at the moment which seems good value, and they are offering to deliver too:

 

BHL British Horse Loggers, Woodland Management.

 

I don't know of anyone manufacturing them in the UK now, sadly Doug Joiner of Heavyhorses.net died last month and he was the only UK manufacturer as far as I know.

 

In terms of Swedish style logging arches, it's generally accepted that the Ulvins arch from Norway is still the best, as is usually available through Maggie Braunton in North Wales (01492 580291) but they expensive for what they are I think, but then there isn't much competition so they can get away with it! They do make a small forwarder (Kombi-Drag) although it is very small. I don't know of anyone else making arches at the moment, there does seem to be a bit of a gap in the market!

 

I get quite a bit of my kit made-up to my own design now, I just find that is easier as there are always changes that I would make to others designs to make it suitable for how I use it, and also how I transport things.

 

My forwarder looks like this, designed for a single horse to be as narrow as possible to allow us to get into small spaces. Movable axle to be able to take various lengths of timber from 1.5m to 5m, and up to 2m3. It breaks down small enough to go into one side of a horse trailer so I can transport Horse and Forwarder in one go.

 

166896d1413134085-show-us-your-logging-horses-logging-course-oct-2014-4.jpg

 

Photo is of a student driving, he was moving the reins from one side to the other which looks a bit odd but is a good view of the forwarder! I love it and it does exactly what I want for the way I work, but it may not suit others. Would certainly be worth considering getting your own made if you know what features you want.

Edited by hawthornheavyhorses
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks. We had a 3 Ratchet Ulvins arch. The wheels are too small in UK conditions could have done with trail bike size wheel. Is that forwarder with a floating beam axle designed to be pulled with an ATV? The Swedish firm on the links looks good but £8000 is ..............

 

Think some ATV tyres and stub axles with a seat might be idea.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.