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Finally made myself a GT sized trailer


Nuzzy

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In my ongoing process of firewooding tools and equipment, I decided to build myself a little trailer. I've done log arches, and they certainly have their place; sometimes it's nice though to just cut, buck, and load out in the woods. It's great having our old dump bed truck out there, but it just doesn't fit everywhere; you're still sometimes hoofing rounds back to where the truck's parked. Thus, a small trailer to tow nimbly behind the garden tractors seemed worth building. The other night at work, I grabbed some scrap odds and ends of steel and got to making the platform. The main frame is 2x3 3/16ths wall box. Bent up some quick stake pockets and we're in business! [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/GDra0.jpg[/IMG] In the essence of keeping the cost at nearly free dollars, I cut apart my old (first) log arch and utilized the wheel/hub/spindle assemblies. Since the spindles were already through welded in the 2x3 box frame of the arch, I cut about 16" or so of that and welded the whole things to the underside of the trailer frame. Then using a coupler I had, I made a quick tongue and called it good; well, other than welding on four tabs to secure the pressure treated deck. [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Mpe6B.jpg[/IMG] Though mitering the front corners, I left the box tube open at the back so I can stick in frame extensions for hauling longer items if/when the need arises. [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/C5vKm.jpg[/IMG] Now it just needs paint, deck, and wood sides. Then bring on the firewood!! :D
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dOddOd Great little trailer Eric. I like the idea of leaving the option for frame extensions if needed. Should move a lot of firewood for you. Nice job.^ Dave.
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quote:
Originally posted by B10Dave
dOddOd I like the idea of leaving the option for frame extensions if needed.
Thanks :) I thought it added a bit a versatility. I could foresee wanting to load it up occasionally with longer logs or branches. Plus who knows what else... Figure I'll just drill a couple holes for a hitch pin or something to secure the extensions when the time comes. Wouldn't hurt to slide my cant hook in there either so it's always with the trailer when needed. I did place the wheels further back from center than what would be considered a "normal" weight distribution split for a couple reasons: 1) I wanted more tongue weight when loaded for additional traction and 2) so the tongue wouldn't be too light when using extensions. If needed, it wouldn't be much work to cut these spindles off and weld in new ones more forward (heck they're only $10 a piece or so), so I'm not out much if I've misjudged.
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quote:
Originally posted by comet66
Are you sure it will support the weight of a load of firewood? :D:D
Technically, I never said how HIGH the wood sides were going to be... :o) hahaha (they wont be that high)
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quote:
Originally posted by Talntedmrgreen
Very nice work! Nice to know I have a fabricator in the 'neighborhood' 8)
Working in a metal fabrication shop certainly has it's advantages and conveniences! You ever need anything, just holler sm01
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Didn't have a chance to get my wood and paint today, but just had to play with the new toy a little :D [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/kmZjR.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/gzJVw.jpg[/IMG]
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Question did you fab that hitch for your ball on back of tractor or is that Stock. looks like you can adjust height nice,for keeping load leveled.I'd like to have that if your making them.
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Looks like it could haul two tons. Heavier frame than the trailers they sell at the box stores for sure. Could you post or send me a couple of pics of your log arch?
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quote:
Originally posted by Hydro-Manic
Question did you fab that hitch for your ball on back of tractor or is that Stock. looks like you can adjust height nice,for keeping load leveled.I'd like to have that if your making them.
I did fab that up a few years back. You're right, the adjustment capability sure is nice and I can have multiple things on it at one time (at varying heights).
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quote:
Originally posted by GregB
Could you post or send me a couple of pics of your log arch?
Sure can. First one:
[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t135/yzzun/Photo0145Medium.jpg[/img]
Version 2.0:
[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t135/yzzun/DSC09858Medium.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t135/yzzun/DSC09862Medium.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t135/yzzun/DSC09860Medium.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t135/yzzun/DSC09864Medium.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t135/yzzun/Photo0217Medium.jpg[/img]
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WOW, version 2.0 looks like a commercially made one !! I guess it helps to have some big tools available at work, big bender for the nice bends in the arch.
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quote:
Originally posted by johnmonkey
How long of a log can you you haul and what max diameter? Looks cool, I WANT one. jh
Well that'll depend on a number of factors. If fully suspended off the ground, you can hold a log double the length from the arch to wherever it hits on your down tube by the hitch (in my case about 14 foot). If just picking up one end of the log and dragging the last foot or so, you can carry much longer. Can't exactly remember max diameter on mine but somewhere around 32-34" for the V2.0 arch; obviously this is dependent on how wide you construct the arch. Of course all of this also hinges on construction and parts used as to what weight the arch can hold without deforming or outright failing.
[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t135/yzzun/Photo0218Medium.jpg[/img]
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