Getting logs to the cabin site(remote)

[naturerules1]

How do you get the logs from the forest to the cabin site in the remote bush? I am thinking of a winch made from an old snowmachine cut in half and making the track-drive shaft, a winch pulley, attach the front of the machine to a tree by a strap from a tounge welded to the frame, I could mount the skis backwords and it would actually pull itself around. Hook up a rope to a trottle lever and stand clear! Maybe sling cable and use this machine for pulling. ...What do you think and what could be used that could be pulled in by snowmachine or floated in by boat....or plane? Robbie

[Freeholdfarm]

Robbie, I saw a magazine article somewhere that showed how a man hauled logs out of the woods by himself, without a winch or anything. I'll have to think about where I saw the article and maybe see if it's online anywhere. I'll post if I can find it.

Kathleen

[naturerules1]

hi again Kathleen, I am not so sure how a person could do such a thing although I figured If the logs were hewn on the spot cut to make them weigh less, not that they will all be hewn, but anything on the spot of falling to lesson there weight should help. Also I am making a pair of wheels that would hook up to the log to pull. any lumber will be made at the spot of falling also(big trees). I figure the shingles(shakes) will be the big big trees and done near falling too. picking the best for the cabin and trying to size them before moving. Cynthia and I arent really big folk and we will be using what ever advantage we can, Thanks again for your reply and if you do find the article I WOULD like to see it, Robbie

[Anataq]

If I remember correctly you will be moving to the bush in the winter. Your best bet for moving logs is to pack trail in the snow and tow the logs back to the site. If you can access the site before you move out there, when there is no snow on the ground, build up a heap of brush where you intend to build and when you get there in the winter, burn it off. When the brush burns off it will leave you with a clear spot where you'll be building. You can move the logs with dogs or with a snow machine, even a small 250cc older machine will pull a good sized log on fairly level terrain. If you pack trail, you can pull the log using mechanical advantage (ropes and pulleys) or you can use a capstan whinch or a chainsaw winch. Any of these devises when used in combination with the packed trail on snow will make the log moving practice much, much easier. There are cones available which cover the skidding tongs so that the log end does not snag, or hang up when you are pulling it. The skidding tongs are not cheap though. If you are building in the piece on piece style using short logs then you could might even pull the logs along the trail yourself. When short log timber framing the bulk of your logs will be infill between the uprights and only about 8' long, you can hanlde moving them by yourself.

Just some thoughts for you.

-Anataq
www.pawcreekhomestead.com

[Freeholdfarm]

Well, I can't remember which magazine I saw that article in, but the man was moving pretty good sized logs several hundred feet by himself. I think he was using a long bar as a lever, attached somehow to the front of the log, and walking it slowly to where he wanted it to go.

I have a stack of manila envelopes full of magazine articles I've clipped and saved over the years, and I just looked through them, hoping it was in there, but it's not.

I think I'll post a question on Homesteading Today -- most likely someone there has seen that article also, and will remember it.

Kathleen

[naturerules1]

Thanks Anataq, I got alot out of that reply....In Wisconsin I have logged for a few years using a jammer cat and skidder. I have and can make a pair of quality tongs. We have 2-1973 440cc Artic Cat Cheetahs. I was not so sure of there pulling power as we just got them at the end of this winter and did not test them yet, We want to move up and work(employment) for a year maybe being able to cut logs a winter before the winter we go to build. I hope to use brush piles for rabbit habitat, and figure we can wait for the snow to go. First we will build a cache and tent shelter and use them till we get the cabin, maybe the first year of being in Alaska. I am hoping the Susitna is floatable for maybe rafting down supplies to Alexander Creek from somewhere accessable from the road. As a metal fabricator I am now figuring what to do to make things easy. Ya know I dont like the noises of an engine anymore than Jenny but I figure to start with I would use some engines to help get our start. I just dont know, those big logs.....I want to ensure there moving. I guess the chain hoist or simular will do it. I just want to enjoy more than pulling logs around. If anyone knows any tricks for pulling or lifting them let me know so I can build the equipment before We leave, Thanks, Robbie
PS ...we want to use alot of rock in building also.

[naturerules1]

Thanks Kathleen, You all are bringing My confidence level right where it belongs. Its sure nice to have people on your side helping out with the questions, Robbie

[Anataq]

There are many ways to get logs up onto the walls, in part it can depend on the type of log building technique you are using. The universal lifting mechanism which will work for both Piece en piece and long log building is a gin pole arrangement. If you are not familiar with rigging this can be a dangerous proposition. With a modified car differential you can creat a base and top plate that turns allowing you to move the mast 360 degrees. A properely set up gin pole using block and tackles can lift and set large logs precisely where you want them with no more than one person operating it. The other more simple method is to use ramps and ropes, use pulleys for longer logs. You roll the logs up the log rams and into postion on the walls. The Ridge and perlons will be more difficult but depending on your gable design you can ramp those as well. Just make sure that no one is on the down side of the log, can be dangerous. A couple people can make this work easily, but it can be done solo as well. I am going to build using log rafters and trusses instead of perlons, this makes the log lengths much shorter. You also don't need a ridge pole unless you just want the look. Remember these logs can get really long, you must figure at least a two foot overhang, four feet on the ends, plus the width of the wall, so for a twenty foot width inside your cabin you need a 26' log. That's a pretty good sized log to move. For a perlong over that same room 20' length you need at least a 30' log. Try lifting a thirty foot spruce two stories into the air, it's absolutely doable, but you get the idea that it needs to be done right (safely). If I can help answer any questions feel free, if I can answer them I have friends that will have the right answeres.

All the best,
Anataq

[cookiecache]

The best way I know to move logs without heavy equipment is with a snowmachine. Here's how it works.

In late winter go to the area where the trees are you want to log, and pack trails in the snow where you think to logs need go (don't try to go up hill). After a few days, this trail will get very hard. Then fell the trees you want. It works best if you have two sleds for hauling logs. One about 10 feet long for the short logs and a short sled called a "go devil" for the long ones. On the long logs, put the go devil on the end closest to the snowmachine and long sled on the butt of the log. That way the log is sliding on runners not tearing up the trail (words of experince here).

Method two: This I call; The Strong Back Method.
Build the cabin with vertical logs. This will make the logs only about 8 feet long, so you put them on your shoulder and carry them. I've done it this way, and it's fast, but you need to be in good shape.

Method three: High line logging
This works VERY well, but it is also a higher risk. DO NOT TRY THIS IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOMEONE ON LOCATION THAT HAS DONE IT BEFORE!!!! YOU COULD BE KILLED. LOGGING IS DANGEROUS.
Use an overhead cable to move the logs. Using two small logs on each end for an "A" frame. Support the cable about 8ft above the ground from the point the log is, and run it to where you want it (if it is a long ways, this might need to be done in stages). Then using two "come-a-longs" attached to the cable on pullies pick-up each end of the log. The log is then able to travel the lenght of the cable fairly easy. With a winch to pull the logs, you can even go up steep hill this way.

[pipedreams]

Generally speaking, the best time to move anything in the remote bush is during the winter.....no mud holes, no skeeters.........plus you should be BUILDING in the summer, not movin stuff! ;D

[Jenny]

Ain't that the truth!

[Chuck]

Moving logs to the site isn't much problem getting up in the air is the problem. Guess thats why come along and ropes were invented.

[pipedreams]

Right now all my pictures (as in 35 mm hard copies) are in storage, but I'll have to dig out some of the pics I took of my log ramp becaue it made getting logs up on the floor effortless!

[Chuck]

pipedreams said:

Right now all my pictures (as in 35 mm hard copies) are in storage, but I'll have to dig out some of the pics I took of my log ramp becaue it made getting logs up on the floor effortless!

Get them dudes out I'm starting the walls this spring as soon as the snow goes.

[pipedreams]

Will do!