Build your own logging trailer
An industrially manufactured timber trailer is designed for professional use and as such is quite expensive. If you only need it sporadically, but still need it to make work easier, you can build it yourself. You cannot and should not completely do without support from experts.
What you need:
- suitable chassis
- Profile iron for the stanchions
- Chains 8-10 mm
- unstable front drop side
- Bolts and Screws, 12 mm
- Welding devices / cutting torches
- Angle grinder
A timber trailer is a utility vehicle
- In many cases, the terrain in forest areas is so impassable that large timber trucks cannot drive on the access roads. In such cases, a logging trailer is used to transport the felled and delimbed trunks to easily accessible collection points.
- The timber trailer does not need a permit for public road traffic if it only drives in the forest. Its construction is purely purpose-oriented. Everything that is not intended for its use can be omitted. On the other hand, it is important to take precautions against accidents that can occur especially on steep inclines.
The self-construction must be well planned
- Depending on how big the load capacity of your logging trailer should be, you have to decide on a suitable axle. The simple, unsprung axle without pendulum function and with a wide track width is ideal for self-construction. If possible, use large-volume, low-pressure tires that offer a large contact surface on the soft forest floor.
- As a frame, you should always prefer a semi-mounted one with a hitch coupling. Such a vehicle is easy to maneuver and significantly increases the pulling force on the towing vehicle. In any case, build the frame so high that it protrudes over the wheels so that the trunks can also be rolled over it.
- You'd better do without a loading area. It is sufficient if the frame has 4 cross struts to which the stanchions are hinged. If there are fewer cross struts, it will be short wood not kept safe.
- If you want to mount an existing gripper on the frame, it must be able to withstand the additional load. Sufficient torsional rigidity and a support against the tilting moment during loading and unloading must then be ensured in particular.
- A logging trailer without a grab must have stanchions that can be folded down. They allow loading and unloading by rolling the logs. Always pay attention to the downhill force of the heavy logs. Weld mounting brackets to the frame for bevels on which the wood can be rolled.
- Build a front drop side on your own. When driving downhill, it protects against forward sliding trunks and thus against the risk of accidents. Pay special attention to effective brakes on your self-construction. Fresh wood weighs up to 0.7t per m³ and quickly pushes a light towing vehicle over the heap.
Build logging trailers yourself
It is best to get the wood for your own fireplace or wood stove directly in the forest ...
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