Arch design help

[PeytonM]

Hey I looking for some help on building an arch. I have the ablity to build them where I have the questions is how could I an arch set up for logging and then still have it sit lower so I could hook a wagon or something like that from a draw bar hitch on it as well?

thanks for the help

[near horse]

Take a look at the Barden cart (should be pics on this site). Carl uses one. Also, Mark Cowdrey has fabricated a “Piggyback Firewood Arch” that actually attaches to the Pioneer forecart – so that might be a model to look at as well. There are tons of variations – cruise through some of the photos here and see what strikes you.

[jac]

Im not sure but I think Jason has plans for the arch he uses on his HHF website ?? …. John

[near horse]

You’re right about that John but I’m not sure how well Jason’s arch setup would work for the farm use Peyton mentioned.

http://www.draftanimalpower.com/album.php?albumid=2&attachmentid=1985

http://www.draftanimalpower.com/album.php?albumid=2&attachmentid=2021

http://www.draftanimalpower.com/album.php?albumid=2&attachmentid=1989

[PeytonM]

whos arch is that one above? ^^^ I dont know who all these people are… Really green to all this first draft team. when I was younger I worked with single hitch cart on a mini… I got tired of wanting to work the horse and not being able to pull and do what I wanted so I ditched mini’s and got a team of drafts. They are both pure Belgain’s ages 12 and 14. 17.2 H and 18H. they will be here tomorrow I’ll get you some pics of them with my friend and I.

the main thing I noticed is that most the logging arch designs sit alot taller and the log kind of sucks up under the seat where as a farm style arch if thats what its called is really low and doesnt offer much ground clearance. I was thinking of making something that was adjustable and would be able to slide up and down making the width on the wheels wider when lower and narrow up when raised for logging… would only be a few inches, not like a foot.. only problem with my idea of having it adjust able is there are at least 4 pivot points that would have to slide in and out and along with that tolleranced and slop would be an issue. the other thing is the pin/ bolts that I would have hold it. I dont want to have to carry tools to change it, pins would be ideal however with the use of bolts I would be able to snug it all tight and remove some of the slop, or so I would think.

I will have a basic drawing of how this set of would work and get it up on it…

[grey]

The ability to lift the end of the log off the ground (and the accompanying ground clearance) is part of what makes an “arch” and “arch”. The “farm style arch” you mention is just a forecart, I’d say. Be interested to see you design for an adjustable forecart that raises for hauling logs!

[jac]

might work if you made a removable bar with the towing hitch fitted to it , that could be pinned between the wheels of the taller log arch if you wanted to tow a baler or some other farm equipment ?? mabey .. good luck with it tho …. John

[PeytonM]

I’m not looking to do heavy farm work I want it to pull empty kicker wagons or flat racks for round bails… I guess Forecart is what Im looking for also. I think i have an idea for a design i’ll try it out If i cant get it to work I guess i’ll have a logging arch then.

If you think of the spindle where the hub would spin on have that connect to a piece of square tubing that would run at about 80* in on the cart roughly, slight degree in, and then off that on the in side off that square tube you would have a piece of metal that would angle forward and connect to the piece that would house the pole. the square tube that would house the pole would come back and connect to the square tube that is connected to a square tube that connects to the angled pieces….

I understand that is getting really wordy but I’ll draw it up and show you my idea

[near horse]

Two of the photos I tagged should be Les Barden’s cart. The other one is Mark Cowdrey’s Piggyback Firewood Arch attachment that fits on a Pioneer forecart.

Peyton – make sure to look at Jason Rutledge’s website (Healing Harvest) – there is a free downloadable set of plans for their arch to help with your design ideas.

[Dennis]

I saw an arch on rural heritage that seems to be what you are looking for. It was made by Tim Caroll. It was made from a set of landing gears from a tractor trailer, so the height is adjustable. I have a forecart and don’t use it, i use my arch for everything. The height is nice and makes it easier to see over your team.

[PeytonM]

yeah the first time I drove my team it was on a forecart I couldnt see a single thing… I think I’m just gonna get a logging arch with a drop hitch set up to lower my hitch point for a wagon… how much do arches cost? I live in WI anyone know of someone that makes them in WI? I could make one too I guess.

[PeytonM]

how wide is an arch normally? 4 feet center of wheel to center of wheel…

[PeytonM]

What is the double tree hook used for? I wouldn’t think the evener would mount on that? in the Healing harvest arch they have it right in the middle of the plat form where your feet go.

[jac]

at the risk of sounding like a wise ass. :o.. its for hooking the double tree onto… the hitch point is high on Jasons arch to get the lift on big logs by the effect of pendulum effect with forward motion of the team… John

[PeytonM]

ok I understand what your saying now. However, isn’t that kind of in the way when your on the arch? What would happen if I moved it forward? just more lifting power and lower the poll height? you want your poll to be about 34 inches right?

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