winter arch

[Donn Hewes]

I recently finished my prototype log arch on skis. Took it out and tried a few logs yesterday. It went well over very challenging, potholes and rough ground. Of course I already see little things I will change and others I wish I had. I think I will add six inches to the height of the arch. That should be easy. I knew I wanted a seat but I was waiting to see it work to see exactly were and how I wanted it.

There are several things about this design attracted me to it. First, by taking the two pins out of the arch the whole thing comes apart and can be put in the back of a small pick up by one person. The pole slides out, the skis slide off, the evener and neck yoke are removable.

Second, like any sled, it pulls from low to the ground. Since I don’t have “D” ring harness this is a plus for me.

Finally, the pivoting arch gives it a lot if lift, and backing a step will loosen any chain. Actually, I did get it hung up once as I was parking logs on a high spot on purpose, but I think that may just be learning to use the tool.

Is this better than other archs or sleds that are already available? Probably not. It cost me about $300 in steel, and took me the better part of January to build. The point is if you think it is fun to make your own designs – then it is. Your ability as an engineer and a builder will only improve, and some day you might make something we all really need. See it here.

[Gabe Ayers]

Donn,

I think your arch sled looks great! The lift point is somewhat low for larger logs, but if you use the cradle hitch that shouldn’t be a problem. Very impressive work man.

Looks like some real low impact extraction. Now the temptation will be to not use it on dry ground. Might have to recap your runners pretty often if you do that.

Alright, what color are you going to paint it, fire engine red or high vis yellow?

~

[simon lenihan]

looks good donn, keep working on it, i wonder would it pull easier with wider runners. I used a sledge for a few years made by tegmyr svets in sweden it had 9″ runners made of a very hard plastic material about half an inch thick, it traveled very well over rough ground and pulled easy.
simon lenihan

[Iron Rose]

Like the looks of your arch. Thought of building one few years back but never got around to it. I always design and build all my own (many times redesign and rebuild tell I’m satisfied with it) presently am working on a for cart equipped with a three point hitch. Again great looking arch hope you enjoy it.

Iron Rose
Dan

[mitchmaine]

hey donn, great looking arch. looks lightweight and strong. wonder if like the pioneer forecarts, you could design it to carry sleds or wheels by bolting skis on to the wheel hub. sometimes when you try and make something to do two jobs, neither work really well. maybe a totally different summer arch on wheels with your pivoting arch would work ok? sure looks well made. great job. mitch

[Donn Hewes]

Thanks everyone, I have a neighbor with some better trees and better ground who I think is going to hire me in the next few days. I will try to take a few more pictures if I do that job.

What is the best / cheapest way to paint it? Spray cans?

Jason, I think you are right, it was made for the winter. I have a friend that has an arch I can use. I could make new side pieces with wheels if I wanted. One nice thing about the way it comes apart is that you could have some different components. It would be easy to make a front piece for shafts and single horses. I might make one with an offset pole for three abreast. Next time I will take pictures of it all torn apart. That is my first horn beam tongue (iron wood). Nice.

[Gabe Ayers]

The cheapest way would be a paint brush and you can gob it on there good that way, and just buy the enamel that is on sale, any color….

Those bolt on sled runners from Pioneer are about 250.00 per set, not cheap.

This weather is really rough down here, just busted out from the last one and another is forecast for tomorrow. Makes for some grumpy southerners for sure….

Jason

[Carl Russell]

Making grumpy northerners too. It looks like northern Minnesota up here. Like wind swept tundra.

Nice sled Donn. What is the chain up from the front? Can that be unhitched to undo the arch for unloading? Wider shoes on the runner may help for flotation in deeper snow. Also welding a 3/8 rod down the middle of the shoe may also help with tracking, and wear. Another trick is to weld on a false shoe that will take the wear, and can be replaced without having to replace the whole runner.

Carl

[Donn Hewes]

Hi Carl, The chain up from the front is held by a large slip hook, but mostly you just unhook it to take the arch apart. Just backing the sled lets the arch flop over forward and it drops down. Then you unhook the loose log chains.

When you go to move a log that arch can be resting forward on the log; pull forward and the arch pops up (pivots on it’s pins) lifting the log before the forward chain tightens and the log is up and moving. A bead for tracking the ski would be a good idea. I think I will add that.

[Tim Harrigan]

Nice arch, Don. I like the ease of breaking it down for loading on a wagon or truck. And it looks like the hitch point could be easily raised by replacing it with another one if the work called for it. And how do you keep your head warm? I’m looking for tips.

[Mark Cowdrey]

Tim, From the looks of the thought that went into that arch I would guess that Donn generates the heat from inside the dome! I use one of those thin little beanies under my helmet to keep my “chrome” warm.

Donn, nice job. I like the low draft point. I must admit though I can’t quite figure out how it works. I’ll have to take another look at those pictures. I wonder if a gentler sweep on the front of the runners might serve you well in deeper snow and getting over obstacles. I used spray paint on the first few arches I made but it is rough on the fingers. Now I take them to a body shop to have them done. The current price to paint is $45 plus paint doing 4-6 at a time. Brush would be OK if it is just for you but if you intend to shop it pray would look better. (In my opinion.)

Mark

[mink]

does the height of the pivoting arch relate directly to the lift on the log? very slick idea……mink

[Scott G]

Nice bit of kit, Donn!

It would be great if you marketed the unit/plans once you make the refinements that become obvious with extended use in the woods.

I wonder how a sliding beam would work on an outfit like that?

[Donn Hewes]

I had to pull my hat off as I over heated trying to get the chain under the one big log in the bunch! The sweep of the front of the ski is one thing I already fixed – probably hard to see, but I curved a piece of flat steel just under the toe of the bent channel. It had a little problem of tipping over forward when empty. The extended ski fixed it. I think I will take a few pictures of all the pieces separately and how it goes together and it will be easier to see. Just came in from looking at some Aspen trees growing in an overgrown pasture. Nice logs to work the arch on.

[Ed Thayer]

Don,

Very nice work. The last pic shows a heavy butt log that they appear to move with ease. Is that Connie on the left?

I think a piece of 3/8 inch round stock welded to the bottom of the channel in the middle of the runner would be sufficient for better tracking in icy conditions. A few welds up the sides and when it wears off simply add a new one.

I studied the pics and am confused as to how the pivot works on the chain bunk?

Anyways, nice work and thanks for sharing with us,

Ed

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