Lifting Big Rounds into the Truck
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I bought a pair of ramps for the trailer five years ago and buck everything before loading. Just roll those suckers up into the trailer. Since I bought that pair of ramps this 64 year old back has not lifted a big round. Or gone to bed or got up hurting. Like it did so many times for many years.
Some years ago we had a deal going with a local tree company. They would call us when they had a bunch of hardwood that needed a good home. Thing was it was always where the job was. Trailer stayed hooked to the truck at all times times. Call usually came in around 9AM and we only had a few hrs to get it and get out of there. No wood could be left and it all had to be cleaned up. One time they gave us an address for a nice oak log. When we got there it was way to big to handle anyway but in stove length (this was prior to grapple). So we had to cut it right there. That just about ended the relationship with the company. When they came by to see how we where doing and saw all the chips they got pissed. Had the same thing happen again on a job too far from home to be worth the gas to bring the tractor. When the wifefy came home and saw the mountain of curlies she got pissed. Needless to say I don't cut wood on the job anymore. Unless its in a place the tractor won't go it gets grappled. I can haul 25'+ logs on the flat bed and 10' in the dump trailer. Thats how its all moved.
Mine has all been cut right here on the property for 27 years. No problem with the owner carping about sawdust or curlies. 
He just has to get them out of the ravines, into the trailer and up that hill somehow.
He just has to get them out of the ravines, into the trailer and up that hill somehow.
I thought you meant big rounds, did these myself, lots of aches after, tipping them on end and into truck works
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CTBurner, I will tell you the same thing I tell my son. "Yeah, I know you can do it, but trust me, you will be sorry some day." You are no doubt young, but some day you will be old and you will wish you had not abused your body.I thought you meant big rounds, did these myself, lots of aches after, tipping them on end and into truck works
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Way too nice of truck to take that abuse IMO.I thought you meant big rounds, did these myself, lots of aches after, tipping them on end and into truck works
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I used the step method of positioning a log at the gate and tipping the log. Saved my back for sure. A big Red Oak that I scrounged over the last two years was done partially that way and partially split on site. The main trunk was way too big for tipping.
ditchrider
Burning Hunk
When I grew up I listened to Bill Cosby comedy records. Man, his story about Fat Albert's hernia made me cry with laughter. About 20 years later I had this occasional pain in my groin. Five years later Fat Albert came to visit. I had to wear a cumberbund to work to keep myself together until I had time to get surgery. I had two hernias fixed in the same surgery. My back gets sore and my neck cramps up on occasion also. I try to listen.
I realize I'm spoiled working for a company that pays me to keep the trees cleaned up and equipped to do so. But others in my line of work are crippled with back problems, missing body parts from projects that went wrong and other health related issues. It isn't because their company doesn't equip them, they don't want to be called wussies. I'd sooner be a wuss than spend my final days in front of the fire sitting in a wheelchair.
Using dollies and hauling with low bed trailers that have foldup ramps is a cheap investment. Free heat ain't free when you need to get patched up.
I realize I'm spoiled working for a company that pays me to keep the trees cleaned up and equipped to do so. But others in my line of work are crippled with back problems, missing body parts from projects that went wrong and other health related issues. It isn't because their company doesn't equip them, they don't want to be called wussies. I'd sooner be a wuss than spend my final days in front of the fire sitting in a wheelchair.
Using dollies and hauling with low bed trailers that have foldup ramps is a cheap investment. Free heat ain't free when you need to get patched up.
Creeky hasnt even logged on the forum since 2008 lol.
I thought you meant big rounds, did these myself, lots of aches after, tipping them on end and into truck works
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Wow thats impressive, but only works with longer rounds.
I split the big ones into halves, quarters, or smaller, if need be, before I lift them up onto my trucks. I tried the step method, and the ramp, but I found smaller manageable chunks is best and safest for me. Being pretty far ahead and a wood snob, I only work with the easier splitting species that I can break up quickly with my Fiskars. I carry wedges and sledge sometimes, but haven't used them in years. I'll noodle before I resort to sledge and wedge. There is no lifting the big ones onto the tailgate of my F250 or up onto the old flatbed.
chuckie5fingers
Member
not to derail this thread but I keep wondering what that machine of death is in Jag's avatar and where can I get one? LOL. By the way, I have found that a ramp of some type works well. My wood hauler is my jeep liberty. I'm 5'4'' so there ya go...
chuck
chuck
Consider it mechanical assist for someone who has lifted waaay too many large rounds.
Full disclosure - it is not mine, I have no idea who owns it and it IS real and when I retire, I plan on making one.
I'll noodle a three inch cross cut into the end of a big round then whack it with wedges planted into the cuts. Even then, I've had quarter rounds that weighed 80 pounds or better.
Consider it mechanical assist for someone who has lifted waaay too many large rounds.
Full disclosure - it is not mine, I have no idea who owns it and it IS real and when I retire, I plan on making one.
Please call when it is finished.
Dennis - I have another 13 years before I will consider retirement. I am 43 yrs old, so it will be awhile.
Huh . . . I always figured you to be much older than that . . . I think you have an old soul Jags.
Your not the first to make that statement...and to a degree, I would agree. Just common country folk, Jake. Computer dude by day and everything else dude by night.
There you go again Jake.
Jags, Did you say that you can retire at 56? How do you pull that off? I'll be 42 this year and I am looking at a minimum of 18 to go.
The plan is to have the "option" at 56. It is a multifaceted approach, probably not suited for the forum. PM me if you wish.
Technically I can "go" at 50 . . . but I doubt I will since I suspect I still will have plenty of "gas" left in me . . . plus I need the health insurance benefit . . . not so much for me, but for my wife.
Jake, I was talking about you thinking some guys here are older than we actually are!
Yeah, I sometimes have to remind myself that while in my own mind I still am 26 years old and nearly everyone else around me is older than me, the reality is I'm much older than I think I am . . . and folks around me are much younger than I think they are.
jeepmedic
Burning Hunk
I only cut as big as I can safely lift. My wife mainly helps load while I cut so I keep the rounds small and its easier for both of us. I bring the maul just in case...
The first time I thought to split the rounds before struggling to get them on the truck was one of the best days of my wood burning career. I can't believe all the wood I left behind because I couldn't lift it and didn't think to break it up. It was such a DUH! moment.
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