After seeing Mike Peace’s YouTube video of a log loader several years ago, I’ve been toying with the idea of a variation that would let me load log sections still bigger, and too big even to lift with the advantage of leverage. I came up with this design, inspired in part by my memory of a Pioneering Merit Badge requirement (only about 50+ years ago), and taking advantage of Mike’s idea of building a hinged joint into it. The pictures are probably self-explanatory, but the hinge allows it to go from inclined to level once the log reaches the level of the car or truck bed, and the legs are mortised into the ramp so they are easily removable for transport. The rope is secured around the front passenger seat of the car with straps of flat nylon to spread the weight. Rope would work equally well. Then it’s just a matter of routing the rope around the log and tying it off to the top of the ramp. It works equally well to unload the log with a controlled descent down the ramp. One improvement I’ll add is a cleat on the side to secure the rope if you want to pause the load mid-travel. The log I’m working with here is red maple, 16” long by 22” in diameter. A bit too big for me to lift without risking my back.
Edit: I neglected to mention that a good pulley at the top is critical to the design.
Edit: I neglected to mention that a good pulley at the top is critical to the design.
Last edited:
.
