A homemade log lifter is an invaluable tool for moving heavy loads of wood. Not only does it save time, but it can also reduce back strain from lifting heavy objects.
This easy-to-construct log lifter can be utilized for a variety of tasks around the home and yard. It’s an indispensable tool that any strongman or homeowner should own!
Manual
A homemade log lifter is an invaluable tool that can be utilized to move various types of logs. This tool is especially beneficial for small woodland owners who must transport their felled logs into a suitable location so they can be split and cleaned.
Log lifters typically consist of a steel base with an ergonomic handle that can be rotated to either side of the log. This makes it simple to lift it off the ground so you can cut it with a chainsaw without it hitting anything on the ground.
It features a curved jaw that can be adjusted to accommodate various log types. Furthermore, its serrated teeth grip the log securely and prevent it from rolling during cutting operations.
One major advantage of this type of log lifter is its compact design. This makes transporting the log lifter from one location to another much simpler.
Before using this manual log lifter, make sure the blade is sharp and clean. Doing so will allow you to cut logs with ease while preventing them from splintering or damaging their surrounding area.
Make sure the log you are cutting is at least 350mm (14″) in diameter. This will enable you to make an accurate cut with a chainsaw without injuring yourself or the logs being worked with.
Finally, when using the log lifter, it’s important to maintain a firm grip on the handle. Doing so will prevent slips and injuries to yourself or others.
The manual log lifter is user-friendly and can be constructed within minutes. This type of tool is ideal for woodworkers or gardeners who want to complete their tasks quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, those with limited backyard space will appreciate how convenient this device can be in keeping felled logs off the ground and clean so they do not rot or become damaged.
Hydraulic
A hydraulic log lifter is an accessory for wood splitters that allows users to safely handle large, heavy logs. Not only does this reduce back pain associated with working with a log splitter, but it can also increase its productivity.
The log lifter is powered by the same cylinder, control valve, and hoses used in the splitter’s split wedge. A cable runs up over a pulley fixed to the frame before reaching the top rear end of the split wedge where it can be used to raise large logs onto tables for splitting by its operator.
This method of splitting a large log is convenient and can be used to split logs of various sizes without special training or equipment. Furthermore, it’s an incredibly safe way of working since the operator does not need to bend over or sit on his knees.
One of the greatest advantages of this invention is that it eliminates the need for a second cylinder, control valve, and extra hoses and fittings typically needed by log lifters. This change drastically reduces the cost of this accessory while making it accessible to many more users.
Steel tubing makes this attachment a strong and reliable addition to any splitter, while manual log lifts offer more convenience than either.
Another advantage is its compact size, making it ideal for use in tight spots. Furthermore, transporting the log lifter from one place to another is easier than with a regular wood splitter.
A homemade log lifter is a cost-effective and practical device that can be made from scrap materials. It’s ideal for situations where commercially produced log lifters would be too costly to purchase, making it an excellent addition to any splitter and ideal for people with limited backyard or shop space.
Electric
For log lifters that are both portable and user-friendly, an electric log lifter might be your best bet. It’s ideal for those who don’t enjoy lifting heavy wood with a chainsaw, plus it will save you from putting unnecessary strain on your back and arms.
The YARDMAXTM Electric Log Splitter is one of the top choices on our list, as it uses electricity to power its hydraulic ram, rather than relying on your back and arms for strength. This makes it ideal for those who frequently burn wood as a heat source or who enjoy cutting down their firewood.
This unit is powered by a 12-volt electric winch, so it can be operated close to home or shed (or even on a trailer hitch!). To operate it properly, two hands are necessary: one to activate the hydraulic lever and another to push a green button which starts the motor.
Its adjustable jaw slides up and down to accommodate various-sized logs, featuring serrated teeth to grip the log securely. This prevents the rolling of the log when using a chainsaw to cut down a tree.
It also features an infeed roller option to make it simpler to transfer logs from the ground to a firewood machine. Furthermore, it has a positive log stop which allows you to adjust each log’s length into the machine; this ensures each log drops into the same spot for consistent cuts. Furthermore, this saves time and money on splits that won’t fit into chambers.
Portable
The homemade log lifter, or portable log lifter as it’s commonly known, is an efficient and safe way to transport large felled timber from remote locations. This tool can be especially beneficial to small woodland owners who need their logs off the ground and onto a track so they can be loaded onto trailers or presented cleanly to a mobile sawmill for further processing.
This device is a straightforward design with some clever tricks up its sleeve. For starters, it’s constructed with the strongest material possible – heavy-duty 50mm diameter tube. The frame has been designed for strength and is securely attached to a steel base fitted with 400mm wide pneumatic wheels for maximum traction when lifting heavy logs.
A cable attachment made of the same materials follows, reaching over the top of the log lifter frame to connect to a split wedge.
To maximize this cable’s efficiency, a pulley holder is attached to the beam (see plan below) with an extended 3/8 x 2 1/2 inch hollow flat piece that allows it to pass smoothly over and onto the top of the split wedge. This is an efficient and straightforward way to raise the log lifter hydraulically without adding extra cylinders, control valves, or hoses/fittings.
After attaching the cable, the cylinder is activated and the log lifter is raised. However, be sure that it’s not too tight as otherwise the cable could pull on itself and break.
Once the lifter has been raised to your desired height, use the cable positioning feature of this invention to position the log on a log table. This feature makes for an incredibly useful invention as it enables operators to handle both near and far sides of logs with ease.