How to Load Logs onto a Sawmill Bed

Make heavy logs easy with these tried-and-true methods

Getting logs onto your sawmill track is a key part of milling, but how do you plan on doing it? 

It can be especially challenging with big logs or ones with a lot of curves. Thankfully sawyers in the Woodland Mills community have found numerous ways to inventively haul logs to wherever they need to go. 

Here's a few ways to get your logs onto your sawmill bed.

Fork Loader or Tractor

Farm owners likely already have a skid steer or tractor with a fork loader on their property. This can be great for moving large logs, since you're letting your machine do the work for you. You may have to finesse your machine when trying to single out logs from a stack, but this can be a great way to load your logs easily and safely.

Some general tips for if you're planning to use a fork loader to load logs onto your sawmill track:

• • Drop the log down gently, lifting the forks below the top of the bunks and then safely pulling your tractor or skid steer away once the log is safely on the tracks

  • Have your log supports up to catch your log if it starts to roll

  • You can tilt your fork loader to roll your log off of it if it's giving you trouble, but be cautious about how much force is landing on the bunks

  • Always ensure you're following the recommended weight capacity of the loading arms and machine you're driving

Grapple

Front-end loaders or tractors equipped with grapples can easily be used to haul logs. Larger logs may prove difficult to carry, so always ensure you're lifting within the weight capacity of your machine.

Because of this, this method works fine for small or light logs but not for heavier or larger logs. Always ensure you can see your log when unloading it and know where it's going.

Follow all the advice provided in the owner's manual for your loader, but also be follow these steps:

• • Know where your log is at all times. Don't drop your log onto the track with excess force or else you could damage the rails or bunks.

  • If you do accidentally drop your log from an unintended height, double check your bunks and the levelness of your track before milling.

  • Make sure there are no people or objects which could obstruct your path when moving logs. Always show an abundance of caution when operating power equipment.

Winch and Ramp

Another option is using a ramp and winch to haul your logs for you onto the sawmill track.

If you have your logs in a log pile on the ground then you'll need a way to haul them onto your sawmill bed, which is where the winch comes into play.

Just strap the winch cable around your log and crank the handle to load the log onto your mill. If you're using the Woodland Mills Ramp and Winch Kit, this is especially helpful when you have your mill elevated on a trailer.

When using a winch to move your logs, remember:

• • Start slowly, keeping an eye on your log to ensure it's rolling correctly

  • Use your winch to position to log how you want on the track

  • Once the log is pressed up against the log supports, use the log clamps to lock it in place and then untether the winch cable

Paul's log loading setup, which he shared in the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group.

Platform Loading

Why work against gravity to load logs onto your sawmill track when you can work with it?

Some sawyers construct platforms level to their sawmill bed, making it easier to roll logs from their log pile onto their sawmill since they're both at an even level.

To do that just:

• • Set up your log platform adjacent to your sawmill

  • Have a way to load logs onto your platform, such as with a grapple arm or tractor

  • Set up a moveable ramp to roll the logs from your platform onto the sawmill track

With a setup like that you'll easily be able to drag and load logs to wherever you need them.