What Size Winch Do I Need for Urban Logging? - Ask Matt #26

There's a few factors to consider when selecting a winch for urban logging. What size you need will greatly depend on the size of logs you're going after and potentially planning for even larger logs than you're expecting now. The short answer is to buy bigger than you need and not worry about it as much. The cost difference between the different capacities isn't very large. The only downside is as the capacity increases the winch gets heavier but if you're not moving it around and leaving it bolted to your trailer, this isn't really an issue.
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[@42Fab]

And some how I'm 18 minutes into a video about winches... never ceases to surprise

[@TheSafecrkr1]

Matthew, I really enjoy your videos. I don't do any log hauling, but I rig some small safes once in a while. I built a Harbor Freight trailer back when they were sold in the stores. Since the trailer was a light duty tilt trailer & I didn't want to leave the winch out to be stolen or soaked in the rain, I mounted the winch onto a trailer tounge. Then I permanently mounted a trailer hitch ball to the tounge of my trailer. I drop the winch onto the hitch ball, hook up the jump start that I carry with me. When I need to load a safe all I do is to put the dolly on the end of the tilted trailer & hook to the dolly & pull it up onto the trailer. I secure the load & off I go. Not bad for a handicaped 70 yr. Old Man..... :-D

[@floydbrennan2884]

Hey Matt this is Floyd with Brenco Sawmill. If I'm not mistaken - we both made our trailers at the same time and created the arch based on what Tom The Sawyer in Kansas City had made. I took mine a step further and made it to where I can pin the arch straight up and use it that way as well. If you want pictures - I can send them. I found that being able to pin it straight up helps in transporting and loading in difficult situations. Also - helps if I have to pull a log with a longer distance that I can not get close to. Appreciate your awesome video this morning!

[@motzemog]

Trailer size and capacity also plays a factor in your capabilities. Such great information in this one.

[@JeffSolenberg]

Thank you for doing a video on this Matt. I've been curious for quite some time to learn the details of how you do this.

[@christhole5518]

Though I don't see urban logging or using a winch in my future, this is so interesting. You are truly gifted in presenting information and educating!

[@apb71]

I cant believe the size of some of those massive logs that you load with your log arch. The stresses on the pivot points of the arch must be enormous!

[@VAspeed3]

I've always marveled at how you move such huge logs without hydraulic equipment. Thanks for sharing.

[@patrickmassa4275]

Hi Matthew I really enjoy your channel. I just became a sawyer at a urban lumber company in Charlotte NC. I’ve been learning a lot from you keep up the good work.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

A great video for those interested in doing what you do.

[@dananelson3534]

A lot of good information Matt. Got me thinking of some possibilities. Thanks.

[@jyhertz]

Always impressed with how much you can accomplish with your trailer/arch and winch. Thanks!

[@mcremona]

Thanks :)

[@MRrwmac]

Another very informative video Matt!

[@nakamakai5553]

This video represents one thing I love so much about your videos - I didn't even know about the stuff I didn't know about, until I watched this. Like windings layers away from the core, changing the line rating. The older I get, the less and less clue-ful I feel. Thanks, Matt, and keep 'em coming!

[@mcremona]

You don't know what you don't know :)

[@glenmcarroll]

Great stuff I’m going to be hauling 25” logs. So lots of excellent tips for me here. Thanks.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Hey Matt, Thanks for the video and sharing your experience, Have a small winch and planning to use levers any way possible, Deep cycle is the way to go and as big a winch as one can afford. The arch is a great asset and you have mastered the manipulation as well as moving the logs. It's also good that you're in your early thirties. LOL! People who go camping use the charging system which senses the discharge of parallel batteries and directs the charge from the vehicles alternator. You made a practical decision give money, time, space and log availability. You and Lindsey (sp?) are looking for a new homestead that maybe will allow for more log milling? Thanks for addressing safety extra equipment winch size and practical issues.

[@bearbon2]

This was the most comprehensive tutorial on winches I've yet to see. You really covered about everything and your presentation was very easy to watch. Great video Matt.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff Matt, thanks for the info! 👍👊

[@PatCavanaugh1]

I'll never do any logging/slabbing but the whole process fascinates me. You're very informative and do a great job breaking it down for everyone.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@louisdale7115]

A very good video thanks, Matthew.

[@thomaskelly1228]

Great tip on the mounting of it. I have seen guys mount a winch to 24 Gauge tongue sheathing tack welded to trailer. That is a heart-rending sound.

[@mcremona]

Well that's a great example of what not to do

[@davidpape9726]

You did an excellent job in covering this topic. Just a reminder to stay out of the line of fire. Never put your self under the load or between the load and winch or a stationary object. Out in the country we just put the forks on the front end loader and get to it.

[@Thom4123]

Very informative great information to know about . Take Care

[@mcremona]

Thanks Thom!

[@brucea550]

This cable is plenty beefy, but to anyone thinking “hey, I can use a little winch with lots of snatch blocks to multiply the force”, remember that the cable is the weak link in the equation.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good information Matt, thanks for sharing with us. Fred

[@garycrumrine9538]

Glad to see you taking extra precaution by placing a weight bag on the cable to protect against cable whip if the cable fails. I would however recommend you use one that is weighted with a heavy chain sewn inside to add weight to the setup.

[@bobrenner1624]

Hey Matt , great video . Getting my trailer in July

[@scottlouis7785]

Some very good advice hope they listen

[@montieannear2982]

Built an arch trailer with 12,000 # winch. Love it. It works great. Thanks, Matt!

[@doc559]

Duty cycle and warranty are both.very important. Good basic rule is, of the motor is to hot to keep your bare band on the motor, it's to hot and needs to cool. I've got #2 welding cables run from my truck yellow top Optima batteries to the back of the truck to Anderson 350 amp plugs and a jumper over to the trailer winch, so I've always got plenty of battery power and the batteries are charging constantly. Soft shackles are also a great safety item. Factor 55 makes closed system accessories that are all tested to failure. Their Ultra hook allows a 3/4" screw pin shackle to be attached thru a hole for the screw pin, or use the book and you can lock the hook. Great 👍⭐🏆 video.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

Cool topic, I've been wanting to get my trailer better equipped for big stuff. I recently got a gas winch made by Portable Winch. It is really handy when you need your winch to be portable. You can just carry it into the woods. Also, it's a capstan winch, so you always have maximum pull since the rope is not winding onto the drum, it winds on and off. Nowhere near the pull strength as yours but very handy, and with snatch blocks, you can get it's pull pretty high. It is a pricey little machine, but now that I have it and see what it can do, it's worth it for me. I've pulled some logs from 50 yards in the woods. You also have a 100% duty cycle. For the trailer, I'd probably go your route with the HF winch. Enjoyed the video.

[@mcremona]

That sounds really great for when you're out in the wood. It's always cool watching your adventures :)

[@Strawdozz]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@2_dog_Restoration]

I do a lot of winching on a tilt trailer ( the entire bed tilts so i have a big ramp ) for my business moving Grocery store frozen cases. So my trailer is set up with 2 batteries mounted to the inside of the tongue. My battery rep talked me into one each deep cycle and one standard battery. That way i have the long deep cycle life at the same time I have a lot of instant power. he said that if you only have a deep cycle during heavy use they can get voltage drop. I am no expert I just know that my set up works great and I have never regretted the extra power as I also use the battery to tilt the trailer down and up. THANKS for all your inspiration!! I bought your sawmill plans and hope to prep a lot of the parts over the winter and complete the build in the spring when it warms up. I am going to be adding a arch to my trailer. With the arch and the tilt I hope to be able to move 10 to 12 k pound logs! !THANKS Dan Hamilton

[@slhasebroock]

Great topic and advice!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Steve!

[@bobbailey4954]

I happened to notice when you were talking about the rewind on the winch there is a section of cable that has a flaw in it. Nice trailer setup.

[@freepress8451]

You really are a thinker, so many go off half-cocked

[@josephkittok]

Take a look at Army FM 20-22 (1962), it's still good info. How to use capacity of winch with snatch blocks to accomplish the task. Help you calculate resistance also.

[@beeldhouwerijvanvelzen1533]

Perhaps it would be a nice idea to build an extra rail outside the ones on your bandsaw machine. If you'd extend the tracks way out, you could run a hoisting gantry with a winch suspended from it, park you car in between it, hoist up your log, ride it over the bed of the bandsaw, place the log there and afterwards hoist off the boards. Just the same contraption as you built for the bandsaw.

[@vallesan]

Thx great video. I have 24v winch 18000.

[@michaelwalton9943]

That info was great thanks

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@daddi275]

when Mat showed the cable on the hook you can see that the cable can crimp/kink from too sharp of a bend around the pin. A support can be found to help prevent that

[@warmarinedisipline]

Matt, Great videos for sure. id like to give you a tip. My whole family has worked in logging for over 70 years now. Me for at least 20, on & off. Your lifting WAY too much and straining. Your back and NUTTs won't last very long the way you're doing it. Please get a small forklift or some strong buck to help you out.Prayers from Eastern Ky home of the hard wood festivbal.

[@davidconaway2830]

Matt, awesome video. Did you need to "beef up" your trailer's framework to support the winch pull?

[@andysse3929]

Good tips on how to move around large logs!

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@dave-in-nj9393]

The arch is something I have been watching. Quite a few people lock the arch and use a pulley to lift logs.

[@youssefbelghiti4477]

very very very useful video

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@bruce1816]

Great video. The one thing i was waiting for you to mention is that all winches don't have the neutral option. Some you will need to use up battery power to let your line out.

[@brucea550]

As far as I know, the only winches that don’t ‘freewheel’ out are the ones designed for lifting (for obvious reasons).

[@cornrpost9088]

Look into a solar charger lots of campers use them may be something that would work for you as well

[@JNeff99]

Hi Matt, Ask Matt question. In part 11 of bandsaw build you discussed your vfd (varible freguency drive) selection. Could you give a summary on what originally thought you were going to do and what your saw currently has? It seems to me you started by using the 10 hp electric motor with a 15 vfd. But now it seems you never vary the speed of the bandsaw and it is always running when we see it. Several questions come to mind. Do you ever varied the bandsaw speed? Could you have used a phase converter for the motor? Did you really need a 10 horse motor or not? How much current does the bandsaw draw when running? Is their a seperate meter and supply to the bandsaw? Have you ever stalled out the motor while cutting? Is the motor powerful enough to break parts of the mill if the saw ever got stuck? Does faster or slower produce a better cut or do you have an optimal speed to cut? Last but should be first, I am very happy for you and congraduate you on what you have done on youtube. It clearly shows in your content that you work very hard and constantly (except vids of sister at wedding haha) to produce. I wish you the best in business and family. As you start to design your drying kiln make it big enough for some wood for me. haha John

[@stephentackitt8683]

Hey Matt, thanks for another great video. I'm will be putting a wench on my trailer soon. We deal in 50ty plus logs and trying to figure out what wench would work. I heard a worm drive would be the best. What's your thoughts? Thanks

[@donaldcallahan1915]

hey matt u may want to upgrade ur chains to g70 a lot better lift cap on them an might also look into a multi snacth block not sure of the right name gor it but they normal have 2 plus wheels on them great video btw thank u keep it up

[@practicallyIndependent]

I've got an 8k pound winch. I've moved logs 3k pounds with no issues. I agree 8-9k pound winch is ideal for the average sawmill. Now, for a Cremona Mill, 18k is minimum, lol. Great video and very informative. I learned a lot. Thanks Matt.

[@mcremona]

lol you're a bad ass

[@tonyioannoni4951]

Amazingly informative video, plus entertaining as well, and quality of sound... and video. You should teach classes on how to do videos on youtube, some of the "older" and much experienced people could take the classes...lolllll! But as i can see you still have that dozen of "trolls" passing by and disliking your videos... I wish they would have the courage of identifying themselves and saying what they do not like... but I guess that trolls are just that trolls.....

[@jeffskent]

My thoughts exactly. Many folks don't even bother to use some sort of wind guard on their mics so you get a loud wind noise which is easily preventable. Good production value and editing capability doesn't come cheap, however, so there is that to consider. Matt is a good example of what a professional should do and I also have high praise for him. Trolls is a good name for those folks who like to criticize and belittle other people. Ankle bitters.

[@stevengates8351]

Was about 13 when watching a man cabling a car axle from under a pile cars. For safety we got behind large boulders . Never will forget that cable flying overhead when it broke.

[@iainbrown4945]

nice vid!

[@bobrenner1624]

Hey Matt , could you give some details on using a snatch block on the outside D ring of the Arch for pulling & lifting using cable & Arch together ? ? ? 🙂. Thanks , Bob R.

[@biodynamichawaii]

Awesomeness

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Matt. i have been cutting small trees that fell down and had a boo boo . biggest is about 15 " dia . i have a 17" grizzly band saw 2hp n i use a 1" 3 tpi or a 3/4 " wide ( worked best ) . i experienced several problems cupped and bowed in my cuts . i guess i am pushing too hard . not sure what i am doing wrong . what you think ?

[@Psychlist1972]

I assume the trailer + the biggest logs are together over the towing capacity of the Dakota. How much does that trailer weigh? Any problems towing stuff?

[@mnewland11]

I have what seems to be a silly/beginner question- but do you HAVE to sand down to a fine grit before adding finish to a piece of furniture that you made OR is using card scrapers/planers sufficient? I find myself sanding every inch of pieces after assembly. I feel like it makes it look better but it’s daunting and messy.

[@jamalzahi3248]

I LIKE IT

[@jeanvaljohn3921]

Yet another good vid, two thumbs up :) You could do another 8 minutes on chain and chain connectors ,re: The different grades of metal and their strength ratings ( all chains / cables and fasteners are not created equally) The Terry Hale youtube channel has wonderful info about this. Will keep visiting. Very good points and info and production quality.

[@robertevans6481]

Great tips there Matt, but my question is how many pancakes on the plate....It depends....lol

[@walshwoodworks8964]

I use a 3500lb winch to roll my logs on. Much less power needed and the logs don't get muddy all while leaving homeowners happy I didn't destroy their yard.

[@murrayandru7527]

Do you use a lifting chain or towing chain for the trailer?

[@daleholiday6037]

I haven't read thru all the posts listed here so if this has already been addressed I apologize. When the cable is winding up, how do you keep it from winding in the same spot on the roller? I always have to "guide" the cable onto the roller guiding it slowly to the right then slowly to the left etc to keep it from bunching in one place... Thanks!

[@jessehubbard9133]

Matt I have a 9000 lbs harbor freight winch on my log arch and it hasn't let me down yet I am going to build a arch for a car hauler it's getting a bigger winch but I am still undecided on it

[@dave-in-nj9393]

cable pull doubles with a pulley on the log. run the cable to the pulley, then back to the trailer. you could call it a snatch=block and then connect it to a crotch.. but the discussion seems to be going down....

[@BradPow]

I work for a hydraulic winch manufacturer. Fascinating stuff sometimes

[@mcremona]

Crazy. I never know who's going to be watching these things lol

[@BradPow]

Matthew Cremona it's ok, you didn't say anything about hydraulic winches that made you look dumb.

[@mcremona]

hahaha just give me time

[@BradPow]

Matthew Cremona winchin ain't easy

[@LarsKiel]

👍

[@alrich007]

hello I would like to know how the shrinking and expanding of wood work when building furniture

[@alrich007]

It would be a great if you would do a video on a topic like this I'm sure I'm not the only one who is wondering about it and it would be a great video for your ask Matt series

[@gregbrucks9710]

Matt, The 5/16" chain you have linked is that just for holding the log after it is on the trailer or do you use it for pulling the log onto the trailer.

[@mcremona]

I use it for both

[@Okie-Tom]

Good video Matt. I really need to make myself an arch. I do have a few questions if you don't mind! First of all, on your arch. Are there any stops to keep it from pivoting all the way flat on the trailer to all the way to the ground? I see some people have made stops at the rear to keep their arch from going all the way to the ground. Lastly, what wall thickness is your 2x3 tubing and what height to the top of your arch do you recommend? Thanks, Tom

[@cajunfid]

When you're loading logs onto your trailer do you usually have your car put in neutral with the safety brake on?

[@mcremona]

Yes

[@johnc_canada]

Why put it in neutral?

[@mcremona]

To not stress the parking pin in the transmission

[@GibClark]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@kevinwise982]

You have to use the snatch block for the logs with the big crotches

[@mcremona]

😄

[@davesawyer6506]

I recall you bought a winch and built a mount to drag a log onto the mill bed. Most of the time we see you use the trailer winch and snatch block, instead. Why?

[@mcremona]

The one on the mill is just a small 2500lb one. Great for sub 1000lb logs but nowhere near enough for the big stuff

[@MakeBrooklyn]

Excellent, that's a ton (pun intended) of winch info. Will there be a follow up about how to hook the winch up to your crotch?

[@mcremona]

😂

[@SilverBack.]

Hi Matt have you ever been offered a log that the winch would not be able to lift, if you have what did you do ?

[@mcremona]

No, and as you'll see in some upcoming videos, my new trick is loading logs that are too heavy for my trailer onto a higher capacity trailer with my trailer

[@rayflowers9097]

Do you know anything about stabilizing wood blanks?

[@mcremona]

Rotten Wood to Brass Hammer Handle - Resin Stabilizing kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ6ti5-aqrGMfqs

[@bobrenner1624]

Hey Matt the Harbor Freight by my house in Cincinnati here , only has up to the 12,000 lb winch . How do you get an 18,000 lb winch

[@oscarhedden9524]

I don't believe it's still available, at least I can't find it anywhere. Same thing with their 60gal 2 stage air compressor.

[@anthonyhawk7484]

I have some 85 feet red oaks that are straight with limbs all at the top, how much are they worth.

[@anthonyhawk7484]

They are about 2.5 feet in diameter

[@danfuller3646]

I did not even know I had an interest in winches before I watched this. Now, winch one do I buy?

[@mcremona]

Hahah thanks Dan!

[@Tomlofgren]

where did you get the pear link hook thingy?

[@mcremona]

Link in the description

[@johnmine5609]

1 snatch block... double the power.. 2 snatch blocks.. triple

[@scotthaun8582]

snap or snatch block?

[@KeenanSlabWorks]

snatch block

[@twagner6155]

I heard about a guy who had a nylon rope. The rope stretched to it's limit, the rope broke and the hook went through the cab of his tractor and killed the guy. NO nylon. Those u shaped devices are clevises.

[@brucea550]

Technically all shackles are a type of clevis design, but no, these are all shackles, as used for rigging. A clevis is what you see on some farm implements, where two flat pieces of metal are parallel and slide onto a drawbar and then a pin goes through all three parts.

[@advandervelden1588]

Comment

[@bxb590]

How many people have ever said, I wish my winch didn't have so much pulling force? I should have bought a smaller winch. Think about it.

[@brucea550]

Kinda like “I wish I’d built a smaller garage”?

[@papaw5405]

You can't say "Depends". There might be old folks in the audience!

[@mcremona]

😂😂 my bad

[@papaw5405]

Joking!

[@rualert1602]

Depends.

[@KSFWG]

Sh*t! Now I gotta change my "Depends" -- laughing too damn hard. Old guys shouldn't laugh that hard! (j/k) lol

[@papaw5405]

Just sneezing can cost you over a dollar.

[@joehodgen7728]

clevis bro .not shackel

[@brucea550]

In addition to negativity, he has it wrong, these are shackles. A clevis is flat side U shaped piece with a flat ‘tongue’ that slides into the U and then a pin that joins all three. Some farm implements connect to a draw bar that way.

[@giovannipetitti1588]

👍