Amazing what can be achieved with a few lengths of 2″ x 2″ angle iron, a hacksaw, drill and a few bolts. Last week I managed to break the log carrier on its first outing with a combination of overloading and over enthusiastic winching. The terrain exposed a weakness in one of the welds and the carrier broke.
broken weld on the frame 
something doesn’t look right!
After a bit of googling and ringing around I managed to buy 3 @ 2m lengths of 2″ x 2″ x 3/16″ angle iron and set to repairing the chassis. Using a drill and bolting everything together isn’t as elegant as a weld but at least it means that I could get on and complete the job and if it doesn’t work I guess I can take it to bits and try again.
Very satisfying taking the old twisted frame back to a solid base and the working out how to secure the new angle iron.
back end 
cut back 
new frame bolted on 
front end 
sawn down and new frame added 
back to back angle iron to support rest of frame
The principle reason why the weld failed was the huge bending moment caused once the winch was operated. The winch is about a foot higher than the base of the frame and so created significant leverage on the base trying to lift it up and twisting it in the process. The finished article looms fit for purpose once more and has the advantage of a couple of diagonal struts to strengthen the vulnerable areas of loading.
completed and painted
Back in use in the wood proved that the angle iron and the reinforcements were more than adequate and it coped well with three large logs.
back in business
Just when I reached the top of the wood I noticed a curious looking fungal growth on a branch on the woodland floor.
what the….
These looked just like plastic human ears stuck to the small log. Funnily enough it is called The Ear Fungus. This is found in clusters on deciduous trees and shrubs most commonly the elder and is widespread in winter. I am not sure why the shape is significant and what advantages it brings for this particular fungus but it certainly adds to the character of the wood.
More next time……………….
Tim Burr 