Tools (continued)

ATV trailer (plans available from MTDC).

Packstock Bags and Panniers. Fabric bags or hard-sided panniers with drop bottoms work well for carrying trail construction materials on packstock. MTDC has a design available for fabric bags. Off-the-shelf fruit picking bags also work well as a low-cost alternative for occasional or light duty use. Commercial aluminum drop panniers are a more expensive option.

Canvas Bags. Heavy-duty canvas bags sold to carry coal are great for dirt, small rocks, and mulch.

Canvas coal bag.

Cant Hooks and Peavys. Cant hooks and peavys afford leverage for moving or rotating logs. To roll a heavy log, use a series of short bites with the hook and maintain your progress by quickly resetting it. Catch the log with the hook hanging on top of the log. Rotate the log using the leverage of the handle, working the tool like a ratchet. Moving large logs may require several hooks working together. Avoid taking large bites; a heavy log will roll back and pin the handle before the hook can be reset.

Log Carriers. Log carriers enable teams of workers to move logs. The tool hooks the log, allowing persons on either side of the handle to drag it. Several carriers could allow four or more persons to carry a large log.

Tools for Peeling and Shaping

Bark Spuds (Peeling Spuds). Use a bark spud to peel green logs. Position the log about hip high. Hold the tool firmly with both hands and push the dished blade lengthwise along the log under the bark. Always pry away from your body. Three sharpened edges make this tool unusually hazardous to use and transport.

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