How to Build an ATV Arch

Lay a steel tube upon a flat surface. Extend the measuring tape to the desired length. For example, an arch capable of handling lumber up to 2.75 feet in diameter requires components with a greater diameter; 3-foot lengths should do. Place the measuring tape against the steel tube. Mark the tube at 3-foot intervals with the marker.

Place the hacksaw's blade against the mark on the steel tube. Draw the hacksaw back and forth to cut the tube. Repeat this process, resulting in four cut tubes with the desired length. Continuing the example from step 1, this creates four 3-foot lengths. Set one tube aside.

Place a protractor 1 inch from the end of the pipe. Measure and mark a 45-degree angle between the pipe's side and end. Remove the protractor. Place the hacksaw blade against this mark and saw off the material. Place the protractor on the other end of the pipe. Measure and mark a 45-degree angle between the pipe's side and end, which mirrors the already cut edge. Repeat this process for all ends of three cut pipes. Ensure the angles are correctly cut by placing the tubes on the ground. Position the tubes so their angled edges are flush. The tubes should form three sides of a square.

Don welding mask and gloves. Ignite the welding torch. Position two of these steel tubes so the angled ends are flush. Weld these together. Position the third steel tube so its end is flush with another tube's end. Weld this together. If laid flat on the ground, the finished arch should have a horseshoe shape.

Lay one arch flat on the ground. Place the T-stand so one end touches the middle of the arch's center piece and the stand is perpendicular to both the arch and the ground. Weld this together. Place the fourth cut tube from step 2 so its end is flush with the T-stand's free end. Weld this together. This component allows the arch to be hitched to an all-terrain vehicle.

Select a 5/16-inch drill bit. Slide this drill bit in the drill head. Turn the drill's key to clamp the bit tightly in the head.

Lay the arch on its side. Measure and mark a ring around the pipe's circumference 2 inches away from the end of the arch arm. Place the drill-bit tip against this mark so it is perpendicular to the ground. Drill a hole through the pipe. Repeat this process on the remaining pipe arm. Slide a 1/4-inch-diameter axle through the holes on both arch arms. Secure one wheel to each side of the axle. When placed upon the ground, the wheels should allow motion parallel to the T-stand.

Hang a chain on the T-stand. Pull both ends under the arch and then lay them over the top. The chain should now be wrapped around the arch and T-stand, with its ends hanging freely. Thread a lock through links on both ends of the chain. Leave locks open to allow easy access. The arch is now ready to secure and move lumber.