Simple Rig Problem

I posted this on polycount but I didn't get much help yet(still waiting for some answers),so guess I'll just post it here again.

I have this simple battering ram which I need to rig(only the "battering ram itself" - the swinging parts and the ropes that hold it).I've never done much rigging before(just some tests) and I'm looking for some help on approaching this.

Here's an image:

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Prolly a little late, but put a bone in the center of the log under the first brace and one (as the pivot) in the center of the first brace. constrain the aim vector of the log bone so it stays straight and swing away. For the ropes just parent some bones to the log bone and have them aim at the points where they are attached to the braces.