Ground Skidding and Chain Management

You can always wrap the chain around a hame, but you shouldn’t have to.

I don’t know how you are set up, but if you don’t have a “deep” swivel hook I suggest you get one. The swivel helps keeps the chain and evener stable , the hook has a slot deep enough to hold two chains and narrow enough to keep them from sliding through.

I use two chains occasionally to pull two separate logs or to yank a log out of a difficult spot.

I get swivels from Logging or Equipment supplier. Then using clevises, one at the evener and one between the swivel and the hook. I use a key-hole grab hook, like on skidder sliders, they are deep, hard to lose a chain, and they have the loop built into them. I have been using this set up for 10-15 years now, and only worn out one swivel, and rarely drop a chain. The key-hole is a convenient and comfortable way to handle even a heavy steel double-tree.I also find them quick and easy for hitching to the chain.

I never use any more than one chain when ground skidding. 8′-5/16 or 3/8, but I prefer the lighter. With a good length of chain several logs can be wrapped together without the need for a second chain. Only when using the cart do I sometimes need extra chain to get a log out of reach. It is much safer if you can wrap several logs together when skidding, then to try to handle them dragging and rolling separately.

Carl

George, chain swivel, e.g.:

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(jvmmgl45hvvzlj45qohfbdqx)/productdetails.aspx?sku=998018172&source=GoogleBase