Ground Skidding and Chain Management

[Does’ Leap]

What do folks do with their chain(s) while ground skidding logs? That is when they are not actually skidding and just traveling from landing back to the log. I have been dragging it behind my evener, but find I lose it at times and have to go back and find it. Also, do you use more then one chain? I was re-reading Jason’s comments on chains (he uses two – one long and one short while arch skidding), and feel two might come in handy.

Thanks.

George

[Jim Ostergard]

I use more than one chain when ground twitching but I usually hang the extra ones on a nearby branch. Working single I can drive with one hand and hold the rigging (single chain) with the other. Sort of keeps me in a balanced tension.
I put “g” links at the end of two 7′ chains. Got them off a set of skidder chains. This allows me to hook to chains together when I am not able to get the horse close to the twitch for what ever reason, brush, standing wood and such. Hopes this helps.
Jim

[Rick Alger]

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.

[Dave Camire]

Depending on skid distance I will wrap the chain over my shoulder or leave it attached to the swivel hook. I typically use 6ft chokers 5/16 chain for small wood, have not broke one yet. I do carry 8ft chokers on 3/8 chain for the cart or use with Farmi winch.

[Does’ Leap]

Thanks for the replies. Where do you get your swivel hooks? I have one that I inherited, but would like a back-up (maybe one with a deeper slot).

George

[Rick Alger]

Yard sale if you are lucky. Otherwise get some old time backyard fabricator to make one.

[Carl Russell]

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

[Does’ Leap]

Carl:

Thanks for the reply. What exactly are swivels? I am assuming they have some sort of eye on both ends through which you attach your clevises. I am familiar with the key hole grab hook. Do you put the clevis through the large part of the key hole to attach to the swivel? Better yet, do you have a picture.

George

[Mark Cowdrey]

George, chain swivel, e.g.:

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

[Carl Russell]

Nice googling Mark!!!

George, I think I recall Tim Huppe from Berry Brook Ox Supply telling me he has some made up with clevises right on the swivel to shorten the whole hitch. If you have a good welder, you could open one end, and reweld it around the key hole. Other wise I just use two clevises.

Carl

[Does’ Leap]

Got it. Thanks.

[Author]

Posts