Ground skidding with a single horse to bobsled at Earthwise Farm & Forest Winter 2012

[Carl Russell]

This is the first video clip in a series of the processes I use in my woods from stump to landing when cutting firewood on the mountain. My hardwood sections are all more than 1/2 mile from the landing, so I typically use a bobsled to transport the logs, and most often in the winter. In this clip I am using a single horse to ground skid the wood logs as the land is a bit difficult to use a team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnyjcD_kMrs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnyjcD_kMrs

Carl

[Tim Harrigan]

Carl, great video. I like the easy way you swing around and hook to the log while carrying the single tree. I can do better calling Will around while I hold the single tree, that is a part that I have not tried to refine since we started working single. Thanks for the demonstration. Nice control while you keep on the high side. Tim

[mitchmaine]

hey carl, nice horse you got there. great disposition. looks like (she’d?) be fun to drive. fun video.

[mink]

carl what are your thoughts on putting the chain on the tree with the horse watching you as compare to turning it around and then hooking the chain and singletree? your horse comes around haw just as” slick as snot on a doorknob”. nice video

[Carl Russell]

Thanks for the comments guys. Mitch HE has his moments, but mostly does a great job….. he is very responsive.

Mink, I have always hitched my logs like that, single, team, even using oxen. I like to have them facing me while I am distracted by digging under the log. I find it better than trying to compensate for creeping when faced back toward the landing. I like them to come around like that….. I could never quite accept those horses that seem to need to driven around in a loop past the log before hitching.

I got some more footage today, and will post soon.

Carl

[Does’ Leap]

Carl, great video. I am looking forward to the next installment.

George

[Carl Russell]

Second installment, showing chaining method…. enjoy:o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OliaEMxgb0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OliaEMxgb0

Carl

[Does’ Leap]

Carl, thanks for posting that. More importantly, thank you for keeping the bobsled (and scoot) alive and promoting its use as a viable logging tool. I picked up my bobsled yesterday and plan to bring it out later this week. Here are a few questions:

• Do you try to maintain some consistency in the lengths of your logs on your bottom tier (i.e. against your bunk)? I imagine that loading 8 footers and 16 footers on the bottom might lead to some challenging dynamics for the top tier of logs?
• I noticed that your top chain is set back from your bunk a ways. Do you try for the center of the load? If so, why?
• I am making up some bridle chains for my sled. Since my pole does not have stabilizer straps extending from roll (I noticed your bridle chains are inside this strap), is there a problem having my bridle chains around my roll at the junction with the runners?

George

[Carl Russell]

George, there are several reasons to keep logs somewhat consistent on the bottom, but mostly to keep upper logs from working down through. I generally just keep with the largest logs on the bunk, long, or diameter, as I tend to save the smaller logs for loading on top. Sometimes I end up with long and short on the bottom. In those cases I load the shorter logs to the outside.

The load chain has two functions, to keep upper logs in place, and to draw together the ends of the logs on the bunk. If logs on the bunk can fan out, they will loosen, so the load chain should be back far enough to draw the ends together, but not back so far that the fronts of the upper logs fan out the other way…. so centered pretty much does it.

I see no reason why the bridle chains can’t be where you describe. It is no different than a staple on top of your scoot runner. I think Brad and John came up with something like you describe on Brad’s new sled.

I’m happy to share this info. It completes a circle for me. I was inspired 26 years ago while riding on a bobsled of logs to learn and perpetuate this method. I have been happy for years to know that it helps me to be more effective in my own operation, but having folks interested in learning about it who are genuinely intent on employing it is inspiring in its own way…:D

Carl

[Tim Harrigan]

Carl, really nice demonstration and instructional video. Add video creation to your list of demonstrated skills and abilities.

[menageriehill]

I enjoyed both videos. And the mountain music (really). I was using my donkey to pull a tree last week. He met his match with a 30 footer. He definately gave it a good try. The toyota and 8k wench had to be used. back to your video- it played straight throu on my computer, usually the videos play for a few seconds and pause and then continue. So it was real enjoyable. I saved it to my smart phone so I could watch it again when I am away form home! Keep up the good work!!!

[Ed Thayer]

Great video Carl, Thank you for sharing. A week in the woods with you would fill in a lot of the blanks for me.

Ed

[Carl Russell]

@highway 33157 wrote:

Great video Carl, Thank you for sharing. A week in the woods with you would fill in a lot of the blanks for me.

Ed

There may be a chance that something like that can happen during this year……… I’ve been trying to wrap my head around a potential schedule, work to be done, and other particulars..

Carl

[PhilG]

Nice Carl !! Very inspiring! That is definitely my goal for next winter. I like your rein control while skiing down the hill, i find when im trying to balance i use the reins a little to much to keep from falling.
Thanks for posting this – i’d like a week in the winter woods with you too:D

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