Logging Steep Area

[Pete Jesse]

I have started pulling 20′ red pine logs out of my woods.  Most of my woods seem to be on a hill side.  One area has a very quick and steep drop.  When I come over this area there is a short while that the front of the log is not in touch with the ground until it finds the tipping point.  As this happens the log slides forward a couple of feet before the horses are able to “catch up” with it.  I stopped pulling over this spot after this happened the second time.  However, I do need to travel this spot in order to reach my landing.  Any suggestions.

[Does’ Leap]

You can long chain that log to give your horses plenty of space for when the log slips down over the slope.  I use 12′ skid chains and I hook to the very end of the chain when I have situations like this.  Once your past this drop, you can back the horses and hook tight to your log.  Sometimes a 20′ chain is necessary.

 

Here is more info on this topic…http://draftanimalpower.com/forums/search/?bbp_search=logging+sustained+steep+ground

George

 

[Pete Jesse]

Thanks that sounds like a very workable idea.

[grey]

Just this week I came across a few photos pertaining to “logging steep areas” that I saved because I enjoyed them so much. Thought I’d put them in here for everyone to admire.

Attachments:

You must be logged in to view attached files.

[grey]

Another one…

Attachments:

You must be logged in to view attached files.

[grey]

One more.

Attachments:

You must be logged in to view attached files.

[Brad Johnson]

 

Grey-

I have a job that I worked on last fall that is very, very steep.  I found that my team was limited in terms of the number of times I could walk up the grade, rather than in terms of skids out.  I did something similar to what George suggests, leaving the chain long over the tipping point.  The other trick  I found was leaving the logs quite long (ash sticks 45-50′ in length, 3-4 logs in each stick).  That way, the weight of the log helps to provide a friction brake once you get it going down the hill with the arch.  I am going back to finish up this spring, so I will try to get some photos.  John Plowden worked there with me and might have some pics, so you might contact him.

-Brad

[Baystatetom]

Like Brad said I found I had trouble getting my oxen to walk up the hill multiple times a day on the last job I did.  I started bunching logs at the top of my steep spot and would then pull a monstrous hitch down to the toe of the slope, then pull logs one or two at a time the rest of the way.  Fortunately it wasn’t such a sharp drop off that the logs stayed suspended until they tipped.  I can see how that would be trouble some.  At least with the steers I am driving out front away from the log.

~Tom

[Ronnie Tucker]

in steep hills do not go straight up but quarter back to where you want to go.quartering means to do switch backs across the hill.

[j.l.holt]

Any one ever use step over tie tongs ?  I keep them around for the few time  logs end up on the steepest part world and the land owner wants them down.   I cut as long as possible and delimb.  Stand at the bottom of the log and reach up with the tongs. Get a good hold and just lean back and give a little tug.  The log/pole will slid right down between your legs.  Some just run on off the hill on their own after they are started.  By walking back and forth on the hill you don’t kill your self or your team, climbing up all the time.  Work the logs to flat land or to where you can’t get them to run any more.

[Ronnie Tucker]

if  you have a 40ft log it will not run as bad if you made it in to 4 ten foot logs and bring them all a once.

 

[carl ny]

And a lot easier to wind through the woods too.

carl ny

[Author]

Posts