Whaddaya call that thang?

[BboneBob]

 I am a new member and glad to be on board.  As my first correspondance I'd like to ask a question:  

What do you call the tool that you use to pick up a log to move it.  More specifically, when using the loader on a tractor with a chain you attach a device (tongs ?) that pokes into to log on both sides and as you lift the log the tongs get tighter, then you move the log to your sawmill or trailer, etc... and when you set it down, the tension is released and the tongs are easily removed.

So,  WHAT ARE THEY CALLED  

Whatever they are called, I want one.   I've got the tractor and the logs...
Anyone out there have a used one for sale?

[Jeff]

Thats just what they are called there BBB, log tongs or skidding tongs.

Here are a couple three links to places on the web that handle them. Good luck in trying to find somebody that will part with thier used ones. Better figure on just buying a new pair to pass down in the family.

By the way, welcome to the forum.

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?ID=1505

http://www.baileys-online.com/index.htm

http://www.cspoutdoors.com/logtoolsawsu1.html

[Kevin]

A word of caution, skidding tongs are not made for lifting, you need the lifting tongs for lifting.

[Noble_Ma]

I use a short chain with a grab hook to lift or drag logs around.  Tongs are expensive and they can slip off the log.  I don't log for a job so maybe the loggers can tell you the pros and cons of using both.

[Corley5]

We've got several pairs of tongs around and as far as I'm concerned they're more trouble than they're worth.  In softer woods I guess they aren't too bad but I'd rather use a log chain with a choker hook than tongs.  Tongs always seem to slip or pull out of the log.  I've even resorted to using a hammer to set them before giving up and using just the chain.  The drawback to chain is it's heavy and if the log is set into the ground you almost need a shovel to get it under the log.  We've attached 12" long pieces of rod to choker chains.  You can shove the rod under the log and then use it to pull the rest of the chain through.  A winch and cable chokers work the best.  I'd never even consider using tongs for lifting a log into the air.  Wrap a chain around it and never go under a suspended load.

[Jeff]

The only place we use tongs is to take logs out of the mill that may roll off the log decks. We dont like to drag them out with a chain because it damages the concrete. I know of no one that uses them in the woods. The cable skidder guys use cable chokers. They will poke under a log most of the time and once secure they wont drop a log unless it breaks and thats hard to do on one that is in good shape.

[woodmills1]

have to say there doesn't seem to be a much better combination than the hydraulic winch and grapple loader on my forwarding trailer.  I used to use a chain and my shovel dozer but now I am spoiled.

[johnjbc]

Looks like I'm the odd man out on this one . I bought a set from Northern Hydraulic and have had good luck with them. 145872-F728   5/8" $55.99. I run a chain between the 2 hooks on my loader bucket and hang the chain from it. About half the time I can drop it over a log and pick it up without getting off the tractor. I lift it up about a foot and drag in reverse. So far I haven't had it slip off the log. If I'm able to get at the side of the log, and there is room to haul it side ways. I pick the log up a couple of inches and run the rest of the chain around the low side and pick up the whole log. This keeps it clean, and makes it easy to set the log on the bunks on the up side of my mill.
John

[Brian_Bailey]

I use a heavy duty pair of skidding tongs on my Auto Crane.  I have lifted some pretty good sized logs with them. I'm very careful when lifting that I'm not in harms way in case they fail. I paid $130. for them at the local chainsaw shop. You can just see them in this pic.

[dan-l-b]

Hey, my WM didn't come with an autocrane

[OneWithWood]

Welcome, Bbone

I sold my skidding tongs to an Amish fellow a while back.  He was going to use them with a horse or mule team.  The only reason I had them was to hang on the side of the barn.  I have a crawler with a winch and I use winch cable and chokers exclusively to skid logs.  I use logging forks to lift and move logs about.

[Jason_WI]

I have used logging tongs for lifting logs before. I have never had them slip out. You have to keep the points sharp and at the proper angle for them to bite in. The one's we have are old. I have loaded a few oak logs into my 1/2 ton Chevy with log tongs and I don't have any dents in it yet.

We also use them in the barn with a winch for lifting down cows. Just pound the tongs into a stringer and lift. Never had them slip out yet.

Jason

[L. Wakefield]

   Well, yah, but... how do you have a truck without dents??  It seems mine always have at least one dent on every side. I always thought there was some kind of rule about that..  lw