best place to get logging lift tongs?

[9shooter]

I'm getting the stuff together to build a logging arch and have been looking around for some strong logging lift tongs. I noticed that many of them are only rated at @2500# and was wondering if there are higher rated tongs and were to get them.

[treefarmer87]

try northern toolhttps://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=position"> Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company and equipment or baileys logging supply, the only thing about northern is the dont give a weight rating

[Gary_C]

Best place is Bailey's and they are a sponsor. Just click on the logo on the left side of the page. And if you don't see what you want in the catalog, they are excellent to talk to for whatever you need.

As far as rating on those tongs, I don't know if I'd want a higher rating on them as they can have trouble gripping rather than breaking. Bottom line is don't trust them for more than that. And to be safe, throw a chain around them after lifting off the ground if it would be a problem if the log falls.

PS: And Northern sucks.  :D

[fishpharmer]

You might try our sponsor Logrite.  I didn't see them on the website but know they had some at Sawlex 2009.

[captain_crunch]

Concure with above I would be much more nervious about them holding than breaking. When we got anything iffy with weight or dia we used 3/4" cat choker. We never skidded with tongs either. They were for loading or lifting end of log to get choker around it. I would also have more faith in something from Bailey's They been around awhile
Me two bits worth
Brian

[beenthere]

try northern toolhttps://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=position"> Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company and equipment or baileys logging supply, the only thing about northern is the dont give a weight rating

Northern NOT a good recommendation. Chinese knock-off, and not a good one at that.

Sounds like the OP is interested in the more expensive lifting tongs, than the skidding tongs. However I think the skidding tongs would do the job. Lifting classification appears to be for overhead use and more stringent quality control and testing go certify the tongs.

[Magicman]

I made the mistake of buying tongs from northern toolhttps://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=position"> Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company.  Forget that source, and as others have suggested, look down the list of vendors/sponsors on the left.

[Reddog]

9shooter,
If I remember right you are in southern MI.
Superior saw in Holt/Mason carries both Logrite and Baileys products. He had some tongs in the shop a few weeks ago.

[Jeff]

I've made a small administrative addition to the Forum software that reflects my feelings at the mention of a certain company that likes to sell cheap knock offs of sponsor products.

[Magicman]

 :D :D :D  VERY FITTING :D :D :D

[Ironwood]

northern toolhttps://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=position"> Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company:AKA JUNK AND CRAP STORE:AKA JUNK AND CRAP STORE:AKA JUNK AND CRAP STORE

Just testing, that's funny :D :D everytime I hit "modify" it puts more on the end ;)

Ironwood

[Magicman]

I made the mistake of buying tongs from northern toolhttps://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=position"> Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company:AKA JUNK AND CRAP STORE.  Forget that source, and as others have suggested, look down the list of vendors/sponsors on the left. 

I hate to quote my own post, but after thinking about it, I decided to add why I felt that it was a mistake:

The picture in the catalog showed hexagon, and what I got was round.  One tip had a 1/4" flat "point".  The arch was wrong and even after sharpening that tip, they still wouldn't grab.  So I sharpened, re-arched, added a swivel, and now have "pretty good" lightweight tongs, but I wouldn't lift with them.

Thankfully, I have two hexagon high quality tongs for real work.

[Shetland Sheepdog]

If you're in the Northeast USA another consideration might be <www.labonville.com>
phone is 1-800-764-9969
They are located in Gorham, NH

[thecfarm]

Labonville also has 3 stores in Maine too.I think someone said the swivel kind are the ones to use.Labonville swivel kind only go to 2500 too. The non-swivel kind is rated at 3000.These are not for overhead lifting.I think the ones for over head work are mighty pricey.

[quietrangr]

Eagle USA is a logging supply place in Alabama. They have three different types of tongs. Standard, ranging in price from 52 to 281 dollars for different sizes; swivel, from 62 to 126; extra heavy for tree length skidding, 138 to 288. Their price on 20 inch PowerMatch Plus bars is $38. They ship fast. They have a web site but no online catalog or online ordering. Call at 800-828-8121.

Note: I don't work there or own the place. I have ordered from them, and plan to do most of my buying there. You can get a catalog by calling the phone number above.