Shovel Logging
- Thread starter Bushler
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Bushler
ArboristSite Operative
I use the grapples and heal rack to pull stumps and make crude skid road as I work cross the slope face, and heal the logs behind me as I go into the unit. When I get to the back end, I come back out healing the logs with me.
6 throws is about as far as I like to get from the haul road. I've been out as far a 9 throws but its terrible boring swinging the logs that many times.
I use the old D-6 to widen the skid road enough to get trucks in as close as possible.
The part I like best is no chokers, and no drumline to pull. Also, swinging the logs instead of dragging them is easier on the ground, and the logs/knots are clean at the landing.
6 throws is about as far as I like to get from the haul road. I've been out as far a 9 throws but its terrible boring swinging the logs that many times.
I use the old D-6 to widen the skid road enough to get trucks in as close as possible.
The part I like best is no chokers, and no drumline to pull. Also, swinging the logs instead of dragging them is easier on the ground, and the logs/knots are clean at the landing.
clearance
Addicted to ArboristSite
Thats it, cheaper than setting up a yarder. I saw a snorkel working picking logs left by the yarder once, and he was loading trucks with it. It just had a short boom, but I have seen pictures only of super snorkels. Must be very hard machines to run. They are thing of the past, but they could pick up logs on real steep ground. How steep can you safely work?
They used to shovel log here, and last year, a logger was bugging me to let him on some flattish, short ground but I couldn't because the sale was under a court order for cable logging only.
During the late 80s it came into fashion here. We had hoot owl restrictions on. I was going out to check on a sale where they were high lead logging, and a coworker said, "bet they're shovel logging to beat the hoot owl." I replied, "no cuz it is too steep." Well, I went out and they were shovel logging by walking the shovel up a creek (a Major NO NO.) and punching logs into the creek so the shovel could get traction, (a Major Major NO NO) and logging away reaching logs on the steep creek sides. I, of course, shut them down. That was in the days of cleaning the creeks but the only way they could clean that section was to walk a shovel back up to do so, and that is what happened.
During the late 80s it came into fashion here. We had hoot owl restrictions on. I was going out to check on a sale where they were high lead logging, and a coworker said, "bet they're shovel logging to beat the hoot owl." I replied, "no cuz it is too steep." Well, I went out and they were shovel logging by walking the shovel up a creek (a Major NO NO.) and punching logs into the creek so the shovel could get traction, (a Major Major NO NO) and logging away reaching logs on the steep creek sides. I, of course, shut them down. That was in the days of cleaning the creeks but the only way they could clean that section was to walk a shovel back up to do so, and that is what happened.
Bushler
ArboristSite Operative
I'm logging on 100% slopes. Its a trip. I work my way across the slope face like a cat dozer, leveling the machine as I go.
Neat trick is to pull a stump, then turn it upside down and stick the woody part into the hole and run on the root wad.
Another trick is building bulkheads, by placing long logs between stumps on the low side and piling brush and debris on the logs to level up.
I'm an old cat skinner, and the hardest part of the tranisition to the shovel was how the rotation effects the center of gravity. By that, I mean the cat is always in line with the tracks, the shovel swings perpendicular to the tracks, and it really messes up your sense of balance.
I work alone, and get from 1-3 loads/day. That includes the cutting and knot bumping. With the D-6, working alone, I had a hard time getting 1 load/day, and was lots more tired.
Neat trick is to pull a stump, then turn it upside down and stick the woody part into the hole and run on the root wad.
Another trick is building bulkheads, by placing long logs between stumps on the low side and piling brush and debris on the logs to level up.
I'm an old cat skinner, and the hardest part of the tranisition to the shovel was how the rotation effects the center of gravity. By that, I mean the cat is always in line with the tracks, the shovel swings perpendicular to the tracks, and it really messes up your sense of balance.
I work alone, and get from 1-3 loads/day. That includes the cutting and knot bumping. With the D-6, working alone, I had a hard time getting 1 load/day, and was lots more tired.
Humptulips
ArboristSite Guru
Shovel logging, the bane of all good rigging men. I've seen so many shows so screwed up by shovel logging. If they can log the whole thing fine but it really ticks me off when you have to move in to clean up the mess. Front end all gutted out and little dribs and drabs of logs scattered about. I've seen it many a time where when the operator knew a yarder was going to have to come in anyway he would just higrade it and then the owner wonders why you can't get the production.
I guess if you are working by yourself though pretty hard to screw it up for the rest of the crew.
I guess if you are working by yourself though pretty hard to screw it up for the rest of the crew.
Bushler
ArboristSite Operative
Hump, yes, I can see your point. That's why I want to put a set of drums on my shovel, for reaching the corners.
Another plus though, I cut and log as I go, and boy o boy is it nice to be able to grub out the brush and knock down the widow makers with the shovel before I start falling.
Another plus though, I cut and log as I go, and boy o boy is it nice to be able to grub out the brush and knock down the widow makers with the shovel before I start falling.
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