Using a log loader for light crane work

[arbor pro]

How well do trucks or trailers with log loaders (clam or bypass) work for lifting branches or trunk sections away from fences, roofs, etc. I'm talking specifically about those sections of wood that are too low to block and tackle down yet can't be just dropped.

Can you 'grab' onto a big branch and control it while the saw operator cuts it free or is there too much uncertainty in the knuckle rotation for it to be done safely? Is there more control in using a lifting sling attached to a hook on the loader rather than just grabbing the wood section directly with the grapple?

Just curious...

 

[tramp bushler]

Log Loader /crane operations

when using one I prefer to sling or strap what I,m lifting .. unless the operator is too impossible to deal with ....... . You want to keep the loads light as usually they don,t have alot of reach and so when extended don,t have alot of lifting capacity ..

 

[prentice110]

It depends on the situation. Ive seen and been on the cutting end of several big logs touching building ect. , but brush is a different story. #1, you need to know your operator. Limbs are harder to judge the balence on then logs. With logs all you need to worry about is whether or not the clam has a good grip. Although Ive never seen one slip, I could easily see some major property damage if your dealing with a tree where the bark is falling off, or, if the operator doesnt double check his grip. Ive only done limbs once, and Im sure If I was the operator, it would have gone a lot smoother. I grew up with 3 log loaders in the back yard, and have been running them since I was 10, not to mention watching them be used since old enough to remember seeing. So it all boils down to your operator, and his/her experiance. IMOP.

 

[blackdiesel]

only disadvantage to a picker vs a large crane is length. i have a prentice 210c with a 30' boom. but there always seems to be that one log that it wont quite reach. and its a real hassle to go start the skidder to push it closer. a crane has much longer reach, which in residental situations, could come in very handy. if your going to be unloading pole trucks then a crane would be very slow and essentually worthless. it all depends on the situation.

however, i do have a smaller picker that is mounted on a gooseneck trailer that i would probably part with

 

[arbor pro]

only disadvantage to a picker vs a large crane is length. i have a prentice 210c with a 30' boom. but there always seems to be that one log that it wont quite reach. and its a real hassle to go start the skidder to push it closer. a crane has much longer reach, which in residental situations, could come in very handy. if your going to be unloading pole trucks then a crane would be very slow and essentually worthless. it all depends on the situation.

however, i do have a smaller picker that is mounted on a gooseneck trailer that i would probably part with

If it was bumper hitch, I'd be interested. I don't want a gooseneck though.

 

[blackdiesel]

If it was bumper hitch, I'd be interested. I don't want a gooseneck though.

haha, if it was a bumper hitch it would tear your heavy duty receiver compleatly off. She is all that my one ton diesel wants as a GN. It'll set my truck down on the stop blocks. It has a 3-53 detroit and is a pretty reliable old machine, she always got the job done for me