Set Up a Simple Low Cost Log Yarding Operation

For many years I have used Ford pickup trucks as logging machines. I use them for yarding and skidding logs. They are not as productive as real logging equipment, but they are low cost and more practical for many people who don’t have the budget or need for heavy equipment. My small scale logging operation produces logs for my firewood business, and for saw logs for my Woodmizer LT15 Start sawmill. In the past I have also done logging to send the logs to the commercial mills on a log truck. Most of my logging is just a way to manage my own forest land.

Here is the list of the log yarding rigging I am using:

1 100” long 7/16 choker
3 10’ 1/2” chokers
1 8’ 1/2” choker
1 5’ 1/2” choker (could be. 7/16” or 3/8”
1 6” block (should be 5”)
1 5” block
2 1/2” shackles
1 short chain or hook to attach line to vehicle
4 10’ 5/16 chains with hooks (only need 2 chains. Chains could be shorter)
1 break away block (luxury item)

[johnwax]

I use the bowl from an old wheelbarrow to drag logs so they bounce off stumps, and don't dig into the dirt. Cut a hole in the front face of the wheelbarrow for the cable/chain to enter, wrap it around the log, and haul away. Kind of a skidder.

[utoobuser]

I'd add tree savers(lifting straps) and ratchet straps to divide the load on the king post to multiple trees around it, less wear and tear on the trees.

[Dan-djcx]

Block and Tackle are so fun to use. Moving trees, pulling out cars from the ditch, etc. Always kinda feels like cheating the work is so easy.

[zekeeod]

Very well thought out, great knowledge passed on, common sense, practical uses that everyone should know. Stay safe and God bless

[redcarone]

glad to see the gloves being worn when handling those wire rope chockers.
those rope wickers are instant razor blades and a trip to the er.

[Dustin_the_wind]

You sly, yet grizzled poet. Nicely done.

[howardkettner]

Love it. Super cool seeing the stump drop back into the hole.
Love the ingenuity of the yarding.

[tomrowe]

Nice video. 👍
I suggest a tree strap for when you need to use a close tree for an anchor and don't want to damage it.
I wish I'd made a video a few years back when I needed to snake a huge pine out of my back yard. I needed to use 4 snatch blocks, as I recall, to get it around all the corners. 100' of 3/8" cable and 5 or so log chains.

[richsmith]

Great video packed with VERY useful Information !!! A unique channel for sure. Thanks ...

[cleokey]

I retired from the local power company, and we used this stuff quite often.

[PaulMinger-ed]

I love your knowledge and especially your humour!

[davidwill]

Broke my heart when you junked those beautiful logs up… Thought you were going to mail them in the lumber! Either way, great video!

[kaceesavage]

Your always bringing the valuable content, thanks!

[rakersdownnz]

Cool ! Great info and thanks for showing the breakaway block, it's so simple, simple is good!

[flyingfisherman]

I built my 4000 square foot home and fed a mobile dimension mill with all the same gear. Plus, a trailer. Thanks for sharing. Low cost is right.

[bradjunes]

As an old time logger. I found this video very good. Much thanks from timber country. Oregon.

[tomrowe]

Ah, forgot to mention a choker-poker can come in handy. Basically a piece of slightly curved rebar with a hook bent on one end and handle bent on the other. When a log is flat on the ground where ypu need your choker you poke the choker-poker under it, hook your choker on it, and pull it through.
Makes life much easier.

[markshechter]

Good job on that rigging... Fun to watch it in action

[mikekares-bq]

Just found your channel and I'm watching intently, 4yrs ago I purchased Some Property with a lot of woods and some Big Trees, Only one problem a kinda big problem I'm in my 70s .I think young and I can just about do everything I used to do just not as fast .Lol Thanks for the tutorials Wilson.

[magnuscircle]

What you do with a truck and yarding equipment is amazing. Thank you for your guidance. I appreciate your humor as well.