Two-claw log tongs any good?

[Mcdust]

I had a large log in the creek wedged against a bridge. Didn't want to get in the muck so bought big yellow tongs from Tractor supply inspite of mixed reviews. I was able to lob them over the log and pull it out and never used them since. Another vote for short money.

 

[Catenary Kid]

I bought the Garvee 4 prong 36" jobs because I have several dozens of 5 - 12" hickory logs to move. I've managed to move much, much bigger stuff with them, but, they are not as easy as the pictures make them look. I cannot, for instance just drop them on a log and have them open, slip around the log and constrict to pick it up. I find that you really need 2 people to work them properly: one to operate the tractor and the other to open, set and close the grapples, then open and remove them.

I dealt with part of this by rigging a 'trip line' on the bottom brace of the grapple which I operate from the seat of the tractor. I use it to force the grapple open then drop it on the log and release the trip line which allows them to constrict on the log and let's me lift it. It's not easy, but works OK. Once I move the log, I need to physically get off the tractor and open the grapple up to take it off the log and go back to work. Having 2 people would make this much easier and faster.

Having said that, once you get the log into the grapple, the only way to get it out is to drop the load, get off the tractor, open the grapple and physically remove it. I've never yet had a log twist, turn or spill its way out. Once the grapple pinches, it's there until you take it off.

Here's the unit I bought:

https://www.garvee.com/products/log-lifting-tongs-4-claw-pho-0zj3-sold-out-1

 

[alpha&omega]

I bought the Garvee 4 prong 36" jobs because I have several dozens of 5 - 12" hickory logs to move. I've managed to move much, much bigger stuff with them, but, they are not as easy as the pictures make them look. I've never yet had a log twist, turn or spill its way out. Once the grapple pinches, it's there until you take it off.

Here's the unit I bought:

https://www.garvee.com/products/log-lifting-tongs-4-claw-pho-0zj3-sold-out-1

I have the shorter set, still a 4 prong but a bit easier to manipulate. No twisting when used with the FEL or when lifting from the rear. If you are going to buy a set the 4 claw is the way to go, and these guys make one of if not the best I’ve ever used.

 

[John_Mc]

I don't use tongs much anymore winch I got the grapple for my FEL. (I use chokers with my logging winch on the rear - much more positive attachment.)

Before I got the grapple, I found I much preferred 2 prong tongs. A well designed set grips just fine (some of the cheaper brands I've used were just an exercise in frustration). The reason I preferred the 2 prong is that once set in the log, they can still pivot to align with the direction of force. So if I'm a little off center when picking up the log they just swing to allow the tilt. Likewise when I'm intentionally pickup one end of the log, the tongs can swing to align with the direction. With the 4 prong tongs, the twist would often tear or pop the tongs out of the log.