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 once 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.

 

[echo8287]

I just got these off Amazon>Amazon.com: HOTYELL Log Lifting Tongs, Log Grapple Hook with Handle, Upgraded Timber Claw Hooks as Handling Tools for Dragging and Lifting Logs Used as Tractor, ATVs and Trucks Accessories (4 Claws - 32‘’) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Just used them and they work very good, seem to be heavy duty. Unloaded a trailer with 10ft logs of various sizes. I think I might have tightened the bolts down a tad too much, and will go back and loosen em up a little to see if they can be operated without getting off the tractor. I saw another guy that welded a little stop on his to keep them from closing all the way and he was bumping them on a pile of logs without getting off the tractor and catching a log.

 

[Quaffer]

I just got these off Amazon>Amazon.com: HOTYELL Log Lifting Tongs, Log Grapple Hook with Handle, Upgraded Timber Claw Hooks as Handling Tools for Dragging and Lifting Logs Used as Tractor, ATVs and Trucks Accessories (4 Claws - 32‘’) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Just used them and they work very good, seem to be heavy duty. Unloaded a trailer with 10ft logs of various sizes.

I don't understand how you grab it the exact center of lift each time. It seems that if you don't, the log will drop on one end.

Most logs I handle are tapered-- making the choice of the center not as obvious as if it were a consistent diameter.

 

[CalG]

I don't understand how you grab it the exact center of lift each time. It seems that if you don't, the log will drop on one end.

Most logs I handle are tapered-- making the choice of the center not as obvious as if it were a consistent diameter.

pick it up, see how the log hangs, reposition as required. Even just one bog of a two leg tong.

It's not critical, nor hard.

If I plan to carry a log on the FEL, I thow a couple of tag lines on the log leading back to the operator station. That way I can "snake" a log around obstacles as I move along.

 

[John_Mc]

I don't understand how you grab it the exact center of lift each time. It seems that if you don't, the log will drop on one end.

Most logs I handle are tapered-- making the choice of the center not as obvious as if it were a consistent diameter.

After you've done it a while, you get better at eyeballing the balance point. I have a hydraulic grapple on a boom on my log forwarding trailer. The grapple is not rigidly mounted, so the jaws will tilt if the load is unbalanced. When I first started using it, I often had to test lift and reposition the grapple - sometimes more than once. Now, for most logs, I can eyeball a spot and pick it up on the first try. It might not be perfectly balanced: sometimes one end hangs a foot or two lower than the other, but it's close enough for me to load it on the trailer.

Of course, that learning curve was much less of a pain in the butt with a hydraulically operated grapple than with manual tongs where I might have to climb on and off the tractor several times. (Some times I'd get lucky and be able to release the tongs with a jiggle of the loader, but that did not always work.)

 

[ruffdog]

This is the type I would love to have:

 

[shooterdon]

I have the Timber Tuff shown in post 3. It works but I don't use it for lifting logs/rounds now that I have a grapple. It comes in handy for dragging a log out, so I keep it for that reason.

I used to use it for lifting large rounds onto the splitter. It worked but was slow when working alone. Getting on and off the tractor gets old quick but not everyone can justify the cost of a grapple for occasional use.

I bought the Timber Tuff when I had a JD 855 and could not mount a grapple. IMO, if you have a SSQA, you should consider a grapple for moving logs. The one I have it similar to this:

MTL RG-7 HD Root Grapples 60" or 72" Models Black or Orange Universal quick attach Mount - Skid Steer — MTL Attachments

Brand New Built in the USA Skid Steer Universal Quick Attach RG-7 Root Grapple ***LIMITED 150 PRODUCTION per Month OF RG7 MODELS*** Highest quality Construction - BUILT IN THE USA Only 150 of the RG7 Grapples will be made each Month to be sold- This includes all sizes and Models of the RG7

www.mtlattachments.com

I wish I had bought the smaller unit.

For lifting logs/rounds, this would a less expensive option:

BLACK Compact Tractor 48" / 54" / 60" HD Root Grapple Hydraulic - quick attach — MTL Attachments

Brand New Built in the USA 48” -54” or 60" Compact Tractor / Skid Steer Root Grapple bucket This is our newest and most advanced model 60” & 48" grapples ever built We have the largest opening / per weight / style than any other manufacturer - Industry leading 41

www.mtlattachments.com

Buy once, cry once.