Tools to Move the Big Stuff

(Page 3 of 3)

June/July 2004
By Steve Maxwell 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

The chain saw winch offers a long-distance reach, too — about 120 feet with a full spool of cable. It's the ideal low-impact logging tool, with a pull as hard as a medium-size tractor. The winch itself costs about $650 and can be powered by a variety of chain saw engines.

RELATED CONTENT

I heat my house with wood that I carefully cut from wind-blown, dead and beaver-felled trees, but it wasn't until I invested in a chain saw winch that I was able to make the most of these salvaged forest resources. I pride myself on zero-impact forest use, and that means I never take my tractor into the bush for skidding logs; it's simply too destructive. That said, without some way to pull down trees that snag on others after being cut, too much useful wood remains out of reach.

With a chain saw winch, I can haul logs anywhere within a 120-foot radius of my truck or tractor. And when I'm done, all that's left behind is a small skid mark where the tree traveled over the forest floor on its way out.

CAREFUL PULLING

Unless you're hauling something designed to take a hook, you'll need to take precautions to prevent damaging whatever you're pulling.

This is where nylon lifting straps can help. Available in a variety of widths and lengths, straps spread out the pulling force so the item being pulled doesn't get damaged. Use them when hauling building materials and especially around tree trunks used as anchor points for a chain saw winch. Straps do a terrific job in many applications and often are available in custom lengths from industrial supply outlets. A set of 4-inch-by-12-foot straps costs about $30.

You may not find chain-saw winches or other heavy-duty pulling tools in your favorite hardware stores, but the "Pulling Tool Sources" box below lists several mail-order options.

At first glance, you may think that the worth of good pulling tools is the work you can do with them, but that's only part of their value. When I walk into my tool shed and see nylon ropes hanging neatly next to pulley blocks, or my chain saw winch all ready to go in the job box in the back of my pickup, I have the satisfaction of knowing I can safely and productively handle big jobs by myself. And that, too, is one of the most valuable benefits of the self-sufficient lifestyle.

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

  • larry russell 3/30/2009 8:31:42 PM

    the article about moving heavey objects lacked illustrations big time. larry

  • Jeff B 7/30/2008 10:04:20 AM

    Thank you for a very interesting and informative article. I wonder, though, where the photos of equipment and the list of "Pulling Tool Sources" can be located?

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.