A skidder is any type of heavy vehicle used in a logging operation for pulling cut trees out of a forest in a process called "skidding", in which the logs are transported from the cutting site to a landing. Here they are loaded onto trucks (or in times past, railroad cars or flumes), and sent to the mill. One exception is that in the early days of logging, when distances to the timberline from the mill were shorter, the landing stage was omitted altogether, and the "skidder" would have been used as the main road vehicle, in place of the trucks, railroad, or flume. Modern forms of skidders can pull trees with a cable/winch, just like the old steam donkeys, or a grapple or a clam-bunk.
web design in tampaContemporary skidders are tracked or four wheel drive tractors with a turbocharged diesel engine, winch and steel, funnel-shaped guards on the rear to protect the wheels. They have articulated steering and usually a small, adjustable, push-blade on the front. The operator/logger is protected from falling or flying debris (or parted cables, or rolling over) by a steel enclosure. They are one of the few logging machines that is capable of thinning or selective logging in larger timber. Forwarders can haul small short pieces out, but if mature timber is to be thinned, a skidder is one of the few options for taking out some trees while leaving others. While selective logging can be done badly in a host of ways, taking some trees while leaving some, may be a preferred alternative to taking all the trees.
The skidder can also be used for pulling tree stumps, pushing over small trees, and preliminary grading of a logging path known as a "skid road".
A positive thing about the skidder is that while wood is being yarded (pulled), tree particles and seeds are cultivated into the soil.
Alternately, some skidders have a hydraulic grapple bucket instead of a winch, and the bucket- attached to the skidder by a boom- grabs and lifts the timber.
There are three types of 'fixed boom' grapple skidders: a single function boom type with two hydraulic cylinders, only allowing the boom to lower in one position. The dual function booms, (such as the one pictured) which has four cylinders, which allows for adjusting the boom in two different places. The third type that permits the grapple boom to be swung from side to side allowing spread out trees to be grabbed at once.
In some areas, loggers have combined a hydraulic claw on the side the blade of their grapple skidders, making it possible to pile logs in some cases.(More commonly seen on cable skidders) This also permits hauling back bark and tops when returning from a "landing" to a cut block.
Tigercat
No gear shiftingWith Tigercat skidders, the operator commands infinitely variable speed control from zero to maximum simply by depressing the foot pedal. The skidder operator does not have to continually shift to maintain the optimal gear for the terrain. Operator fatigue is significantly reduced. (During an average work shift, the skidder operator shifts gears as many as 1500 times!)
Smooth travelOn all Tigercat skidders, the wheels will maintain the speed commanded by the drive pedal, regardless of the traction or pulling torque required. When maximum horsepower is reached, speed reduction occurs automatically. Smooth and continuous traction allows Tigercat skidders to operate with minimal wheel spin. The result is reduced site disturbance, longer tire life, less driveline stress and improved performance in soft or steep terrain.
No throttle pedalTigercat skidders can operate at full engine rpm for extreme terrain conditions or variable rpm for enhanced fuel economy. Full hydraulic power is ALWAYS available for all machine functions.
Hydrostatic brakingBecause skidder travel ceases as the drive pedal is released on Tigercat skidders, there is virtually no reliance on the secondary braking system. Brake service is seldom required because secondary braking is rarely used. The operator can maintain excellent vehicle control on slopes.
604CClick here for specifications.610CClick here for specifications.620DClick here for specifications.630DClick here for specifications.635DClick here for specifications.Caterpillar
Wheeled Skidders:
Cat Wheel Skidders are designed for maximum productivity. A powerful, efficient drivetrain, comfortable cab, ergonomic controls, and serviceability features combine to provide loggers with the lowest cost per ton solution.
* Net Flywheel Power,
182 hp
136 kW
to
219 hp
163 kW
* Wheelbase,
139.2 in
3534 mm
to
155.1 in
3939 mm
* Est Operating Weight,
39045 lb
17711 kg
to
42325 lb
525CClick here for specifications.535CClick here for specifications.545CClick here for specifications.Tracked Skidders:
Track Skidders allow loggers to work ground they could not skid with traditional equipment. These rugged, durable machines operate in steep slopes and provide excellent flotation in soft, wet underfoot conditions.
* Net Flywheel Power,
120 hp
89.5 kW
to
150 hp
112 kW
* Track on Ground,
112 in
2845 mm
to
114.57 in
2910 mm
* Operating Weight,
38000 lb
17236 kg
to
38234.72 lb
517Click here for specifications.527Click here for specifications.
John DeereNo matter what terrain you work in, the perfect John Deere skidder awaits you. John Deere has the widest range of skidder models and options in the industry. Choose the skidder size, power and options that best suit your job needs. Begin with grapple, single or dual function – or cable, with powerful winches for tough loads.
Cable Skidders:
540G-IIIClick here for specifications.640HClick here for specifications.Grapple Skidders:
548G-IIIClick here for specifications.648HClick here for specifications.748HClick here for specifications.848HClick here for specifications.