Forest operations require specialized tools designed to carry out tasks with minimal environmental degradation. These machines, like skidders, are heavy machinery that require professional shipping services to transport them safely. Shipping a skidder is a job for licensed, insured and bonded experts with years of experience to ensure this unique piece of equipment is delivered safely.
What is a Skidder?
Skidders are innovative heavy-duty forestry machinery designed with attachments and front-end power to remove heavy logs and cut trees from the forest to a designated or landing area. When pulling these loads, the equipment skids across the ground, hence its name: skidder.
Logging processes can be difficult without a skidder, so you need to know what it is, the different types, and how to ship it. Getting the right skidder is vital to efficient, safe and reliable forestry operations, including legal compliance with environmental conservation laws.
Skidders are important for log extraction, productivity, environmental management and safety. They work on rough terrain and transport logs weighing several tons. Their unique role in forestry makes them an indispensable tool.
Types of skidder and what they are for
Skidders are designed in various types and configurations, each with advantages and disadvantages. There are two classes or types of skidders, each with a differentiating function. This includes:
- Cable skidder
- Grappler skidder
Cable skidder
A cable skidder is designed to work with a cable that is wrapped around felled logs or trees. It has a skate line with attached chokers. The size and weight of the load determine the number of chokers used. This type is also called a winch skidder.
During logging or logging operations, the lathe drags the felled trees or logs from the harvesting point to a centralized landing site. When acquiring these machines, it is vital to consider the area of operation.
For example, the cable skidder is primarily used in steep terrain or regions with obstacles where skidders with grapples may be difficult to navigate or maneuver. The machine also requires a second operator outside the team to wrap the cables.
Grappler Skidder
As the name suggests, this type of skidder uses a hydraulic grapple system with grapples attached to the boom, allowing it to move heavy logs. The claw attaches to the back to grab and drag cut trees or logs. Grapple skidders are considered more productive than cable skidders.
It is versatile and reliable for extracting felled trees or logs from the forest floor and loading them onto trucks or trailers. Because of its grappling system, it doesn’t need a second operator.
When shipping a skidder, it is vital to consider the type, size, weight and destination and work with experienced and reliable experts who offer reputable shipping services. These professionals understand the uses of a skidder and will guide you on the best and most reliable ways to transport your equipment.
How to ship a skidder safely
Such equipment is considered heavy and oversized cargo, and conventional transportation methods are inefficient and unsafe. After identifying and purchasing your preferred type of skidder, it is important to ensure that it is transported safely and delivered on time.
Legal regulations govern the shipping of heavy and oversized equipment, which can only be navigated by an experienced and licensed professional. Without expert shippers, shipping a skidder safely is nearly impossible.
Due to their size, weight and complex design, only open deck trailers such as RGN, Flatbed, Step Deck and Lowboy are suitable for safe shipping. When sending a skidder:
- Carry out a documented risk assessment
This helps ensure that you understand and can manage any risk situations.
- Determine the features of your skidder
Assess your equipment and determine its weight, size and design to meet DOT regulations and maximize transportation safety.
- Inspect your truck or trailer
The shipping company usually does this to choose the right trailer with enough power to transport your skidder safely.
- Make sure the loading area is secure
When loading your skidder, experts make sure the trailer and loading area are clean and free of obstructions, with enough cargo space.
- Secure your skidder to the trailer deck
Secure your machine to the trailer deck with the correct equipment such as straps, chains, binders and anchors. Also, make sure all equipment components, such as covers, tailgates, and hinge points, are secured and close all doors.
- Obtain the required permits and documentation
Finally, check all security measures before moving your equipment and confirm that you have all the required legal documents.
Skidders are versatile pieces of equipment that require proper and safe handling. Although they are commonly used in forestry, especially logging, they can also be used in other workplaces, such as mining and construction, where heavy loads must be moved. When shipping a skidder, consider the reliable, licensed and proven services of Heavy Haulers, which has over a decade of experience.
