Synthetic rope for pulling logs off trailer

Colonel428 · May 01, 2022, 11:39:56 PM

So I get logs from a couple of tree service guys I know and have been cutting them into rounds on my trailer. Needless to say the 2x boards of the floor gets cut accidentally at times as well. One of the tree guys said before they got a dump trailer they used to lay rope down, load the logs and then hook off to a tree or stake and drag the logs off. I forgot to ask exactly what type of rope, strength and place to buy it. Biggest load I'd have is 6k lbs or so. Thought I'd ask some pros here for recommendations. Thanks, Steve.

dogone · May 02, 2022, 12:04:23 AM

Amsteel blue is the rope you want. Google it. It's not really blue , mine is orange.

terrifictimbersllc · May 02, 2022, 05:42:30 AM

If I were using rope I'd get some 3/4" rigging rope meant for use with 3/4" pulley blocks, I think 3/4 Samson stable braid has 33000# breaking strength. It's going to get beat up so starting with larger diameter is better. Arborist places or Bailey's have it.

Myself I'd rather use grade 40 chain for that though, any reason why not?

Tom King · May 02, 2022, 08:17:08 AM

5/8 Stable Braid is something over 16,000 pounds. It's considered a Bull Rope, that doesn't stretch.

You don't want to use a rope designed for climbing. Even though they have a high strength, they stretch on purpose.

Stable Braid has the strong core, with a easier to handle polyester cover. It has great knot strength, but you need to be able to tie a knot that you can get untied after it's been under a high load.

Tree work suppliers sell all sorts of such rope. There are many to choose from with small differences between them.

chet · May 02, 2022, 08:24:59 AM

My go to method was also the 40 grade chain plus skidding tongs. Also, unless you are very familiar with proper knot use, your rope will get really short fast from cutting knots free. ;D
A better option is to purchase a Logrite cant hook. Then cut your log part way threw, roll it over and and finish the cutting. Your new cant hook is even handy if your logs are on the ground to help keep your saw out of the dirt.

Tom King · May 02, 2022, 08:48:16 AM

Treework companies always have plenty of ropes that they no longer use for climbing, or rigging. I doubt they would either use a good rope, or buy one for dragging logs out of trailers.

I'd use a chain, or at least a length of chain tied to Stablebraid if you need a long pull.

Old Greenhorn · May 02, 2022, 08:49:18 AM

Regardless of what rope you select (I prefer 1/4" wire and a choker), try screwing some slabs down on your trailer deck. It will help avoid some of those errant cuts as well as reduce the friction between the log and the deck when dragging. Use live edge slabs if you can with a steep curve on the sides. The bumps pass over easier.

wisconsitom · May 02, 2022, 10:10:55 AM

Study and learn to tie the running bowline. Your knots will always tighten up against load yet never be hard to untie. There are probably other suitable knots but this one is the best I know of for such purposes.

Any arborist's rigging guide will showcase knots, including running bowline.

sawguy21 · May 02, 2022, 11:13:47 AM

We used a synthetic rope for slinging logs under helicopters, the big problem was stretch. The material also took a beating around the thimble end from being dragged when releasing the load, it won't last long in your proposed application.

chet · May 02, 2022, 11:38:46 AM

Quote from: wisconsitom on May 02, 2022, 10:10:55 AM
Study and learn to tie the running bowline. Your knots will always tighten up against load yet never be hard to untie. There are probably other suitable knots but this one is the best I know of for such purposes.

Any arborist's rigging guide will showcase knots, including running bowline.

Both are great knots. But if you don't know, and use, some extra little tricks when they are used for a very hard pull or lift you will not untie them. You do not even have to be close to the max working load of said rope.

wisconsitom · May 02, 2022, 10:43:47 PM

I don't get that chet, how a running bowline could possibly tighten up-never a one time in my three or four decades of tying and untying ...not once.🤔

That's the whole point of the knot.

All that said, I'm only offering a good way to cinch a log with rope. I use cable and chain chokers myself.

chet · May 02, 2022, 11:16:33 PM

I'm not saying it's not one of the best knots for untying. What I am saying is if you put a lot of stain on a simple Single Bowline or simple Running Bowline you can tighten it to the point of never untying it. Trying to drag a log of any substantial size can accomplish this quite easily. I can make these statements after having made a living with ropes for darn near 40 years. ;)

wisconsitom · May 02, 2022, 11:22:28 PM

I only ever mentioned the running version, which at least in Wisconsin, does not tighten up under load.

chet · May 02, 2022, 11:30:45 PM

Most of my career was spent working in North Eastern Wisconsin, and it can there too. :D We actually don't live to far apart. We should get together sometime so we can test a few.

Colonel428 · May 03, 2022, 09:52:30 PM

Quote from: chet on May 02, 2022, 08:24:59 AM
My go to method was also the 40 grade chain plus skidding tongs. Also, unless you are very familiar with proper knot use, your rope will get really short fast from cutting knots free. ;D
A better option is to purchase a Logrite cant hook. Then cut your log part way threw, roll it over and and finish the cutting. Your new cant hook is even handy if your logs are on the ground to help keep your saw out of the dirt.

I've got a log rite. Really hard to use it on the bottom row of logs when they are tightly wedged in the trailer. Logs off the trailer it works great...

Colonel428 · May 03, 2022, 09:56:05 PM

Quote from: Old Greenhorn on May 02, 2022, 08:49:18 AM
Regardless of what rope you select (I prefer 1/4" wire and a choker), try screwing some slabs down on your trailer deck. It will help avoid some of those errant cuts as well as reduce the friction between the log and the deck when dragging. Use live edge slabs if you can with a steep curve on the sides. The bumps pass over easier.

I use 4x4's sideways in my trailer now. Good idea about the chamfered edges....

Colonel428 · May 03, 2022, 10:00:05 PM

Quote from: Tom King on May 02, 2022, 08:48:16 AM
Treework companies always have plenty of ropes that they no longer use for climbing, or rigging. I doubt they would either use a good rope, or buy one for dragging logs out of trailers.

I'd use a chain, or at least a length of chain tied to Stablebraid if you need a long pull.

You're right Tom. I spoke to one of the tree guys I know and he said they would use old rigging rope that had gotten too short to use.

Colonel428 · May 03, 2022, 10:04:39 PM

Quote from: wisconsitom on May 02, 2022, 10:10:55 AM
Study and learn to tie the running bowline. Your knots will always tighten up against load yet never be hard to untie. There are probably other suitable knots but this one is the best I know of for such purposes.

Any arborist's rigging guide will showcase knots, including running bowline.

Thanks Tom. I'm always curious to ask for advice when I see those tree service guys tying ropes off but I don't want to bother them or slow 'em down. I'll definitely learn and practice the running bowline.