This piece of logging equipment consists of an engine, multiple winch drums, and a tall steel tower used to rig cables across steep or difficult terrain. It pulls or lifts logs from the stump up to a central collection point called a landing. Cable yarding minimizes soil disturbance on steep slopes where tracked skidders cannot safely operate.
Heard on the job
The yarder is rigged and ready, so tell the rigging slingers to start hooking the first turn.
Insider tip
Yarders rely on clear whistle signals or radio communication between the rigging crew in the brush and the operator in the cab, since the operator rarely has a direct line of sight to the logs.
Also heard as
- cable yarder
- tower yarder
- swing yarder