92 BULLETIN 711, U. S. DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The len^h of a choker depends on the size of the timber; the 

 range is from 15 to 30 feet or more. When chokers are made from 

 new rope, 8 by 19 construction is generally used, the diameter of the 

 rope ranging from 1^ to If inches. Most chokers are made of 1^- 

 inch rope. Choker hooks for 1^ to 1^ inch line cost from $2.50 to 

 $10. The type shown in figure 24 costs about $2.50 each. Sockets 

 for 1^ and 1^ inch line cost about $2.25 each. On this basis a 30- 

 foot 1^-inch choker, with choker hook, costs about $23 and weighs 

 about TO pounds. 



The number of chokers in a set, or used in connection with one 

 yarding engine, should vary with the character of the chance and 

 the material from which they are made. For the purpose of this 

 discussion eight chokers will be considered ample. It has been esti- 

 mated that a 30-foot l:|-inch choker, with sockets and hook, costs 

 about $23. The chokers in a set are not of uniform length, however, 

 and a 30-foot choker is longer than the average. For the purpose of 

 estimating the fixed investment in chokers and choker hooks neces- 

 sary for one yarding engine, an average length of 25 feet is assumed. 

 On this basis the fixed investment amounts to about $165. 



Woods wafer system. — Two methods of supplying water for log- 

 ging engines are used. The more common one is to convey the water 

 to the engines in pipes; the other, in tank cars. "Wliere water is 

 plentiful it may be possible to supply all the engines through pipes 

 by gravity at slight expense. Where the water is less plentiful it 

 may be advisable to pump all the water used in the camp, in some 

 cases by a central pumping station. Some operators haul the water 

 in tank cars. At one three-side camp the water system, consisting 

 of two steam pumps with boilers and 6 miles of pipe, cost $4,000. 

 It would seem that a camp water system should never cost more than 

 this. The selling price of black pipe is approximately as follows: 



Per 100 feet. 



f-inch pipe : : $4. 15 



IJ-inch pipe 6. 10 



li-inch pipe 7. 30 



Miscellaneous equipment. — In addition to the equipment listed 

 above, a rather large amount of small equipment is necessary, such 

 as s^plicing tools, saws, axes, sledges, wedges, clamps, swamp hooks, 

 oil cans, wrenches, shovels, hoes, etc. The fixed investment in such 

 equipment amounts to about $250 per engine where one engine is 

 operated ; about $200 where more than one engine is operated. These 

 amounts arc intended to take care of the equipment in use as well 

 as the stock on hand. 



