242 LOGGING 
is run out by the trip line to the first logs to be yarded which are 
those nearest the machine. The choker^ is then placed around 
one end of the log and the free end of the choker caught on the 
butt chain hook. The log is then drawn to the landing where 
it is loaded on cars. When a swing donkey is used, the log is 
dropped by the yarder within reach of the outer end of the main 
cable of the swing donkey and the log is then pulled to the landing by 
the auxiliary machine. One large log, or several small ones may 
be yarded at one time, the number depending on the volume of 
the logs, the size of equipment and ground conditions. 
Additional blocks may be necessary in order to side line logs 
around stumps or other obstructions. 
When the logs available from one end of the landing have been 
yarded, the yarding engine is shifted to the other end and the 
process repeated. From two to four hours are required to move 
the yarding engine from one end of the landing to the other and 
from five to ten hours to move from one landing to another, 
including the work necessary to rig the loading machinery and 
to set the lines for yarding. 
The crew required for operating a system of ground yarding 
varies with different camps and with the difficulty of the " chance " 
in the same camps. Under average conditions twelve men are 
used. 
1 hook tender 1 chaser 
1 swamper 1 signal man 
1 sniper 1 engineer 
2 rigging slingers 1 fireman 
2 choker men 1 wood buck 
The hook tender is the boss of the yarding crew, and the amount 
of work done depends largely on his ability. He plans the work, 
shows the swamper where roads are to be cleared, designates 
the logs that are to be skidded and the order in which they are to 
1 A choker is a piece of cable from Ij to If inches in diameter and 
from 15 to 30 feet long. One type has a socket on one end which is caught in 
the butt hook, and a flat hook on the other end. The free end of the choker 
is passed around one end of the log, forming a noose, and the flat hook is then 
caught over the cable. The other type has an eye on each end, one of which 
is caught on the butt hook. The other end of the cable is thrown around 
the log in the form of a noose and a sliding hook on the choker is caught in 
the eye. The latter type does not come loose as easily as the flat-hook type 
and is preferred when working on rough ground. The flat-hook type is easier 
to handle and often is used in high-lead yarding. 
