364 
LOGGING 
and carries a portable track with hinged end sections which may- 
be lowered upon the rails and thus provide a continuous track 
through the loader. 
In operation a train of empties is pushed out to the loader and 
backed through it until the last car comes in proper position, 
under the boom, for loading. As other empty cars are required 
a cable connected to a drum is run through the machine and is 
attached to the draw bar of the first empty car. This car is 
then hauled through the loader, pushing the loaded car forward 
FiG. 124. — i iiu Diickt'i' LuK Loader. 
until the succeeding empty one is in position for loading. The 
work proceeds in this manner until the skidway has l)een emptied. 
The Decker can travel under its own power from one point to 
another, and can switch cars if necessary, although the latter is 
not economical if a locomotive is available. It is recommended 
for narrow-gauge steel and wooden railroads. 
(/) McGiffert. — This loader is similar in operation to the 
Decker. It has an elevated deck which carries the working 
parts and when the machine is loading the frame is supported on 
four corner posts or "spuds" which are curved in toward the 
base. Each post ends in a broad shoe which rests upon the 
crossties outside of the rails. The empty cars pass under the 
deck, traveling on the main track. The loader is equipped with 
