I was looking at cant hooks and saw several designs like above. Sure would make it nice when bucking to get the log off the ground. Does anyone use this type? Any good? Brand names please.
I use a peavey, but it doesn't lift the log off the ground. Google | images shows a number of cant hooks similar to what you show, Sent from my SM-T280 using Tapatalk
I had one similar to that. The hook didn't get much purchase on the logs. When it worked, it was fine but it was overall more frustrating than helpful. Another example of wasting money by trying to save money. Ended up buying the logrite I should have purchased in the first place and it is in all ways a better product.
I picked one up this spring a Peavy brand one. I've used it a few times seems to work good mainly used it on some 8-10" diameter stuff. I like my peavy for stirring up a log pile because you've got the point for prying and sticking in the ground when not using it to keep it out of the way and for easy grabbing. The log lifter/cant hook doesn't seem to stand real well on its own and I also took the bolt out that holds the foot on and swapped for a snap pin since I don't use the lifter always and just as a cant hook it is really nice to advance and roll logs around. Think it's was around $90 can't remember
I saw and used one of those for the first time a couple of weeks ago. A family friend pulled it out of his shop when I was cutting on his property. Even with the leverage of the handle it could only lift smallish logs.
My aunt snagged me one cleaning out a barn in Rhode island, it was a much appreciated gift! Sadly, I liked it way better before I started using it. The balancing act of getting getting a log up into it securely enough to cut was pretty tough for me to master, and the logs small enough to use it on were small enough to lift and balance on something by hand, which for me is a lot faster. I also found that the place where the flat "prop up bar" connects to the main sleeve is a serious weak point on the one I have. Your mileage may vary of course. Some day maybe it will help me out if I get an injury that prevents lifting a log up to buck off the ground.
My friend, I know of very few who like them. I was gifted one many moons ago and then tried to give it away for years but nobody seemed to want it. Finally someone took it, I think it may have been Pallet Pete. You can do the job much, much easier by simply cutting through the log at least 3/4 of the way through (I usually go further) then rolling the log to finish the cut. Just use your imagination and rather than just picturing the log being raised in the air so you can cut without hitting dirt, just imagine the strength needed to actually roll that log while lifting it. It is not easy at all. Then as someone else mentioned, they aren't the most balanced thing around. My advice, for what it is worth is to simply buy a cant hook or peavy. btw, I like the cant hook over the peavy but they are good too.
Sure glad I brought the question here. Popular opinion does not appear to be very high on this type. I believe I will just get a regular cant hook. I normally roll my logs with the skid steer, but ran into a situation where I would of liked a little more control and started looking at cant hooks. Thanks all.
I had a cheap one and busted the 'T' off on too big of a log. The log didn't look like it would be too big but it was. I bent the swing hook somehow not too much later. Too long ago and I never bothered to try a better made peavey or can hook. Nice to have with long logs on the ground.
Mine's not quite like that but it has a foot to hold the log off the ground. I gorget the name but it's from Bailey's Online, all metal and U.S. made. It works great IF the ground is frozen solid down to about 4 inches or bone dry and flat. If the ground is wet and the log is about 10" or bigger the foot sinks into the ground defeating the purpose. On just about any slant it's maddening to get it right. I found it just easier to cut part way through in several places then use the hook to roll the log a bit the finish the cuts.
I've got one similar to that it works pretty good. It is a balancing act at times. I have a U-shaped piece of steel that a peavey slides thru it has a hole in one side and a slot on the other it works well and you still have use the peavey when needed. I'll post a pic' when I get one.
I bought something similar to this timberjack this year, except mine is green. It's solid and I'm able to lift lift the logs off the ground, but will have to reposition it a few times for each log. Keep in mind, most trees on my property aren't very large. It does tip when on uneven ground (which is often for me), forcing me to try it a time or two before getting it just right. Despite having this tool, I only use it about 50-60% of the time. The other times I will cut 3/4 through the log, then roll the log to finish the cut, or I'll lift it with the tractor and a chain.
