All About Skidders

Skidders are a type of heavy forestry equipment used to pull timber from the felling site to the landing where they can be processed or loaded onto logging trucks. This process is known as “skidding.” The skidders we sell at Forestry First tend to be heavy-duty four-wheel-drive tractors with articulating chassis that are capable of traversing even the most rugged terrain. 

Skidders usually have a cable and winch or a grapple attachment mounted on the front, with a short hydraulic boom. They often also include reinforced cabs for safety and a blade on the back that an operator can raise and lower. These sturdy machines come in a variety of sizes and capabilities, but they are typically powered by diesel engines. 

Varieties Of Skidders

There are two types of skidders: cable and grapple units. While cable skidders use a winch to reel in and haul logs, grapple skidders utilize a grapple or clam-bunk attachment to accomplish this. Dual-function skidders are more popular than cable or winch-only skidders. 

Skidders with a single-function boom utilize a pair of hydraulic cylinders to lift and lower their loads. But skidders with a dual-function boom employ four cylinders, providing a wider range of movement. Some grabble booms can also be swung from side to side, making it easier for operators to collect logs that are not lined up with the front of the machine.

Skidder Manufacturers

Popular manufacturers of refurbished skidders available at Forestry First include Caterpillar, Deere and Tigercat.

Popular Models:

Popular models of refurbished skidders available at Forestry First include CAT 525C, 525D, 525C, 525D, Deere 648H, 748H, 848H, 648L, 748L, 848L, 948L and Tigercat 620E, 630E, 615E, 625E, 635E, 620H, 630H, 635G.