How to Use a Timberjack: Step-by-Step Guide
A timberjack is one of the simplest tools in a firewood processor's shed, but using it properly makes a real difference — both to how easy the lift feels and how well it protects your chainsaw. Here's how to use one correctly, step by step.
What You'll Need
- A timberjack sized for your log diameter (our 48" model handles logs up to 15" across)
- Reasonably flat, stable ground to work from
- Your chainsaw, ready for cutting once the log is lifted
Step 1: Position the Log
Before you bring the timberjack in, make sure the log is roughly where you want to cut it. Timberjacks work best on logs that are already lying flat rather than propped at an angle — you'll get a cleaner, more stable lift.
Step 2: Open the Hook and Position It Under the Log
Open the hinged hook fully and slide it under the log at the point where you want the lift. For most cutting jobs, position it close to where your first cut will be, so the section you're cutting stays elevated and clear of the ground.
Step 3: Close the Hook and Check the Grip
Close the hook so it clamps around the underside of the log. Give the handle a light test push before committing your full weight — you want to feel the hook bite into the bark, not slip.
Step 4: Lift Using the Handle, Not Your Back
This is the step people get wrong most often. Push down on the long handle using your leg and body weight, the same way you would with any lever — don't try to muscle the log up with your arms or lower back. The whole point of a timberjack is that the lever does the heavy lifting for you.
Step 5: Confirm the Log Is Clear of the Ground
Once lifted, check that the section you're about to cut is sitting clear of dirt, gravel, and rocks. This is the step that actually protects your chainsaw chain — if any part of the log is still touching the ground where you're cutting, reposition before you start the saw.
Step 6: Cut with the Chainsaw
With the log elevated and stable, make your cut as normal. Keep the timberjack handle steady with your foot or knee if needed — most models are designed to hold position under load without you having to grip the handle throughout the cut.
Step 7: Reposition for the Next Cut
Once the first section is cut and removed, release the hook, slide the timberjack along to the next cutting point, and repeat.
Why This Matters for Chain Life
A chainsaw chain that strikes dirt or a buried rock even once can go from sharp to unusable in a single pass. Elevating the log with a timberjack is one of the simplest habits that extends the life of your chain and saves you the cost and hassle of frequent re-sharpening — particularly relevant if you're processing a full winter's firewood supply in a single session.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lifting from too far along the log — position the hook close to your cutting point, not at the far end, for a more stable and controlled lift.
- Working on sloped or uneven ground — the timberjack relies on a stable base; sloped ground increases the risk of the log rolling unexpectedly.
- Rushing the hook engagement — always confirm the hook has bitten into the bark before applying full lifting pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size log can a timberjack lift? Capacity depends on the model — ours handles logs up to 15" in diameter, which covers most standard firewood rounds and general property clearing.
Do I need a second person to use a timberjack? No — timberjacks are designed for one-person operation. That's the main advantage over manual lifting, which often needs two people for anything beyond a small log.
Can a timberjack be used on uneven ground? It's possible, but not ideal. For the safest and most stable lift, work on the flattest ground available and reposition the log first if needed.
Ready to protect your chainsaw chain and your back? Shop our Timberjack or explore the full Log Handling Tools range.