Skidding Tongs vs Lifting Tongs: Which Do You Need?
Skidding tongs and lifting tongs look alike, but they are sold for different jobs. Skidding tongs are for pulling a log along the ground. Lifting tongs are for lifting a log clear of the ground using rated lifting equipment. Which you need depends on whether you are dragging or lifting, how heavy your logs are, and what you have to attach the tongs to.
What are skidding tongs?
Skidding tongs are sold for pulling logs along the ground. You hook the tongs onto the log, connect the top ring or hook to equipment rated for the load, and pull. The two arms cross at a central pivot and finish in claws.
Our skidding tongs have two claws and an 81.3cm (32in) grip. They open to 87.1cm (34.3in) and have a plain ring. Our swivel skidding tongs have the same grip, open to 83.1cm (32.7in) and add a swivel and grab hook. The specified capacity is 700kg for both of these, which is not a certified working load limit.
We also list a smaller pair with a 45.7cm (18in) grip and a specified capacity of 350kg: 45.7cm skidding tongs with a top ring, which open to 49.4cm (19.45in), and rotating skidding tongs with a grab hook on a rotating joint, which open to 50.8cm (20in).
Skidding tongs suit:
- Hauling felled logs across a paddock or bush block
- Clearing storm debris where lifting isn't practical
- Moving timber over longer distances rather than short repositioning
What are lifting tongs?
Lifting tongs are sold for lifting a log clear of the ground using rated lifting equipment. They have a rotating ring at the top.
Our range covers 2-claw and 4-claw designs in 28in to 36in sizes, with specified dynamic capacities from 600kg to 1300kg, plus one pointed-claw model specified at 1500kg. For example, our 36in 4-claw lifting tongs open to 91.4cm and have a specified dynamic capacity of 1300kg.
Lifting tongs suit:
- Loading logs onto a trailer or ute with rated lifting equipment
- Moving timber over terrain too rough or obstructed to drag across
- Jobs where you need to move the log clear of fences, garden beds or other obstacles
Skidding tongs vs lifting tongs: quick comparison
Capacities are specified figures, not certified working load limits. Dynamic is a load that is moving, such as one being lifted or swung into position.
| Tongs | Claws | Max opening | Specified capacity | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skidding tongs | 2 | 87.1cm (34.3in) | 700kg | Plain ring |
| Swivel skidding tongs | 2 | 83.1cm (32.7in) | 700kg | Swivel and grab hook |
| 45.7cm skidding tongs | 2 | 49.4cm (19.45in) | 350kg | Top ring |
| Rotating skidding tongs (45.7cm) | 2 | 50.8cm (20in) | 350kg | Grab hook on a rotating joint |
| Firewood lifting tongs (28in) | 4 | 71cm (28in) | 998kg dynamic | Rotating ring |
| Wood lifting tongs (32in, 2-claw) | 2 | 81.2cm (32in) | 600kg dynamic | Rotating ring |
| Heavy duty log lifting tongs (32in) | 4 | 81.2cm (32in) | 900kg dynamic | Rotating ring |
| Log lifting tongs (36in) | 4 | 91.4cm (36in) | 1300kg dynamic | Rotating ring |
| Timber lifting tongs (36in, pointed claws) | 4, pointed | 93.5cm (36.8in) | 1500kg | Rotating ring |
Which one do you need?
If your main job is moving fallen timber across open ground, such as paddocks, driveways or firebreaks, skidding tongs are the more practical tool.
If dragging would damage the ground, fences or garden beds, or you need to load logs onto a trailer or ute, lifting tongs are the better fit.
Some properties use both: skid timber to a central clearing point, then use lifting tongs to load a trailer or ute.
Whichever you choose, use equipment and tackle rated for the load, and keep clear of a suspended or moving log. The capacities above are specified figures, not certified working load limits.
How to choose by log size, weight and connection
Once you know whether you are dragging or lifting, three checks narrow the choice.
- Measure your log. Measure across the thickest part of the log, then compare it with the grip size and maximum opening on the listing. The listings don't state a maximum log diameter for tongs, so if your log is close to the maximum opening, check with us before you order.
- Estimate its weight. A log's weight depends on the timber, its length and how wet it is, and a wet log is heavier than a dry one. Compare your estimate with the specified capacity on the listing, and choose tongs with a specified capacity above your heaviest log. Capacities are not certified working load limits.
- Check the connection. The tongs connect through a plain ring, a top ring, a grab hook on a rotating joint or a rotating ring. Make sure your equipment and tackle are rated for the load and suit that connection.
Our 45.7cm (18in) grip skidding tongs are specified at 350kg, our 81.3cm (32in) grip skidding tongs at 700kg, and our lifting tongs from 600kg to 1300kg dynamic. If your logs are small and light, a smaller pair may be enough. If you are unsure, compare the listings in the table above.
Keep clear of a suspended or moving log, and do not use tongs that are damaged.
Frequently asked questions
Can skidding tongs lift logs?
Our skidding tongs are sold for pulling logs along the ground. If you need to lift a log clear of the ground, use lifting tongs with equipment rated for the load.
How do the capacities compare?
It depends on the model. Our lifting tongs range from 600kg to 1300kg dynamic, with one pointed-claw model specified at 1500kg. Our skidding tongs range from 350kg to 700kg. These are specified figures, not certified working load limits, so compare the listings and always use equipment rated for more than your load.
What should I connect them to?
Connect them only to equipment and tackle rated for the load. Check the connection type on each listing before you buy: a plain ring, a top ring, a grab hook on a rotating joint or a rotating ring.
Compare the skidding tongs and lifting tongs listings above, or explore the full Log Handling Tools range, including cant hooks and timberjacks.