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How to Run a Skidder

A skidder is a device attached to the rear of your tractor that can lift and move logs from one place to another. This attachment is essentially a grapple used to grasp and hold logs. To use a skidder, you need to understand the startup procedure. You should also know how to lock the grapple so you can pick up and load logs when the skidder is stationary.

Instructions

Startup[ Procedure
- 1
  Start the tractor engine, engage the parking brake then set the transmission to the "Neutral" position.
- 2
  Raise the skidder and set the legs in an upright or "storage" position. Lower the skidder and see that there are no obstacles in the way of the grapple.
- 3
  Open and close the grapple of the skidder by using the control levers on your tractor. Verify that the grapple is operating correctly.
- 4
  Position the grapple over a log and lower it towards the ground. Close the grapple by using the control lever on the tractor. Drive the tractor to move the log.
Lock the Grapple
- 5
  Turn off the tractor engine and engage the parking brake.
- 6
  Remove the hairpin clip from the spring-loaded lock pin on the grapple. Rotate the grapple 90 degrees until you hear the lock pin snap into the lock plate.
- 7
  Locate the spring pin that is on the end of the lock pin. Insert the lock pin into this spring.

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