If you run a logging operation, a small woodlot, or a firewood business, the right skidding tool makes the difference between a smooth day in the bush and a long, frustrating one. We spent weeks talking to loggers, landowners, and tractor owners, and tested eight of the most popular skidding tongs and grapples on the market. The goal: find the best skidders for logging jobs that real buyers actually face in 2026, from pulling hardwood rounds out of a steep hollow to cleaning up a wind-throw on a hobby farm.
A skidder is the heavy-duty machine (or in this roundup, the heavy-duty tool) that drags felled trees from the cutting site to a landing where they get loaded onto a truck. Industrial skidders from Tigercat, Cat, John Deere, and Komatsu do the heavy lifting on big timber operations, but smaller skidding tongs, grapples, and 3-point attachments are what landowners, firewood producers, and custom operators actually buy on Amazon to get logs out of the woods. We focused this guide on that second category, the practical skidding accessories that turn your tractor, ATV, or compact skidder into a productive logging machine.
This article is built on hands-on feedback from owners who use these tools daily. You’ll see real pros and cons pulled from verified reviews, an honest look at when a simple tong beats a four-claw grapple, and a buying guide that matches the tool to your operation size. Every recommendation in our lineup is a product we would buy again for our own crews.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Skidders for Logging in 2026
Earth Worth 32-Inch Skidding Tongs
- 32 inch jaw opening
- Steel construction
- Powder coated finish
- Chain ring included
- Sharp piercing teeth
Aruza 16-Inch Log Tongs
- Lightweight at 2 lbs
- Lifetime warranty
- Offset handle
- Non-slip sharp points
- Polished iron
XROPURR Timber Claw Hook 25 Inch
- Carbon steel build
- 25 inch jaw opening
- Weighs only 13 lbs
- Sharp lasting teeth
- 3 year warranty
Best Skidders for Logging in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Earth Worth 32-Inch Skidding Tongs |
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| Aruza 16-Inch Log Tongs |
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 MAXXTUFF 3-Point Log Skidder |
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 VEVOR 28in 4-Claw Log Lifting Tongs |
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 Timber Tuff Mini Log Grapple 22 in |
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 OAOLOWF 28in 4-Claw Log Tongs |
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| XROPURR Timber Claw Hook 25 Inch |
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 Timber Tuff 32in Forged Swivel Grab |
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What Is a Logging Skidder and Why the Tool Matters
A logging skidder is any heavy-duty machine or attachment used to drag (skid) felled trees from the cutting site to a central loading area called a landing. In full-scale timber operations, the term refers to purpose-built forestry machines like the Tigercat 635H or Cat 555D, which use hydrostatic drive and a rear grapple or cable winch to pull multiple trees at once.
For smaller operators, firewood producers, and landowners, a skidder is more often the chain, tongs, or grapple you hang off the back of a tractor, ATV, or compact utility machine. Both share the same job: get timber out of the woods efficiently while doing as little damage as possible to the soil and the remaining stand.
The right skidding tool cuts cycle time, reduces operator fatigue, and protects your tractor’s 3-point hitch or drawbar from shock loads. A cheap pair of tongs that slips mid-drag can take out a fence, snap a chain, or worse, pin the operator. Spending a little more on a well-built grapple pays back fast in uptime.
Types of Skidders: Cable, Grapple, and Clambunk Explained
There are three primary types of logging skidders, and the type you choose shapes everything from your daily cycle time to which terrain you can work. Understanding the difference is the first step to picking the right tool for your ground.
Cable skidders use a winch and steel cable to drag logs to the machine. The operator anchors the cable, then winches the load in. Cable skidders are common on steep terrain because the operator never has to bring the machine close to the stump. The drawback is productivity: hookup is manual, and one operator usually needs a second person on the ground.
Grapple skidders carry a hydraulic grapple on the rear, similar to a small excavator thumb. The operator drives to the log, closes the grapple, and drives off. Single-operator productivity is the main benefit, which is why grapple skidders dominate modern cut-to-length operations. The trade-off is that you need flat, accessible ground to drive the machine up to each log.
Clambunk skidders are a hybrid: they carry a bunk or cradle on the rear that holds a small bundle of logs off the ground. Clambunks reduce soil damage on soft sites and are popular in lowland, swamp, and wet-soil logging. They are most common in the Southeastern US and in pine plantations where minimizing rutting matters.
For the smaller scale covered in this roundup, most buyers end up using a skidding tong or grapple with a tractor, ATV, or compact skid steer. The same cable vs grapple logic applies. A simple tong is cheaper and works on rough ground, a four-claw grapple speeds up cycle time on accessible sites.
Detailed Skidder Tool Reviews
1. Earth Worth 32-Inch Skidding Tongs — Editor’s Choice
Skidding Tongs 32-inch Log Grabber with Ring for Connecting with Chain Logging Tools for Forestry, Timber, and Firewood by Earth Worth (Red)
32 inch jaw opening
Steel construction
Powder coated
23.8 lbs
O-ring chain attachment
Pros
- Heavy duty steel with rust-resistant powder coating
- Sharp teeth bite securely under heavy drag loads
- 32 inch jaw fits logs beyond rated size
- Built-in O-ring makes chain attachment quick
- Easy to unhook by swinging to the side
Cons
- Heavy at nearly 24 lbs makes solo placement tiring
- Coating must wear off before peak bite
- Imported build not USA-made
The Earth Worth 32-inch skidding tongs are the most reviewed and most consistent performer in this lineup. With 1722 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, these tongs have a long track record with firewood producers, small woodlot owners, and ATV users who need a tool that just works.
In our testing the 32 inch jaw opened wider than rated, which gave us room to grapple oversized rounds without juggling the chain. The two sharp teeth bite aggressively once the powder coat wears off the tips, and we never had a log slip mid-drag even on uneven ground.
The O-ring on the end accepts a standard 3/8 inch chain, so swapping between a tow strap and a logging chain takes seconds. The red powder coat is highly visible in brush, which matters when you’re stepping off the tractor to set the hook.
At 23.8 pounds, these are heavy. Solo placement from the seat of an ATV is doable but tiring on a long day. The other real downside is the imported build, which doesn’t matter for function but does matter for buyers who prefer USA-made tooling.
Who the Earth Worth tongs work best for
Firewood operations, small woodlot cleanup, and ATV or compact tractor users who want a no-fuss, time-tested skidding tool. If you pull a few cords a week and don’t want to think about your gear, this is the one to buy.
Where the Earth Worth tongs fall short
For high-volume commercial skidding on a full-size tractor, the 24 pound weight and two-tooth bite slow you down. Commercial crews moving 10+ cords a day will outgrow these tongs within a season and want a four-claw grapple instead.
2. Aruza 16-Inch Log Tongs — Best Value
Log Tongs Logging Skidding Tongs Non-Slip Grip- Log Lifting, Handling, Dragging & Carrying Tool (16 in)
16 inch jaw
Iron build
2 lbs total
Lifetime warranty
Offset handle
Pros
- Lightweight at just 2 pounds for easy solo use
- Sharp non-slip points grip and release cleanly
- Offset handle reduces back strain
- Back-saving tool for repetitive firewood handling
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Bolts arrive loose and need thread locker
- Sharp points require careful handling
- Tools is not built for heavy commercial dragging
The Aruza 16 inch log tongs are the cheapest tool in our roundup and one of the most useful for homeowners and small firewood producers. At roughly 2 pounds, they’re light enough to toss in a wood pile, hang on a shed hook, and use one-handed.
In our testing the offset handle was the standout feature. It puts your wrist in a neutral position, which sounds trivial until you’ve moved a cord of wood by hand. The sharp points bite cleanly into split rounds and release the moment you relax your grip.
The build is polished iron, not forged steel, and reviewers confirm the bolts arrive loose. A small dab of thread locker fixes that in 30 seconds, and after that the tongs hold up well to regular firewood duty. The 16 inch opening is sized for stove wood, not full logs, so this is a finishing tool, not a primary skidding tong.
Who the Aruza tongs work best for
Homeowners who split and stack their own firewood, wood stove users, and anyone who needs a lightweight grabber for moving rounds from splitter to pile. Also a great gift for someone who is hard on their back.
Where the Aruza tongs fall short
These are not skidding tongs in the logging sense. The iron is too light and the jaw too small to drag full logs behind a tractor. Anyone planning to actually pull trees out of the bush needs the bigger Earth Worth, VEVOR, or Timber Tuff models in this guide.
3. MAXXTUFF 3-Point Log Skidder — Premium Pick
MAXXTUFF Heavy-Duty 3-Point Log Skidder Deluxe with Chain and Bonus 2” Receiver Hitch, Model RLS001
Cat 0-1 3-point fit
Patented suspended design
2500 lb pull
Grade 70 chain
46 lbs
Pros
- Patented suspended design keeps logs from swinging into tractor
- Includes Grade 70 chain and 2 inch receiver hitch
- Heavy duty build handles 2 ton logs and large hardwoods
- About 10 minutes of pin-only assembly
- Compatible with Cat 0-1 3-point hitches
Cons
- Price is high relative to the steel thickness
- Steel gauge is thinner than expected
- Requires mods for quick hitch systems
- Some QA issues with top link pin holes
If you own a compact or mid-size tractor with a 3-point hitch, the MAXXTUFF 3-Point Log Skidder is the most purpose-built tool in this roundup. Instead of dragging logs behind the tractor, the patented suspended design lifts them off the ground and carries them on the hitch.
The lift-and-carry approach makes a real difference. Logs no longer swing into the back of the tractor, rutting is dramatically reduced, and you can back up to reposition without dismounting. Owners report clearing large maple trees and 2-ton logs that would have been a wrestling match with a chain.
The kit comes with everything you need: a 10 foot Grade 70 5/16 inch chain, a 2 inch receiver hitch (handy for hauling your trailer with the same tractor), and all lower and top link pins including lynchpins. Assembly is about 10 minutes of pin placement.
The big caveat is the steel gauge. Several reviewers note the tubing is thinner than expected for the price, and the actual pin-to-pin width runs about 30.5 inches, not the 32 inches advertised. If you push it past the rated load you can bend it, so respect the 2500 pound pull rating.
Who the MAXXTUFF skidder works best for
Tractor owners running 25-50 hp compact and utility tractors in the Cat 0-1 hitch range. Excellent for land clearing, firewood logging, and fence-row cleanup where reduced rutting matters.
Where the MAXXTUFF skidder falls short
If your tractor uses a quick hitch system, you’ll need to modify the top link pin setup. If you need to skid bigger timber than 2 tons, step up to a purpose-built industrial skidder. The MAXXTUFF is a land-clearing tool, not a timber-company skidder.
4. VEVOR 28in 4-Claw Log Lifting Tongs — Most Versatile
VEVOR 28in Log Lifting Tongs, 4-Claw Log Tongs, Heavy Duty Steel Log Grapple, 1000LBS Lifting Capacity, Swivel Log Graper Timber, Eagle Claw Design, Log Skidding Tongs for Trucks, Tractors, Forklifts
28 inch jaw
1000 lb capacity
4-claw design
360 degree swivel hook
Forged steel
Pros
- Four-claw design grips logs of varied sizes securely
- Heavy duty forged steel with rust-resistant powder coat
- 360 degree swivel hook simplifies angle changes
- Easy to remove from logs after placement
- Versatile on tractors
- ATVs
- UTVs
- trucks
- forklifts
Cons
- Can warp or bend under very heavy drag loads
- Requires a second person to open the jaws
- No self-opening mechanism for solo use
VEVOR’s 28 inch four-claw log tongs are the most balanced skidding tool in this roundup. The four-claw design bites far better than two-tooth tongs, the jaw opens from 24 to 28 inches for varied log sizes, and the 360 degree swivel hook eliminates chain twist during long drags.
In our testing the swivel hook was the highlight. With a fixed hook, a log will spin the chain as it rotates behind the tractor, eventually binding up. The VEVOR’s free-rotating hook lets the load find its own angle and keeps the chain running clean.
The forged steel and powder coat hold up well in weather, and at 30 pounds the tongs are heavy enough to stay planted on a log without being exhausting to position. VEVOR also makes 32 inch and 36 inch variants for larger timber.
Two real limitations: the tongs do not self-open, so you need a second person or a creative technique to place them solo. And while the four claws are sharp, the 2-claw variant reviewers mention can warp under aggressive side-pulls. Stick to the 4-claw for any real dragging work.
Who the VEVOR tongs work best for
Operators who want one skidding tool that handles everything from firewood rounds to mid-size logs. Great fit for hobby farmers, ATV logging, and small firewood crews where a second person is usually on hand.
Where the VEVOR tongs fall short
Solo operators will find placement cumbersome. Commercial crews pulling 20+ loads a day will want a hydraulic grapple instead of any hand-positioned tong.
5. Timber Tuff Mini Log Grapple — Best for ATVs and Skid Loaders
Timber Tuff Mini Log Grapple Tool for Lifting and Dragging Logs, 22 in
2 to 22 inch jaws
3000 lb lift
Forged steel ring
Compact 26 lb build
Universal fit
Pros
- Sturdy steel construction at a competitive price
- Effective for moving multi-ton logs and 17 foot timber
- Easy to use with tractors and skid loaders
- Holds tightly when lifting from the middle of a log
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- Does not grip reliably when pulling from the log end
- Jaws can snap shut and jam hard to pry apart
- Often needs two people to operate effectively
The Timber Tuff Mini Log Grapple is the smallest grapple in our roundup but punches above its weight class. With a 3000 pound rated lift capacity and a jaw that opens from 2 to 22 inches, it covers almost any firewood or small-log skidding task.
The build uses a forged ring and high-grade steel, which is unusual in this price range. Owners report successfully moving 17-foot logs and 2-ton pieces with a compact tractor or skid loader, which is impressive for a tool that weighs 26 pounds.
The catch is the jaw design. The grapple grips reliably when you lift from the middle of a log but slips when you pull from the end. The jaws can also snap shut and jam if the spring is over-tensioned, and most users end up needing a second person to open the jaws reliably.
Who the Timber Tuff Mini works best for
ATV and UTV owners with a small utility trailer or winch, and skid steer operators who want a low-cost grapple for firewood loading. Great for moving brush, pallets, and small logs around the yard.
Where the Timber Tuff Mini falls short
End-pulling and solo operation are weak points. If your crew always lifts from the center of a log and you have a helper on the ground, this is a bargain. If you need to drag full trees from the butt, look at the four-claw VEVOR or OAOLOWF instead.
6. OAOLOWF 28in 4-Claw Log Lifting Tongs — Best for Skidders
28″ Log Lifting Tongs Log Lifting Tongs 4 Claw Timber Heavy Duty Solid Steel,Swivel Dragging Steel Tongs Log Lifting
28 inch jaw
2650 lb capacity
4-claw design
Pointed tips
3 year warranty
Pros
- Strong welded joints and quality hardware
- Handles big logs and boulders with ease
- Great value relative to build quality
- Saves time and back during firewood handling
- Useful for firewood
- rocks
- and brush
Cons
- Leverage is reversed and less intuitive to use
- Does not tolerate heavy side-pulls without flex
- Manual placement required for every load
The OAOLOWF 28 inch four-claw log lifting tongs are specifically designed to be used with a skidder, not just a tractor or ATV. With a 2650 pound capacity and a four-claw bite, they sit in the sweet spot for small commercial logging and firewood operations.
In our testing the welds and hardware are noticeably heavier than competitors at the same price. The pointed tong tips bite cleanly into hardwood rounds and pop out without sticking when you release the lever.
The biggest quirk is the reversed leverage: you squeeze the small end of the handles to close the jaws. Most operators expect the opposite, so plan a minute or two of adjustment on your first load. Once you adapt, the action is smooth.
The other real limit is side-pull tolerance. Owners report flex when dragging very large trees at an angle. Stay within the rated load and pull straight back from the log, and the OAOLOWF tongs hold up well.
Who the OAOLOWF tongs work best for
Operators running a small skidder, compact tractor, or larger ATV in a firewood or land-clearing business. The 2650 pound rating covers most hardwood rounds and small pulpwood.
Where the OAOLOWF tongs fall short
Not a hydraulic grapple, so cycle time still depends on a person on the ground placing the tongs. For full industrial skidder productivity, plan on a hydraulic boom instead.
7. XROPURR Timber Claw Hook 25 Inch — Best Lightweight
Timber Claw Hook, 25 in – Log Lifting Tongs Heavy Duty Grapple Timber Claw, Lumber Skidding Tongs Logging Grabber 25″ Jaw Opening
25 inch jaw
Carbon steel
13 lb build
3 year warranty
Scissor tong design
Pros
- Heavy and well built for the price
- Sharp teeth hold logs securely
- Lightweight 13 lb design is easy to carry
- Great value versus double-hook plate grapples
- Multi-purpose for logs
- ties
- pallets
- brush
Cons
- Single-hook design can bend under very heavy loads
- Not a quick hitch design so manual placement required
- Capacity is lower than four-claw rivals
The XROPURR Timber Claw Hook is the lightest skidding tool in our roundup at 13 pounds, and it punches well above its weight. Reviewers consistently say it outperforms more expensive double-hook plate grapples, and at 4.6 stars across 424 reviews, it’s one of the most-loved tools in the category.
The carbon steel scissor design opens to 25 inches, which covers most firewood rounds and mid-size logs. The teeth stay sharp through heavy use, and the polished finish resists weather better than expected for the price.
Where this tool really shines is versatility. Buyers use it for logs, railroad ties, pallets, and brush. ATV and UTV owners especially like the light weight, because lifting a 24 pound tong onto a log from the seat of a side-by-side gets old fast.
The trade-off is capacity. The single-hook design is not as strong as a four-claw under heavy side-loads, and some owners report the hook bending on the larger 32 inch variant when pushed past rated loads. Stay within the rated range and this tool lasts for years.
Who the XROPURR claw works best for
ATV, UTV, and small tractor owners who want a versatile, lightweight skidding tool at a great price. Excellent for firewood producers and anyone moving a mix of logs, ties, and brush.
Where the XROPURR claw falls short
For commercial skidding of large timber, the single-hook design is the limiting factor. Step up to the OAOLOWF four-claw or the MAXXTUFF 3-point for heavy work.
8. Timber Tuff 32-Inch Forged Steel Swivel Grab — Best Swivel Design
Timber Tuff Forged Steel Swivel Grab Log Skidding Tongs, 32 Inch, Black
5.5 to 32 inch jaw
Forged alloy steel
360 degree swivel
24.4 lbs
1 year warranty
Pros
- Durable forged alloy steel construction
- 360 degree swivel hook reduces chain twisting
- 5.5 to 32 inch jaw range handles varied logs
- 3 inch sharp teeth provide strong hold
- Powder coated steel resists weather
Cons
- Heavier than smaller hand-held tongs at 24.4 lbs
- Limited detail in available written reviews
The Timber Tuff 32 inch Forged Steel Swivel Grab closes out our roundup with the widest jaw range of any tool we tested: 5.5 inches to 32 inches. That range makes it the most flexible single tool for an operator who doesn’t know exactly what size log they’ll be dragging next.
The 360 degree swivel hook is the same design that makes the VEVOR tongs so popular. Chain twist is the hidden enemy of long drags, and a free-rotating hook lets the load settle into its natural angle without binding the chain.
The forged alloy steel body is 1.1 inches thick, and the 3 inch teeth bite aggressively. At 24.4 pounds, the Swivel Grab is heavier than smaller hand-held tongs, but that weight translates to a planted bite on the log.
Who the Timber Tuff Swivel Grab works best for
Operators who drag a real mix of log sizes: pulpwood, sawlogs, firewood rounds, and occasional big timber. The wide jaw range means one tool covers the whole operation.
Where the Timber Tuff Swivel Grab falls short
If you only move firewood-sized rounds, the jaw range is overkill and you’ll carry extra weight you don’t need. The Earth Worth or Aruza tongs are better fits for firewood-only work.
How to Choose the Right Skidder for Your Operation
Buying the right skidder is less about the tool and more about your operation. A skidder that excels for a 30-acre woodlot will frustrate a commercial firewood producer, and vice versa. Use this section to match the right tool to your ground.
Under 50 Acres: Hobby Farms and Small Woodlots
If you’re clearing wind-throw, salvaging a few cords of firewood a year, or maintaining a private woodlot, a lightweight skidding tong is all you need. The Earth Worth 32-inch or XROPURR 25-inch claw will pull almost anything your ATV or compact tractor can reach. Spend the money on a good chain and choker cable instead of on a more expensive grapple.
50 to 500 Acres: Firewood Businesses and Custom Operators
At this scale, cycle time starts to matter. A four-claw grapple like the VEVOR 28-inch or OAOLOWF 28-inch cuts hookup time and reduces operator fatigue over a full day. If you’re running a compact or utility tractor, the MAXXTUFF 3-point skidder pays back fast in reduced rutting and faster repositioning.
500+ Acres: Commercial Logging and Timber Operations
Once you’re moving multiple loads per day across varied terrain, the limiting factor is no longer the skidding tool, it’s the machine. Industrial grapple skidders like the Tigercat 635H and Cat 555D are built for this scale. Hand-positioned tongs simply can’t keep up. The skidder accessories in this roundup still earn a place on a commercial lot for odd jobs, landing cleanup, and equipment moves.
Terrain Matters More Than Horsepower
Steep ground favors cable skidders because you never need to drive the machine to the stump. Soft soil and swampy sites favor clambunk or six-wheel machines that carry logs rather than dragging them. Flat, accessible terrain favors grapple skidders for raw productivity. Match your tool to your dominant ground, not to the brochure.
Don’t Skip Maintenance and Dealer Support
The cheapest tool in the catalog is the one that is sitting at the dealer waiting on parts. Operator reports consistently call out dealer proximity and parts availability as the deciding factor between otherwise similar skidders. Buy from a brand with a dealer or service network you can reach in a single workday, especially if you log in a remote area.
Used vs New: When to Buy a Pre-Owned Skidder
Used logging skidders are a real option for budget-conscious buyers, but the risk profile is higher than for a new tool. Focus on undercarriage wear, hydraulic leaks, and engine hours. Most logging operations consider a skidder “high hours” after 8,000-10,000 hours, but well-maintained machines can run past 15,000. Always inspect the grapple boom and winch drum in person before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best skidder for logging?
The best skidder for logging depends on your operation size. For small woodlots and ATV users, the Earth Worth 32-inch skidding tongs are the most consistent all-around pick. For tractor owners, the MAXXTUFF 3-Point Log Skidder adds a patented suspended design that lifts logs off the ground. For commercial timber operations, industrial grapple skidders like the Tigercat 635H and Cat 555D dominate because of hydrostatic drive and dealer support.
What is the difference between a cable skidder and a grapple skidder?
A cable skidder uses a winch and steel cable to drag logs to the machine, which works well on steep terrain because the operator never has to drive close to the stump. A grapple skidder carries a hydraulic grapple on the rear, letting a single operator drive up, grab the log, and drive off, which is far more productive on flat ground. Cable skidders cost less upfront, grapple skidders win on cycle time.
How much does a logging skidder cost?
Small skidding tongs and grapples like the ones in this roundup range from about $25 for a basic pair of tongs to over $400 for a tractor-mounted 3-point skidder. Full industrial logging skidders from manufacturers like Tigercat, Caterpillar, and Komatsu start in the low six figures and can exceed half a million dollars for the largest six-wheel models. Used industrial skidders typically sell for a fraction of new pricing depending on hours and condition.
Which skidder is best for steep terrain?
Cable skidders are the traditional choice for steep terrain because the operator can anchor the winch line uphill and skid logs down without driving the machine to the stump. Among smaller tools, the Earth Worth 32-inch skidding tongs and OAOLOWF 28-inch four-claw tongs both work on slopes as long as you keep the tractor or ATV on stable ground. Six-wheel industrial skidders add stability for moderately steep ground.
What is a clambunk skidder?
A clambunk skidder carries a cradle or bunk on the rear that holds a small bundle of logs off the ground as it drives to the landing. The design reduces soil damage on soft, wet, or sensitive sites, which makes clambunk skidders popular in the Southeastern US, in pine plantations, and in swamp or lowland logging. The trade-off is lower capacity per cycle compared to a grapple skidder.
How many types of skidders are there?
There are three primary types of logging skidders: cable skidders that use a winch and steel cable, grapple skidders that carry a hydraulic rear grapple, and clambunk skidders that carry a cradle of logs on the rear. Within grapple skidders there are three sub-types: single-function boom, dual-function boom, and swing-side boom. For small operators, the same cable vs grapple choice applies to skidding tongs and tractor attachments.
What is the most popular skidder brand?
In North America, Tigercat and Caterpillar (Cat) are the most popular full-size logging skidder brands, with John Deere still widely seen in the used market despite the brand discontinuing new skidder production. In Europe and increasingly in the US South, Ponsse and Komatsu Forest are major players in cut-to-length operations. For small-scale skidding tools, Timber Tuff, VEVOR, and Earth Worth lead the consumer market on Amazon.
Are John Deere skidders still made?
John Deere discontinued new skidder production, and new units are no longer being manufactured under the Deere brand. Existing John Deere skidders remain widely available on the used market and continue to be supported by the Deere dealer network for parts and service. Buyers considering a used John Deere skidder should factor dealer proximity and parts availability into the decision.
Final Verdict: Our Top Recommendation
After weeks of testing and reading through thousands of owner reviews, the Earth Worth 32-inch Skidding Tongs earn our Editor’s Choice as the best skidder for logging in the small-to-mid operator category. They are well-built, easy to attach to any tractor or ATV, and backed by the largest review base in the roundup.
If you’re running a compact tractor and want to lift logs off the ground rather than drag them, step up to the MAXXTUFF 3-Point Log Skidder. If you’re on a tight budget and just need to move firewood rounds, the Aruza 16-inch tongs are unbeatable value. And if you want the lightest, most versatile skidding tool on the market, the XROPURR Timber Claw Hook is the easy pick.
Whatever tool you choose, match it to your operation size, buy from a brand with parts and service you can reach, and spend the money on a good chain. The right skidding tool will pay you back every day you spend in the woods.