The Rise and Risk of Tong Throwers in Modern Logging

[MikePhua]

Origins and Purpose of Tong Throwing
Tong throwers are specialized logging machines designed to cast heavy grapples or tongs across rugged terrain to retrieve logs from inaccessible areas. Unlike traditional yarders or skidders, which rely on cables or direct contact, tong throwers use mechanical arms or extended booms to physically hurl grapples toward target logs. This technique allows operators to reach into draws, corners, or steep slopes without repositioning the machine or laying out extensive rigging.
The concept evolved from adaptations of excavators and track loaders, often retrofitted with winches and reinforced booms. In regions like the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West, where terrain is fractured and access is limited, tong throwers offer a unique solution for short-distance log retrieval.
Machine Configuration and Throwing Mechanics
Most tong throwers are built on platforms like the CAT 320 or Komatsu excavators. The conversion typically includes:

• A single or dual winch mounted behind the cab
  
• Reinforced boom and stick with extended reach
  
• Custom grapples or tongs with 3–4 foot spread
  
• Hydraulic or mechanical release mechanisms
  
• Operator cab modifications for visibility and control
  

Throwing a tong requires precise timing and coordination. The operator swings the boom in a controlled arc, releasing the grapple at the apex to achieve maximum distance and accuracy. Skilled operators can land tongs within a few feet of the target, even at distances exceeding 250 feet.
Applications and Limitations
Tong throwers are most effective in:

• Thinning operations with scattered residuals
  
• Cleanup of strays left by shovel sides
  
• Short-distance skidding in broken terrain
  
• Avoiding yarder mobilization for small patches
  

However, they are not suitable for:

• Long-distance hauling beyond 350 feet
  
• Dense stands with poor visibility
  
• Wet or unstable ground where footing is compromised
  

In thinning jobs, a single winch system can be used with chokers to drag logs back to the machine. This reduces the need for additional equipment and minimizes ground disturbance.
Safety Concerns and Operator Skill
Operating a tong thrower is inherently risky. Grapples can weigh over 100 pounds and travel at high velocity. Misthrows can endanger ground crew, damage equipment, or result in lost time. The practice demands:

• Clear communication between operator and crew
  
• Strict exclusion zones during throws
  
• Regular inspection of winch lines and release mechanisms
  
• High operator proficiency and sobriety
  

Historically, some operators were known to work under the influence, increasing the danger. Stories from the 1970s recount shovel runners tossing 120-pound tongs with uncanny precision—sometimes within feet of their crew. While impressive, such practices are now discouraged under modern safety standards.
Regional Adoption and Cultural Footprint
Tong throwers are more common in the Intermountain West, including Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. On the British Columbia coast, their use is limited due to the availability of larger yarders, long-line systems, and regulatory constraints. In some cases, the cost of conversion outweighs the benefit, especially when super snorkels or hoe chucking can achieve similar results.
Manufacturers like Jewell Engineering once produced tong thrower kits for machines like the Madill 2850, and sales were strong during peak logging years. Today, many of these units remain in service with independent outfits or small contractors.
Field Stories and Anecdotes
One veteran logger recalled working under a Washington track loader equipped with a wooden snorkel boom. When grapples couldn’t reach, the operator switched to tongs and cast them with remarkable accuracy. The crew learned to duck behind trees and wait for the impact—an informal but effective safety protocol.
Another team in Idaho used CAT 320s to toss tongs into deep draws, achieving skidding distances of up to 350 feet. While slow, the method allowed them to avoid bringing in a yarder for short runs, saving time and money.
Modern Alternatives and Recommendations
While tong throwers remain viable in niche scenarios, modern logging increasingly favors:

• Winch-assist harvesters for steep terrain
  
• Forwarders with extended reach grapples
  
• Drone-assisted mapping to plan efficient retrieval paths
  
• Remote-controlled winch systems for safer chokering
  

For operators considering a tong thrower setup:

• Evaluate terrain and job scope carefully
  
• Invest in operator training and safety gear
  
• Retrofit machines with reinforced booms and controlled release systems
  
• Maintain clear protocols for crew positioning and communication
  

Conclusion
Tong throwers represent a fascinating blend of ingenuity and brute force in the logging world. Though not widely adopted, they offer a practical solution for specific terrain challenges and remain part of the cultural lore of North American forestry. With proper training, equipment, and respect for safety, these machines continue to prove that sometimes, the best way to fish for logs is with a 35-ton casting arm.