A yarder is piece of logging equipment that uses a system of cables to pull or fly logs from the stump to a collection point.[1] It generally consists of an engine, drums, and spar, but has a range of configurations and variations, such as the swing yarder.
Clyde Skidder at Marathon Logging Camp near Newton, MS ~1921Madill 124 Yarder. An example of modern yarders still being used in logging industry.
Early Yarders
The early yarders were steam powered. They traveled on railroads, known as "dummylines", and felled trees were dragged or "skidded" to the railroad where they were loaded onto rail cars. Popular brands included Willamette, Skagit, Washington, Tyee, or Lidgerwood and Clyde, built by Clyde Ironworks in Duluth, Minnesota.[2] Although these machines appear to be large and cumbersome, they were highly productive. The Clyde was capable of retrieving logs from four different points at the same time. Each cable, or lead, was approximately 1000 feet in length. Once the logs were attached and a clearance signal was sent for retrieval, the logs could be skidded at a speed of 1000 feet per minute, which is around 10 mph (1MPH = 88 fpm = 26.8 meter per minute). Working conditions around these machines were very dangerous.[citation needed]
