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Steam-Powered Logging Winch

Steam-Powered Logging Winch

Highlight • Monument

Steam-Powered Logging Winch

Name: Steam-Powered Logging Winch
Rating: 2

Recommended by 1 mountain bikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Pureora Forest Park

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Location: Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

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3. Timber Trail Lodge – Maramataha Bridge loop from Maniaiti / Benneydale

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Tips

Strawanzer

April 25, 2024

OK, you've cut down a forest giant. Now how do you haul the huge log out of the forest?

Steam-powered log winches were the answer until 1945, when they were replaced by mobile bulldozers.

Winches were placed at strategic locations along railroad lines. They were moved to a new work area when an area was cleared.

The steam winch crew was typically five men. Long ropes were run to the fallen logs by men called "ropeys." The ropey and steam winch operator communicated using whistle signals. See below.

Winches could only pull logs in straight lines unless a pulley system was installed anchored around the base of still-standing trees.

The "breaker-out" was the man who set up the pulley system to get the logs to the haul line.
"Skiddies" were the men who moved the logs once they were on the skid. Sometimes an additional winch was used to get the logs over the skid and onto the rail.

Winch drivers also had to operate the fire for the boiler. Larger crews had a two-man "firewood team".

"Ropeys" were also called "whistleboys". They pulled on a light "straw line" to operate the tractor whistle.

Whistle speak
1 whistle = stop!
2 whistles = pull on!
3 whistles = give me rope!
4 whistles = emergency stop!

Translated by Google •

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Details

Informations

Elevation 570 m

Weather

Monday 3 November

17°C

5°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

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See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Maramataha Bridge

Ongarue Spiral Bridge and Tunnel

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Cross-Cutting and Logging History at Pureora Forest Park

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Timber Trail (Pureora Forest Park)

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Steam-Powered Logging Winch

1. Maramataha Bridge – Ongarue Spiral Tramway Loop loop from Maniaiti / Benneydale

2. Maramataha Bridge – Ongarue Spiral Tramway Loop loop from Rangoroa

3. Timber Trail Lodge – Maramataha Bridge loop from Maniaiti / Benneydale

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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