Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Choker Bell Used in Skyline and Hi-Lead Logging |
Object Name |
Logging Equipment |
Catalog Number |
2011.038.004ab |
Description |
Choker Bell Used in Skyline and Hi-Lead Logging ca 1950 This large and heavy choker bell was found on the Mendocino National Forest by Steve Kelly. The large size indicates very large logs were being yarded. The bell has a "M" symbol stamped in the metal, probably indicating manufacturer. The choker cable end is separate (2011.38.4b) and was threaded with a 1.0" diameter steel cable. The broken cable was sawed off soon after it was found in the 1970s. The knob on the end of the choker is pushed through the side of the Choker Bell, and then turned to the end of the bell. The result is a slip knot type 'choker' around a log. It is easy to connect, hard to break, and rarely shakes freed even if the slack the line. The choker, itself, is always made of a piece of cable that is smaller in size than the main winch line. This serves as sort of a 'fuse' or weak spot, so if the log hangs up and the rigging is going to break--the choker is the expendable item. The hung up log simply breaks free and the winch line is or main lines are spared. The absolute sizes of the chokers and lengths may vary on application. The chokers in a logging operation, though not cheap are more or less expendable. the choker bell itself can be recycled, so when a choker is broken, you save the bell and send it back to the rigging shop and have it put on a new pieces of cable. Photographed |
Year Range from |
1940 |
Year Range to |
1970 |
Dimensions |
H-2.75 W-4.2 L-8 D-1 inches |
Material |
Metal |
People |
Kelly, Steve |
Subjects |
Chokers Cable Logging |
Search Terms |
Timber- Logging |
Catalog date |
2011-09-23 |
Collection |
Kelly, Steve |