Abstract: Various hoisting systems having an assembly for gripping a hoisting line are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a hoisting system having a plurality of sheaves and a chain reeved about the plurality of sheaves. The chain includes links having clamps for selectively gripping a hoisting line. The hoisting system also includes a closing track having a travel path for the clamps of the links of the chain. This travel path includes an opening between two opposing surfaces and at least a portion of the opening has a width between the two opposing surfaces narrower than the widths of the clamps, when open, such that, when the links pass along the travel path of the closing track, the two opposing surfaces cause the clamps to close about the hoisting line. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote controlled slack pulling log skidding carriage is provided for feeding a slack drag line toward a log to be skidded. A drive sheave rotatably mounted in the carriage is operated by a hydraulic motor. The fluid to operate the hydraulic motor is stored in one or more accumulators, and a radio controlled valve starts and stops the flow of fluid to the motor. A mechanically operated hydraulic pump also is provided to recharge the accumulators during a skidding operation.

Abstract: A carriage is provided for guided movement along a skyline and includes guide structure for supporting a dragline for longitudinal shifting relative to the carriage. A skyline stop is provided for coaction with the carriage, a dragline abutment is provided for coaction with the carriage and the carriage includes a stop with which the abutment is engageable to limit movement of the dragline in one direction relative to the carriage. The carriage is engageable with the skyline stop to limit movement of the carriage downwardly along the skyline and the abutment is provided for engagement with the carriage stop to limit upward movement of the dragline relative to the carriage. Latch structure is shiftably supported from the carriage for movement between first and second positions and is latchingly engageable with the skyline stop and engageable with the dragline abutment when in one position and inoperative to latchingly engage the skyline stop and engage the dragline abutment when in the second position.