Patent ID: 7234605

Claim:
A grappling carriage adapted to be run by an operator and lift a bundle of logs in a logging operation from the field to a landing area, the grappling carriage comprising: a. an upper carriage assembly comprising: i. an engine system having a fuel supply, ii. a hydraulic drive system operatively connected to the engine system and comprising hydraulic lines adapted to have pressurized hydraulic fluid pass therethrough, b. a grapple assembly comprising first and second grapple legs having interior surfaces adapted to engage the bundle of logs in a logging operation pivotally connected to a grapple body, the grapple assembly having a center of gravity positioned directly under the upper carriage assembly and further comprising: i. an actuating system comprising actuators adapted to forcefully position the first and second grapple legs to an open position and forcefully position the first and second grapple legs to a closed position, ii. a rotating actuator adapted to rotate the grapple body with respect to the upper carriage assembly, c. a control system adapted to receive signals from the operator to adjust the first and second grapple legs and rotation of the grapple assembly with respect to the upper carriage assembly, d. whereas the grappling carriage is sufficiently lightweight to operate in logging cable topographies comprising from one or more of the following a haul back, skyline or running skyline arrangement.