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One or the major problems faced by foresters working in difficult felling areas or on particularly steep hillside country is the transportation of logs from the felling area to the loading banks. Normally in large-scale felling operations, roading has to be pushed through to a suitable site. At Golden Downs Forest, this problem is being overcome at present by the use of a Wyssen Sky-line crane. This comprises an aerial ropeway down which the logs are control-dropped. A special type of winch at the felling site controls the fail of the logs and returns the crane to the felling site. This method, used extensively overseas, is being used at Golden Downs in areas where thinning is required. It is the only forest in New Zealand using this system at the moment.
The picture here shows the logs at the loading bank being hoisted aboard a truck by means of a special type of hydraulic grab loader.

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On the flat a tree is felled and this will be taken out by conventional means.

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On the steep hillside, however, the Sky-line brings the logs down to the loading bank. Normally the drop is an extremely fast one, the sliding crane gear hitting a buffer, thereby releasing the logs.

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John Lee examines the logs upon arrival at the loading area.

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The grapple on the loading crane can pick up several logs at once.

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Ranger in charge of the operation, Ralph Robinson, using the loading crane.

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This special winch high up the hill at the felling site, is diesel-powered and is able to winch itself up the steepest hillsides - the great virtue of the Sky-line.

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Sometimes it's necessary to climb trees bereft of foliage. Then it's a job for George Bonner and his climbing spurs.

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Another type of climbing device is this portable aluminium ladder, which can be climbed, then lifted to a new height and climbed again and again - as demonstrated here by Sam Malietoa.