Rigging Excavator Logging Midget Choker Loop

I made this loop using midget choker bells and an oversized 3/4 8 strand cable with an 8 strand inner core. The loop outside diameter is about 11 inches. I was doing an excavator logging job knowing that every trip in and out results in greater surface impact and my small mud puddles would turn into man eating mud pits. I wanted to drag groups of logs out efficiently while working with a man on the ground who could set chokers while I use my bucket for clearing/ brushing, cleanup tasks. In the last photograph you can see my original prototype has elongated somewhat from the stress but worked perfectly throughout the job as I yarded dozens of logs through my forest trail to stack them for offsite haul. This one has been built using brand new choker bells and screwy bells. The screwy bells are easy to set and offer more angles to set to when conditions are not ideal. Just put a shackle through the loop behind your bucket. I found that the nice 135 link belt I was running was the limiting factor and for the heaviest logs I would often do singles or doubles but all 3 were regularly utilized for the lighter work. General disclaimer... chokers should never be used for overhead work but I have made considerable effort to build this with quality and safety in mind. Midget sized chokers are readily available in various lengths and can usually be purchased in sets of 3 or from a local cable and rope supplier. I did the weaving and tig welding personally if you have any questions or even revisions you would prefer feel free to ask. Logging , logger , excavator , linkbelt , caterpillar , cat , kobelco , case , hyundai , yanmar , choker , rigging , forestry , komatsu , deere