While skyline logging requires additional setup, the vertical lift of the skyline allows faster yarding, which can outweigh the additional labor costs, especially on larger harvest units.
Skyline and grapple yarding, however, require more complex, and expensive equipment.
[1] A traditional high lead or gravity system will function with just two cables, a skidding line.
The yarder itself is located on a landing, a flat area on top of the ridge that is being logged.
[2] After the trees are retrieved by the yarder, the limbs are bucked (removed) and the logs are then placed in piles awaiting transport.