Go-devil

Ralph C. Bryant describes it in his pioneering textbook Logging (1913) as follows:[1] The go-devil is a product of the camp blacksmith shop.

It is a rough sled having two unshod hardwood runners, which are preferably of yellow birch, selected from timbers having a natural crook.

The draft rigging consists of chains fastened to either side of the bunk or to the runners.

The chains are brought forward and joined directly in front of the roller by a ring to which the hook on the double-tree is attached.

Since go-devils are loosely constructed, there is considerable backward and forward play in the runners and if one of them becomes obstructed the other moves ahead and starts it.