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A cable skidder pulls felled logs to the landing using a winch and steel cable rather than a hydraulic grapple arm — chokers attach to each log, the cable reels in, and a curved arch lifts the leading end of the load clear of the ground as it travels. It’s a simpler system mechanically than a grapple, which is exactly why it remains a common choice for operations where lower purchase and maintenance cost matter more than cycle speed.
Lumbermens lists cable skidders for sale from sellers across the United States, with used inventory from Timberjack, John Deere, Caterpillar, and Franklin among the brands most commonly available.
The winch and drum system is the core of the machine — logs are connected by chokers, and the number of chokers used depends on the size and quantity of timber being pulled in a single turn. The cable runs through a fairlead near the base of the arch, which helps control the angle of pull and reduces wear on the cable itself. The arch then lifts the front end of the logs, cutting down on drag and soil disturbance as the load moves to the landing.
Because cable skidders use a winch and chokers instead of a hydraulic grapple arm, their design is different from grapple machines and may offer a simpler setup for certain logging operations — one reason these units remain popular on tighter budgets.
Cable skidders tend to be the more practical choice when logs are scattered across terrain that’s hard to maneuver a grapple arm into, or when the operation is working smaller-diameter timber where a full hydraulic grapple system isn’t necessary to justify its added cost. If your work instead involves consistently large turns of timber where speed matters more than upfront cost, a grapple skidder is generally the better fit — and if ground conditions are wet, steep, or otherwise difficult for a wheeled machine, a track skidder may be worth considering regardless of cable-versus-grapple.
For the fuller comparison across all three configurations, our guide on skidder types and operation in forestry and logging covers the tradeoffs in more depth than we have room for here.
Timberjack, John Deere, Caterpillar, and Franklin are among the brands buyers may encounter when looking for used cable skidders. Of these, Franklin is worth a specific note — the brand no longer manufactures new equipment, so every Franklin cable skidder available today is a used unit. Our Franklin For Sale page covers what to know before buying one.
Used cable skidder prices can vary widely depending on age, operating hours, condition, brand, and recent repairs. Older machines may cost considerably less, while well-maintained units with major components recently rebuilt can command higher prices. The winch and cable system itself is worth inspecting closely — a worn drum, frayed cable, or weak winch motor can turn into an expensive repair quickly, and it’s a component that doesn’t exist on grapple machines, so it’s easy to overlook if you’re used to shopping other skidder types.
Our guide on 5 essential tips for buying a used skidder covers the broader inspection points — engine hours, hydraulics, and undercarriage or tire condition — that apply across skidder types, cable included.
Lumbermens has connected buyers and sellers of forestry equipment across the United States since 1986. Browse current cable skidder listings, compare specifications, and connect directly with sellers — or explore our full Skidders For Sale category if you’re still weighing cable against other configurations.
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A cable skidder uses a winch and steel cable to pull logs connected by chokers. The cable runs through a fairlead near the machine’s arch, which lifts the leading end of the logs to reduce drag as they’re pulled to the landing.
A cable skidder uses chokers and a winch line to pull logs, which generally costs less to buy and maintain. A grapple skidder uses a hydraulic arm to grab logs directly, which speeds up cycle times but adds cost and hydraulic components that can require repair.
Prices vary widely depending on age, operating hours, condition, brand, and recent repair or rebuild work. Older, higher-hour machines generally cost less, while well-maintained units with documented service history typically command higher prices.
Pay close attention to the winch, cable, and arch condition in addition to the usual engine, hydraulic, and tire checks that apply to any skidder. Confirm whether chokers are included with the sale.
Cable skidders cost less upfront and have fewer hydraulic components to maintain, making them a practical fit for smaller-diameter timber or tighter budgets. They can also work effectively in terrain that’s difficult to maneuver a grapple arm into.
Timberjack, John Deere, Caterpillar, and Franklin are among the brands buyers may encounter on the used market, with Franklin no longer in production.
Yes. Lumbermens connects equipment owners, dealers, and businesses with buyers nationwide looking for cable skidders and other forestry equipment.
Lumbermens is a nationwide marketplace for new and used cable skidders, part of a broader forestry equipment marketplace serving buyers and sellers since 1986.
