Cable crane in Ratagan Forest
Image is courtesy of Walter Strzygowski (Austria) who was the technical field engineer who worked for Steyr when they were selling the KSK 16 cable crane to Riddochs of Rothiemay at this time.
This photograph appears to have been taken in Ratagan forest on the steep slopes over looking Loch Duich. The yellow Ford car could belong to Mr. B A Johnston who was the Riddoch’s of Rothiemay director covering Kilmallie and may have taken Walter to this site. The green van does not appear to have Forestry Commission markings on its side. Note the view up towards Dorusduain and the snow covered Seven Sisters of Kintail.
The cable crane tower is of interest as it is of a very unusual construction. The tractor is a Ford (Dexta?) and almost certainly appears to have a double drum Igland winch mounted behind. The operator safety cage is similar to that produced by James Jones engineering. Does anyone know if this was an early Jones prototype tower or a forestry contractor doing his own development on a Jones’s winch base? Note the use of the highlead carriage use on the fixed skyline in this set up.
Any information would be very welcome.
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Groups: Forestry Areas, Forestry in Action, Timber harvesters, processors, forwarders and cable cranes