The Best Timberjack (Log Jack) For The Money

A timberjack, or as some people call it a log jack, log lifter is a tool which is used to lift felled trees off the ground, so they could be bucked (cut up into desired length rounds) easier.

Without such tool, it is pretty awkward and even dangerous to achieve the same result, as you will have to lift and somehow rest the logs you want to buck on other logs, rounds, or anything else.

If you don’t elevate the trees you want to buck off the ground, you put unnecessary stress on your back and body, and risk to dig your chainsaw chain into the ground, needing to resharpen it.

The only disadvantage of timberjacks is that they don’t support very large logs – it shouldn’t really be an issue, as most homeowners don’t even have such big pieces to buck, and even then, some tools on this list support logs up to 20 inches in diameter, so that should be plenty.

Top pick

Woodchuck Tools 48 inch

Features

The timberjack is made fully out of metal – the handle is from aluminum, and the hook is from steel.

In my opinion, a tool which has a metal or even a synthetic handle is almost always going to be better than wood, simply because wood handles break a lot easier.

The handle is 48 inches long, which is a pretty standard length for log jacks.

Weighs 10 pounds – that is the lightest log lifter on this list, beating the second lightest by 7 pounds. Lighter tools are always great, as obviously they will fatigue you far less.

Now the most important thing, the supported log diameter. The great thing about this product is that it supports logs up to 20 inches in diameter.

As a matter of fact, you will be able to grab logs of even larger size than specified.

Also, what is often overlooked is the minimum log diameter capacity. You won’t be always bucking large ones, aren’t you?

The tool can grip logs as small as 6 inches in diameter, so you won’t be limited to bucking only larger diameter stuff.

Because the lifter has two feet instead of one, the handle doesn’t dig into the ground, or even your hand when you try to jack up a log.

It is also fully made in the United States.

Things to consider before buying

The timberjack is expensive. It’s about three times more expensive than some other options on this list, but there’s obviously a reason for it – it is a sturdy tool which is made from metal, that also supports logs of large diameter and bigger range.

The handle is made from aluminum, so if you like more natural looking and feeling tools, you might consider buying a timberjack with a wooden handle.

The jack doesn’t elevate the trees a whole lot off the ground, so if you’d want to jack up a log even higher, you might choose other log lifters on this list which have longer feet; that being said, this doesn’t seem to be a big problem to me.

In Conclusion

Yes, it’s quite expensive, but this Woodchuck Timberjack (an Amazon link) is one of those tools which you shouldn’t cheap out on spending money, as really any other competition is far less better (in my opinion).

Alternatives

Roughneck Double Hook 60 inch

Features

This timberjack’s handle is made out of fiberglass, which is clearly stronger than wood, and comparable in strength to aluminum.

Inside of the handle is an actual steel rod that runs through the whole length, which makes it even more stronger than just a regular fiberglass handle.

The log jack attachment can be removed, turning it into a cant hook.

As you probably already noticed, the tool has two hooks instead of one, which in some instances might make it grab and hold onto logs easier.

The log lifter is the longest on this list, measuring 60 inches in length. Do i think that’s necessary? No, as standard 48 inches is more than enough in my mind; the longer handle will also add extra weight, but some people might still prefer that, as the longer handle does give you more leverage, so there’s that.

Now because the tool is made from fiberglass, has a steel rod running inside of it, and is 60 inches long it weighs a lot – 24 pounds to be exact.

That is 14 pounds heavier than the Woodchuck Tools.

As specified, the timberjack can grab logs up to 20 inches in diameter, but as always, you can expect to use it on even slightly bigger logs.

The grip is made from textured rubber, which is always a good thing as it makes the handling of the tool a lot more comfortable and easy (particularly so during long work days).

Things to consider before buying

The range of supported diameter logs is very limited – as example, the Woodchuck Tools log jack can handle logs way down from about 6 inches to the higher 20 inches, while this one only best works on logs in the 16-20 inch range, i find.

It also weighs quite a bit. If you are in your later years, or simply think that using such a heavy tool is too much, then i would suggest purchasing the Woodchuck Tools one.

In Conclusion

This tool (check it out on Amazon) supports big logs, is mostly two times less expensive than the Woodchuck Tools timberjack, has a long handle, and has an additional feature of being turned into a cant hook.

Problem is, is that it weighs more, and doesn’t support a wider diameter of logs, which are pretty significant disadvantages in my opinion.

Is it worth saving some money getting this log jack? In my opinion no, as it think the Woodchuck is still better, but as always, you are free to disagree. At the end of the day, it’s not a bad buy either.

Ironton 48 inch

Features

First, i should point out that the handle of this log lifter is made from wood. People who love natural tools will appreciate this fact, but personally i, as always, suggest buying tools that don’t have handles made from wood (for durability reasons).

Once again, the timberjack, like many others on this list features a 48 inch long handle.

It can as well be turned into a cant hook if you need be, as the stand is easily removable by bolts.

The total tool weight is about 16 pounds.

The supported log diameter is around 8-10 inches; as always, you should be able to grab a little smaller or even larger logs than defined.

You can expect this log lifter to be mostly about two times cheaper than the Woodchuck Tools one.

Things to consider before buying

As pointed out in the feature section, the handle is made from wood. In my opinion it is a major problem, especially for a timberjack – you will be putting it through a lot of stress, meaning you can break the handle easier than if it would be from aluminum or fiberglass.

The supported tree diameters are small – that might be enough for you, but in my opinion, having a log jack which supports bigger dimensions in a higher range is more important.

The tool does weigh quite a bit.

In conclusion

If you like rustic tools and will be bucking smaller trees, then this Ironton timberjack (affiliate link) might suit you; and it’s also not that expensive.

Roughneck Double Hook 48 inch

Features

I guess you have already noticed that this log jack along with the second one on this list is from the same company.

These tools even look alike – the only real difference is their length and accepted log diameter.

Once again, this one too has a synthetic, more specifically, fiberglass handle which also has a steel rod inside of it, for extra reinforcement.

Just like the first Roughneck log lifter on this list, it also has two hooks instead of one, which should grab and hold onto logs you want to buck better.

The A-frame stand which is used to elevate logs off the ground can once again be removed even here, turning the tool into a cant hook.

The log jack’s, or in other words, the timberjack’s length is like many of this list – it’s 48 inches.

This specific Roughneck Double Hook lifter can only handle trees up to 16 inches in diameter; that’s a 4 inch step down from the first tool of this company on this blog post.

It weighs 17 pounds – that is a whole 7 pounds lighter than the first timberjack of this company i showcase on this list, which is probably because this tool is 12 inches shorter.

And just like many other log jacks on this list (except the wooden one), it also has a rubber grip, which is always a welcoming addition.

Things to consider before buying

I’m not sure what it is, but every Roughneck timberjack on this list seems to have a small log diameter range: you will be able to grab logs slightly bigger or smaller around the specified 16 inches, but if you’ll try to step down to something like around 6 inches in diameter, it’s not going to work as well.

It can only handle logs up to 16 inches in diameter, which is not the 20 inch maximum some other alternatives have.

Just like many of the tools on this list, this one also has some weight to it. The heaviness comes from its durability, as the handle is made from fiberglass, and also additionally strengthened with steel inside of it, but if you feel like you won’t be able to use a heavier tool, choose the first pick on this list.

In Conclusion

The tool (affiliate link) is almost exactly the same as the first one from this company, just shorter, and because of it lighter.

If you want to spend less money and still get a decent log jack, this option might be for you.

Roughneck 48 inch

Features

The log lifter, just like all of them from Roughneck, has the same fiberglass handle with some steel in it for extra toughness.

Has one hook, as opposed to two the other ones from this company had. Having just one hook will still do the trick, just that obviously having extra may make the thing work better.

The maximum supported tree size is 12 inches, which is second smallest from the Ironton, and the smallest one from the three of the same company.

You might think that having all these smaller specifications will make it less heavy, but that’s not the case – the tool weighs once again 17 pounds.

As with many of the ones on this list, you can also remove the log jacking frame on this too and turn the log lifter into a cant hook, with the removal of some bolts.

The length of the handle on this tool is common 48 inches.

The gripping part of the handle is also padded with rubber, so it would be more comfortable to use.

Things to consider before buying

Again, the product weighs not too little. I am not saying that it’s going to be a huge problem if you can handle such weight, but in comparison the Woodchuck timberjack, which even supports larger logs, weighs 7 pounds less.

Log diameter range is also very small. That might be enough for your needs, but having a tool which can be used on larger logs in bigger range is always better.

In Conclusion

This log jack supports smaller diameter logs, has a long handle, but even then weighs quite a bit.

As i said before, if you will be only bucking small trees, then this just might be enough for you.

You can get this log lifter on Amazon.

How to Choose A Timberjack

Timberjacks come in many weights and lengths, but how do you choose the right one for you?

I am going to be blunt here. I think you have already noticed that in my opinion, the best choice is the Woodchuck Tools one. But why? What makes this tool be better than anything else?

First of all, it supports the largest diameter and range of logs, and still somehow manages to be at least 7 pounds lighter than even the second lightest tool on this list.

The reason why there is such a big gap in weight is because the tool is made from aluminum.

I guess that’s why it’s also a lot more expensive than any other choice here, but once again it’s well worth it in my opinion.

The biggest reason why i think this jack is the best on the market is because of its supported log diameter and range.

It can raise the largest logs up to 20 inches in diameter, and it can also do the same on logs as little as 6 inches.

There is really no tool like this (of what i reviewed here), and that’s why it’s the best, as i see it.

Sure, you might save a lot more money buying other timberjacks, but i would not suggest doing that, as i think they’re worse for the money.

This is one of those times when a more expensive tool is just better than any other competition.

The only thing the Woodchuck Tools log jack can’t do what every other one on this post can is be turned into a cant hook.

I don’t think this is a significant disadvantage – if you want a cant hook, you might as well buy a separate one, as our goal here is to get the best timberjack, not a combination tool.

General Use Tips

If you will use the log lifter in muddy conditions, or think that the legs of it will dig into the ground, try placing a piece of wood or even a sheet of metal underneath the feet, so it will have less of a chance to do so.

After some use the hook will start to dull a bit, so don’t forget to sharpen it up from time to time with tools such as a bastard mill file.

To Wrap It All Up

If you cut even the slightest amount of firewood each year, this tool will make the job so much easier and more effective, especially if you’re in your older years.