What is a swamp hook? Alternative hitching on big logs for more lift….

[@fion1flatout]

Some very impressive pulling, Kate and Alice made that huge log look a doddle

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you ma’am! The cart does help a whole lot, no doubt about it. Ground conditions can have a lot to do with it too. These logs slide better on this mud than dry ground for sure even the type of bark on the trees willaffect how it skids. Anyway, thank you so much for the kind words and taking time to watch and comment. I surely appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care my friend and do come again, please

[@primeredisbest]

You are a very knowledgeable and kind man my friend! I enjoy watching your videos very much and how the Mules respect and count on you take care of them. As I gave said, they are alot like children! God bless you and your family always my friend and and thank you for your time to make the videos!

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you, my friend! That truly means a lot to me. I do try to do my best by my mules. They always give me their best, so I try to return the favor and every way possible. I like to think that we all are a great team together. Anyway, thank you again! And thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I do appreciate your dedication to my channel. Thank you! Take care, my friend and as always do come again, please.

[@dacrowrose2]

I used to love watching my grandfather logging and him working his mules. Some times I would lay out of school to get to help him. He didn't have the wheels though.

[@zachodom7486]

Been a many a log skidded with a mule or pair and snaking tongs flat on the ground. I did it that way for many years before I ever got a cart. Still do sometimes! Anyway, thank you for the kind words and taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate it: take care and do come again, please

[@billblock8090]

Great content. I am 81 years old and grew up around mules that we used for plowing and riding. I would rather ride a good mule than any horse I have riden. You have some beautiful mules that are well trained and well cared for. Greetings from West Texas.

[@zachodom7486]

Hello my friend! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment on my video. I really appreciate you being here! It is good to hear from you. And your experience… Thank you for the kind words on my mules also. Take care of yourself, and do come again, please.

[@BrandtAinsworth-ik5fm]

Great advice. Thanks for always showing a practical side of logging that we can apply.

[@zachodom7486]

Yes sir brother, you’re welcome. I’m glad to do it and I’m glad you all can get something from it. We learn from each other no doubt. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate it! Take care and as always do come again, please.

[@deltonwatts9726]

Zach...the mules certainly seem to appreciate the water when they figured out the hardhat. Thanks for a day in the woods! Blessings.

[@zachodom7486]

Yessir my friend, you’re most welcome! Glad to do it. Yes, they learn that sorta stuff quick!! They like that cool water. Thanks for your time my friend and dedication to my channel. I appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please!

[@davidnoftz3795]

We always harnessed our horses from the left. And we always at home and drove them to the trailer then split them to load. That way we didn't forget any tack. Like we did once. Had everything we needed, but the collers.

[@zachodom7486]

That is cool! Yes, you do not want to forget anything that is for sure. That is aggravating. Thank you for the kind words, and also for taking time to watch and comment. And sharing your experience with me. Thank you! Take care and as always do come again, please.

[@Thuy_Dailylife]

lots of big wood!? You guys did a great job, always watching over you❤

[@zachodom7486]

We do get in some big stuff every once in a while yes. Thank you for such kind words and thank you for taking time to watch comment. I surely do appreciate your dedication to my channel! Take care and do come again, please

[@Thuy_Dailylife]

@@zachodom7486 love you

[@everestvirtue309]

Dear Zach Thank you for taking me along to see all your hard work there Ill be praying for you and your animals Im sure the water was helpful for everyone there, take care my friend and God bless you all there

[@zachodom7486]

Yessir my friend! Youre most welcome and thank you for the kind words and for taking time to watch and comment. I surely appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please!

[@terryblakeman4616]

We love how much you care for your mules we can tell they like you just as much.

[@zachodom7486]

I do my best to make sure they have all they need. They take good care of me, so I feel it my duty to give them the same. Thank you for the kind words and for taking time to watch and comment! I appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please

[@JamesN-ut2jv]

I've never owned a horse or a mule. Even as a kid, Ive liked mules. The prettiest one I ever saw was at Kentucky horse park. It was a cross with a thoroughbred. The way you explain everything with them is easy to follow and understand. Keep it up brother and God bless you and your family.

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you, sir! And thank you for taking time to watch and comment as always. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care of yourself and Duke come again, please!

[@Carl_DenTandt]

As usual brother, I come away from another one of your video’s learning something new. You are a good teacher! Keep cool and stay safe in the woods!

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you brother! I’m glad you enjoyed it. That always makes it worth doing. Thank you for such kind words and also taking time to watch as always. I surely appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care of my friend and do come again, please

[@JerryRafferty-k9w]

Great 👍 video, I'm glad I came across your channel. I been going to mention, that I liked Big John, nice saw. Also I told you I had Stihl chainsaw, I didn't say that my biggest saw was a 394 Husqvarna, the Swed lol. I only ran it if I had to. The 046 was my favorite, cut a big percentage of the timber in Ohio. Once again thank you Zach for your time videoing for us. God bless you and your family Jerry

[@zachodom7486]

Hey Mr Jerry! Thanks for the super kind words my friend. Oh hey, I use to run a couple 372’s and an old 395. They were good saws. We just don’t have many dealers around here for em anymore. I always like em well enough. I do like working on the Stihl saws better tho. Now I have two 046’s, an 066, and big John the 461. I am really impressed with big John. He’ll really get with the program in the cut wearing a 25” bar and full slip full chisel chain. Been doing a great job. I’ve got him fully broken in now, and let him eat. But anyway, thank you my friend for everything and taking time to watch and comment! It means a lot. Take care and do come again, please

[@davidjewell9197]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙏 😊

[@zachodom7486]

You are most welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it and could get something from it. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment as always. I appreciate your dedication to my channel! Take care and do come again, please.

[@br927]

My Dad would harness the horses in the stall, unhook the lead rope, go down to the end of the barn and start cleaning the gutters, all the while they were watching, as soon as he got to the front of the spreader cleaned the one horse would back out, come down and step over the pole, my Dad would hook her up, and as soon as that one was hooked, the other horse would back out of the stall come down and get her in her place, my Dad never said a word to them, they knew! In the winter the old Keiser wouldn't start, so he'd hook the horses on the car and tow it down the road, when it started, he'd holler to the horses to stop, unhitch the car, tuck everything up and head the horses back up the road to the barn by themselves, turn the car around at the nearest spot and follow the horses home!

[@zachodom7486]

Man, that is super cool! You know horses and mules alike did a lot of things like that way back. Because people use them every day. And their animals were well broke. Nowadays, there are whole lot of wild, disrespectful, horses, and males out there. And it’s because people does not work them and break them right. I’m sure you know what I mean! Anyway, thank you sir for taking time to comment and share your experiences with me. I surely appreciate it and enjoyed reading. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care of yourself and do come again, please

[@valeriemacrae8441]

Thanks for the close ups it really helps to understand thanks for taking the time to

[@zachodom7486]

Yes ma’am, you’re welcome. And I’m glad that you could get something from it, that makes it worth doing. Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please

[@bendugas8632]

Still another interesting video and very informative thanks for sharing.

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you, sir, I really appreciate it. And I’m glad you enjoyed it and could get something from it. That makes it worth doing! Thank you for taking time to watch comment. Take care and do come again, please

[@WallaceBrown-dj2gm]

Zack, thanks for explaining that, l never used a logging cart and didn't realize that wasn't as much as a problem as with twitching. Thanks again and God Bless you and you and yours

[@zachodom7486]

It can be, just depends on the situation. You just have to have enough experience to use either method safely. If you log, you’re gonna be put in some dangerous spots. You just have to carefully calculate the situation and then go from there. Anyway, thank you again and thanks for always watching and commenting! Take care and do come again, please

[@klauskarbaumer6302]

Your mules pull some mighty heavy logs, but with a savvy technique you make it easier for them.

[@zachodom7486]

Yessir, they’re really starting to come into themselves now. Their minds have gotten into it now. And they’re really starting to learn how to pull. And pull when it counts. I am so proud of them. But I learned long long ago from an old mule skinner and logger that taught me, that when the load is heavy and they can’t get it or whatnot, then it’s my job to figure out how to make things easier and keep my team encouraged and moving forward. That presents a challenge at times. All these little tricks can make all the difference in getting or not getting a log out. They’re also getting stronger and heavier also. They’re 4 yo coming 5 now. And really starting to fill out nicely. I’m hoping they’ll get to 1600-1650 pounds time they’re done. They’re 1500 and 1550 right now. Anyway, thank you sir for always supporting me and encouraging me. I appreciate your dedication to my channel for sure. Thanks! Take care and as always, do come again, please

[@klauskarbaumer6302]

@@zachodom7486 Your mules are really impressive for their age, thanks to you.

[@zachodom7486]

@@klauskarbaumer6302ty sir and yw

[@terrythomas7035]

You are so kind to your animals

[@zachodom7486]

I do try to be! They work hard for me and give me their best, so I feel like I owe them my best in return. It is a good trade!

[@lesterhertel2945]

Another very interesting video Thank you 😊😊😊😊

[@zachodom7486]

Yes, sir Mr. Lester, you are welcome! And thank you for the kind words and also taking time to watch and comment as always. I really appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care of yourself and do come again please

[@harryjansen6789]

Another great video ,everyone needs to keep cool, even Mules, be well,

[@zachodom7486]

Yes, sir, Mr. Harry, you are right! I do my best by them at all possible cost. Thank you for such kind words, and taking time to watch and comment as always. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. Thank you! Take care of my friend, and come again, please.

[@DaveBurcham]

Those horse fly,s sure a pain, for sure, nice informative video Zach, thanks for sharing, boy i wish i wasn't so dadblamed old I would love to still be doing this. 😏 Dave

[@zachodom7486]

Yes, sir those horseflies are aggravating for sure! Well, I’m glad you are here and at least can enjoy it. Vicariously through me anyway. Thank you so much for the kind words. And for always being dedicated to watching our videos. Greatly appreciate it.

[@WallaceBrown-dj2gm]

Hey Zack, yer gettin inta some big timber now and those mules are freighted pretty heavy and doing a right nice job but remember they have a good memory and they will for you for 20 years so they can kick you once if you tick them off.Ha ha. Just a follow up, they said the earth quake was 5 miles deep and I said no it wasn't, Zack Odom caused it when he hit that tree for the78th time. Ha ha. Great videos keep them coming..God bless you and yours real good.

[@zachodom7486]

Lol. Thank you sir and thanks again for watching

[@galegregory97comcast]

Fun watching you I'm glad you doing it it's an art that's been lost a long time considering I was around when they were mule and wagon going into town

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you kindly! I’m glad to do it, and thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please

[@floydsimpson7526]

You have some grate looking mules

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you and thanks for taking time to watch and comment! Take care and do come again, please

[@DaveBurcham]

Back in the days when i was logging with mules i didn't have logging cart or swamp hooks, sure would have been nice. all i had was 2 logging tongues small and large , but i got the job done for sure 👍 Dave

[@zachodom7486]

I have been there myself, Mr. Dave. Fortunately, as time went on, I was able to buy a few things here and there. And it has definitely made life easier for us and more productive. Anyway, thank you for sharing your experience. And thank you for taking time to comment on my videos. I surely appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care of yourself and do come again, please

[@WallaceBrown-dj2gm]

Zack don't get careless, yer scaring me, never stand on the going side of the log during hookup, l was told and told and then one day show nuff l did it and pinched my foot, not serious. So stay dafe and be careful, BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOURS.

[@zachodom7486]

That’s why I stand far enough away from it. You can’t always be on the other side. And with this cart, the log follows the cart instead of keep rolling. So it’s not as bad as say using snaking tongs were it has a swivel and can roll quiet a bit. Anyway, thanks for taking time to watch and comment my friend as always. Take care and do come again please

[@bobbylong8365]

Great video!!

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you, Mr. Bobby! And thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I surely appreciate it! Take care of yourself and do come again please

[@saltwaterinmyveins]

These videos are great! My Dad grew up logging with mules. Do you have a good source for high quality white oak?

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. That makes it worth doing. And that is cool about your dad Mark. I’m sure we will get along great. As far as the white oak is concerned… I do not get to cut a whole Lotta high-quality timber. Most of what I cut is like this stuff I’m cutting here. However, every once in a while, I’ll get into a small patch of white oak. So many people have cut it out around here, that there is not a whole lot left to be honest. Anyway, thank you for taking time to comment and for the kind words! Take care and do come again, please.

[@saltwaterinmyveins]

@@zachodom7486 Thanks! In the late 40’s - 50’s my Dad’s Dad bought Army surplus half tracks and Mall ( two man chainsaws ) to log with.

[@zachodom7486]

@@saltwaterinmyveinscool 😊

[@JohnWhite-gq1wy]

We always carry a couple of gunney bags and wet them and put on the horse's neck give it a try zach

[@zachodom7486]

I will definitely give that a try! And thank you sir for the idea. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please

[@dacrowrose2]

How many hands is Alice? Beautiful animals love your video's, please keep them coming.

[@zachodom7486]

They’re 16.2 hands and 1500 pounds. Still growing. And you’re welcome, will do.

[@billywarpool3625]

😂Zach good video brother my phone is dead now I have to use my wife's phone but it is your friend Billy call win you get time

[@zachodom7486]

Hey Billy! Thanks for checking in my friend. Definitely charge up your phone pal. I will try to call you sometime this weekend. I’m gonna be busy hauling logs tomorrow. But I may try you Sunday afternoon sometime. Anyway thank you for taking time to watch Comet as always. Take care and do come again, please.

[@robertmarino2158]

When you hook the mules to the implements do you always hook up Alice on the right side ? Just normal or Alice works better on the right side . always working hard , stay safe !

[@zachodom7486]

I don’t swap mine around typically. I put the bigger animal on the right side and then press on. I work them in all sorts of hitches 3 and 4 abreast. So they get to having animals on each side of them. Butttt, imho when you break an animal right..then it don’t matter when and where ya put em. They’ll work just as good wherever. If you keep swapping them tho, they don’t ever get a chance to learn “that spot” in the hitch. It matters on certain implements. Some people make excuses for animals that they “can’t” or don’t wanna work on one side or another. If there’s a problem on that side for an animal, then I work on that problem instead of just moving the animal: yanno? Anyway, thank you for the kind words and for taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. Take care my friend and do come again, please

[@terrythomas7035]

It still amazes me to see how big they are. What are they 16, 17 hands high

[@zachodom7486]

Yes ma’am, they are 16.1 and 16.2 hands…1500 and 1550 pounds each. Descently sized. Now may and June will be every bit of 17 hands and probably 1700 pounds time they’re grown. I’m Hoping Kate and Alice will make 1600-1650 pounds time they’re full grown.

[@GeraldCraig-n2q]

County boys know how to get her done.......e even if everyone else says it's wrong as long as it works

[@zachodom7486]

Yes, my friend, you are right. I have learned through the years to let others do others and me do me. And if I can help someone in the passing, then that makes me happy anyway, thank you for taking time to watch and comment and for the kind words! Take care of my friend and do come again, please

[@terrythomas7035]

Such good girls

[@zachodom7486]

Yes ma’am, they really are. I love them a lot! Thank you so so much for being here and taking time to watch and comment. I appreciate your dedication to my channel. And for the kind words, take care of yourself and do come again please.

[@kennybolt8329]

Looks like somebody poured a bucket of water over your head ! 😅 Sure is hot ain't it. I just put one of my teams up we went about 10 miles with the wagon. Thanks

[@zachodom7486]

Haha, yeah I poured some water over my head. It sure does help and cool ya off. Lordy! Yessir been hot here last couple days. Thank you for the kind words and for taking time to watch and comment my friend. Take care and do come again, please!

[@ronaldbeatty9423]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😊

[@zachodom7486]

Thank you, sir! And thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I surely appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please

[@williammatzek4660]

What do they use bald cypress wood for?

[@zachodom7486]

Lot of it goes into cabinetry. And flooring. It’s a sure enough pretty wood. Thank you for the question and also taking time to watch and comment! Take care and do come again, please

[@williammatzek4660]

@@zachodom7486 Have a good day!

[@zachodom7486]

@@williammatzek4660ty sir and you as well

[@jimmybrock6593]

In south Georgia they used for cross ties on railroad. I think it's protected species now days?😮😊

[@terrythomas7035]

Please be careful in this heat

[@zachodom7486]

Yes ma’am! We will and thank you

[@richardspeakes2883]

You gonna ship some timber? Huh

[@zachodom7486]

I hope we can if it’ll dry out a little. It’s been to wet to get my truck in here lately. Think I’ve got 8 or so loads stacked up right now. Thanks for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please

[@jamesfranks545]

Horse fly after her. I hate those things.

[@zachodom7486]

Yeah, this job we are on now is in a low swampy type area. And the horseflies are terrible. We are not far from the river. So they are pretty bad. Anyway thank you for taking time to watch in comment. Take care of yourself and do come again, please.

[@jamesfranks545]

@@zachodom7486 I hear ya that low ground always has a bunch of undesirable critters in it. As far as watching, brother your welcome. I always enjoy watching a good broke Mule or Horse work. Thats a fine pair you have there. You have done a dandy job training them. I always appreciate how well you take care of your stock. You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats his stock.

[@zachodom7486]

@@jamesfranks545thank you sir! They give me their best, I feel it’s only right to give them mine as well. Thx again!