Shiftable tail-block logging skyline

A skyline logging system for logging sloped timber-bearing terrain comprising;

• (1) a skyline cable that terminates at its upper end at an upper skyline tail-block that incorporates a pulley and, at its lower end, at a skyline base end for receiving logs;
• (2) a transverse tail-block support cable which terminates at its two ends at transverse-line anchors at separated elevated locations on elevated terrain located entirely above the upper end of the skyline cable and above the timber-bearing terrain to be logged, and which carries the tail-block by the tail-block pulley, providing support for the skyline cable;
• (3) skyline tail-block positioning means for controlling the location of the skyline tail-block along the transverse tail-block support cable during logging;
• (4) a log carriage mounted on said skyline cable for lifting a load of logs, said log carriage being positionable on the skyline cable by cable means extending to the skyline base end;
• and
• (5) a balloon connected to the skyline tail-block to carry a portion of the weight of the skyline cable system components.