Log flume
A giant or giant timber is a non- web-like channel for transporting logs from steep terrain, in which the wood is conveyed by gravity to the valley. In earlier times Giants were an important transportation option of large quantities of wood from areas with difficult access. As early as the time of King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 7th century BC was spent with the help of giant cedar from Lebanon. Where possible transport of timber was coupled with the possibilities of pasture and timber floating. Ideally, the giant ended directly to a watercourse.
The Giants were a technical evolution of the " bustle ", which was allowed to slip on slopes to the valley logs, and the " Loit " (also Luite or Erdgefährte ), in which the slides of the wood has already been improved by technical measures. With advent of mechanized transport, in particular by modern cable systems and off-road vehicles skidding, decreased the importance of this form of transport for forestry. Occasionally still Løiten or giant made of sheet steel, aluminum or plastic are used in Europe, which are easy to install even in difficult terrain and take skidding tasks over short distances.
Both the names and the forms of the giants were locally very different. In the Black Forest, the term Ries track was used in Württemberg probably slide ( sliding rocks at Bad Urach ). Other names are also Husche, Laaße, Ploße or Swende. The name of the Giant Mountains is attributed in some sources to this construction.
Depending on the terrain and local conditions, it was also ground or way giants. In earth giant flat Erdrinnen were used to obtain slides for wood. Here, either existing gutters have been enhanced or created artificial channels. This earth- giants were almost exclusively used for the transport of logs. The way giant was the developed form of a woodland path. By the roadsides wooden structures were designed so that the manufacturers to border wood could not slide over the edge of the path beyond.
The classic Holzriese
The classic giant was built of wood and the production required high technical skills. Approximately five to twelve round logs were cobbled together into a chute and carried by a yoke. At the upper end, " Ries mouth ", in which the wood has been introduced was, and at the lower end of the valley side, " Ries litter", which is either equal threw the wood into the water or released to a rendezvous. Depending on the inclination high transport speeds were achieved, which made the trade of " wood Riesers " dangerous. The design and routing had to meet the highest requirements. Using sophisticated built yokes also terrain cuts could be overcome. Again, had the wood itself constantly slide, but was not allowed to be too fast to avoid slipping on the other. The influence of sliding velocity by the addition of slip aids such as water or oil to accelerate, or otherwise of sand for braking, were of limited effectiveness. The incorporation of " wolves " (hanging from above into the gutter Ries woods) slowed in moderation.
The support and complement the giant was carried out by the so-called " Ries shepherd".
The construction of wooden giants often consumed one third of the logged timber. The building was therefore only useful when large quantities of wood were broken. The steep slopes could have up to 40 percent incline.
The replica of a wooden giant it is now possible, for example, seen in the discovery area " Waldhusche " in Hinterhermsdorf, which was named after the giant ( " Husche ").
Cable giant
A cable giant is a cable car to the removal of logs from steep terrain. The logs are thereby secured by a tether slowly lowered into the valley.