Arlen4720,
The idea of a forestry skid steer is just along the idea of my main question. Most effective per unit weight, assuming it can be lifted in the first place. I had not thought of that idea (obviously) but I like your line of thinking. Thanks for the input.
overszd,
I think the "hook" you were thinking about is the CH-54, also known as the sky-crane. Some brilliant unorthodox thinking in the design--just get rid of the "fuselage"--not certain if that is the correct term for a helicopter--to save weight and increase lifting capacity. Although the Army no longer uses them, they have a number of commercial niches for them today. I sometimes think the army would do well to have a modernized version of that sky-crane, but I know that the army has budgets too and a chopper that can perform both heavy lift and carry troops is going to win out over a chopper that only carries objects. Still, a unique design.
View attachment 429689
I like this picture as we have a helicopter lifting a tank. Granted, it was considered a light tank, but it was a tank nonetheless and I imagine quite a load to carry.
SI2305