ken
The tongs I use are at least 40 years old. Tongs can be purchased from several places such as, Ben Meadows Co., Forestry Suppliers Inc, Bailey's, and I believe, Northern Hydraulics. They are in the $70 - 175 range. Cheap probably isn't better. Depending on your location, you may find them locally at a store that sells logging winches etc.
If buying, look for tongs with 1" or 1 1/8" steel. There are some that are 7/8" and while they may take the vertical lift, I don't think they will do well with the lateral forces applied when dragging the log while lifting. Also, tongs come with or without a grab hook on the top ring. I prefer the ones with just the ring. Tongs do not all come with the same design. Some have points that angle upward more than others. I like the ones that have a good angle to them, although I am not well experienced with a wide variety. The ones I have have worked well for all these years.
The few times I have hooked logs using the tongs on the bucket have been awkward compared to using the 3pt. I only use that method to move the end of a log around so I can back up to it, and that is rare. I prefer the weight on and close to the rear wheels when dragging, not on the front wheels.
