the easy way or my way

[w7dms]

makes it much easier to load the big ones onto splitter.

 

[DJ54]

Dad bought a set of ring type log lifting/skidding tongs at a farm auction approx. 60 years ago for like a buck. We used them for lifting utility poles, logs and especially nice for large pieces of wood to be split on the splitter. And you can set them on the splitter in the correct orientation to be split. Being you're in Oregon bet you could find a set at an auction reasonable. You'll thank yourself many times over if you get a set.

 

[EdGooding]

A home-made rig that seems to work for Scott: