I have seen these machines that have big arms and look like log loaders but are for pipe what are they??
Are you talking about the vacume pipe handlers? I'v seen them used for loading and unloading truck loads of the pipe they put in the ground.
They are pipe loaders Really, they are pretty much the same as a log loader, but used for pipe.
did it look something like the pettibone? http://www.gopettibone.com/cary-lift/ I worked a job for Kiewit where 2 of these handled the 70' long piles quite well.
I was thinking maybe something like these http://mpiequipment.com/forestry/letourneau-log-stackerpipe-handlers/ They run some like this at the precast pipe yards around here handling the sections of reinforced concrete pipe.
See link post #4. Old Pettibones^