Forest Operations > Conduct Feller Buncher Operations > Feller Bunch At Work

Safe Loading & Unloading of Track Machines

Safety procedures

For safety purposes it is recommended that when loading or unloading track forest machines onto a float or trailer for transport the process is undertaken with both the machine operator and truck driver present.

Before loading the machine, you must check that the truck driver has parked the float / trailer on level ground with the brakes engaged.

Loading / unloading guidance or direction procedure must be agreed to by both you and the truck driver before loading or unloading commences.

The truck driver must be in your view at all times as he guides you onto or off the float/trailer in an agreed safe work area.

You and the truck driver are to ensure the work area is clear of any bystanders and vehicles before loading or unloading commences (Fig. 1a).

When loading a track machine the engine revs must be set for just enough power for the machine to climb up the ramps; ensuring you can avoid any uncontrolled track slippage.

When tracking the machine on the float, the head must be just above the level of the deck.

At the pivot point, the head is then placed on the deck of the float, and the machine steadily driven on using the crane to help lower the front of the machine as it is driven over the pivot point.

This method will stop the sudden downward movement of the machine as it moves over the pivot point, preventing damage to the machine, float or trailer.

Just beyond the pivot when the machine is level, the head can then be lifted, and the machine tracked forwards until directed to stop by the truck driver.

The same precautions have to be taken into consideration when loading wheeled machines; however they don’t pose the same risk of the sudden downward movement driving over the pivot point.

ALWAYS remove or replace radio aerials and any other components while the machine is on the ground.

Never climb on the machine once it has been loaded onto the float / trailer!!

Fig 1 Float prepared for loading of skidder

Track machine loading procedure

 

Step one: Guided on to the ramps by the truck driver
Step two: Place the felling head on the float deck before the machine rides over the pivot point, then use the crane to steady the machine as it rides over the pivot point.
Step three: Lift the felling head off the deck and drive the feller buncher onto the float taking particular notice of the guidance given from the truck driver.
Step four: Move the machine along the float guided by the truck driver and stopping, the machine in position on the float as directed by the truck driver.