Forest Operations > Conduct Feller Buncher Operations > Introduction

Operating the feller buncher

When operating a feller buncher there are many things you must be aware of and consider during your everyday work tasks.

 This is generally regarded as a highly skilled activity requiring good  hand and eye coordination.

It takes even the most talented person a considerable amount of practice and time to reach a level that the forest contractors are happy with..

It is very important that the products being cut are of a good standard for the forest operation to be successful and profitable.

If there are not enough felled trees this will affect the rest of the forest harvesting crew such as the truck drivers, timber mill workers and wharf workers.

Some features in the feller buncher cabin:

Fig 6 Track feller buncher with a disc saw.

Below is an example of trees felled, bunched and presented in a neat order for the skidder operator to back up to grapple, lift off the ground and transport the whole trees to a landing site.

While you are responsible for the felled tree product, you will need to make neat and correct sized bunched trees to help the overall operation work efficiently.

Fig 7 Processed logs ready to be picked up by the forwarder.

Fig 8 Skidder working in blue gums.

When working the feller buncher in clear felling operations you and the skidder operator work in conjunction with each other keeping in contact to ensure the operation is performed efficiently and without incident.

Machine operator
As a feller buncher operator you must be well trained in harvesting practices and in the operation of the specific machinery and equipment you will be operating or using.

The Competency in this unit (FPIHAR3207B) Conduct Feller Buncher Operations requires you to be able to demonstrate, understanding and comply with appropriate occupational health and safety legislation and the Code of Practice for Safety in Forest Operations.

Your machine must be operated to manufacturer specifications, industry standards, contractor and forest owner’s policies and procedures.

As in other forest harvesting operations you will need to plan and coordinate felling and bunching methods of whole trees to avoid exposing workers or other people in the work area to risks that may compromise their health and safety.