Forest Operations > Conduct Skidder Operations > Skidder Operation

Cable Operations

Cable skidders have a very unique task in forest operations in certain areas and terrain.

Where logs or trees are extremely difficult to access with most forest machines, the skidder can be parked as close as possible; the cable walked to the logs or trees, hooked up. When the operator is back in the skidder, they winch them up to the butt pan:

• Difficult areas such as creeks or river lines where the soil is extremely soft. The cable is walked across the soft ground, hooked onto the timber and winched to the skidder.
• Extremely steep slopes where the only way for the timber to be moved is up. The skidder will be made secure at the top of the slope and the timber winched up.

Caution: You must be aware and alert at all times when using the winch as this fitted part is extremely powerful and can, at times, pull the skidder backwards.

When using the cable to skid/snig logs or whole trees, line the skidder up with the load. Avoid winching the load on an angle as this may cause the skidder to be pulled over sideways.

Always use the appropriate PPE when outside the skidder attaching the cable to a load, e.g. Hi Vis clothing, hard hat, safety boots, safety glasses and gloves.

Before leaving the cabin the operator must ensure the machine is parked on firm ground, the park brake is engaged correctly, transmission is locked in neutral, and the dozer blade is placed on the ground firmly.

Tip - When on steep terrain and using the blade as a brake option, along with park brake, always push the blade down until the front wheels come off the ground.

Caution: When the skidder is parked on a steep slope, never work directly below it in case of the machine moves unexpectedly and causes injury to you.

Once the load is secured by the cable and you are in the cabin, you can proceed to winch the load into the skidder. You must be seated at all times when operating the machine.

Although the machine may not be moving when winching a load, a snag can cause a sudden jolt and injure you if you are not correctly restrained in the seat.

Always winch the load as straight as possible in line with the skidder and winch high; and close to the butt pan.

The dozer blade should be kept at full height when travelling the skidder.

Tip - To avoid the skidder becoming bogged when on soft ground snigging a load, release the winch brake lowering the load to the ground while the machine is still moving; leaving the load behind but still attached to the cable.

Once you are back on solid ground the load can be winched back up, and pulled firmly into the butt pan.

The same thing can be applied snigging up steep slopes. Once you are at the top of the slope, secure the machine with the park brake and blade, and then winch the load back up to the skidder pulling firmly into the butt pan.

You must follow all OH&S regulations, Industry standards, organisation polices & procedures.

There should be documented safe operating procedures SOPs for winch operations available to the operator in the skidder.

Fig 1 Timber Jack 660 Cable Skidder

 

Fig 2 Cable Winch	Fig 3 Butt Pan