Forestry Machine Operations (Forwarder)
Forwarder operator learning for purpose-built forestry machines: plan the site, check and maintain the machine, drive safely, handle timber and recognise when to stop.
FORESTRY MACHINE OPERATIONS
Forwarder Operator
Training handout and illustrated workbook
16 modules · 71-page workbook · 26 illustrations
Forwarder operator learning for purpose-built forestry machines: plan the site, check and maintain the machine, drive safely, handle timber and recognise when to stop.
How to use this course
Work through the lessons with your instructor, use the actual machine and crane manuals, and record machine-specific settings and observations. Discuss the knowledge checks before revealing the answers. Practical work progresses under supervision from basic checks and unloaded driving to controlled loading, extraction and stacking.
Training attendance alone does not establish competence or employer authorisation for unsupervised operation. Agree the permitted work, supervision and any required assessment.
Course contents
- 01 – Introduction to forwarding
- 02 – Legislation and work duties
- 03 – Operator protection and wellbeing
- 04 – Site planning and communication
- 05 – Machine components and controls
- 06 – Pre start and operational checks
- 07 – Maintenance and safe isolation
- 08 – Environmental protection
- 09 – Driving and machine stability
- 10 – Crane and grapple operation
- 11 – Loading the forwarder
- 12 – Planning an efficient extraction cycle
- 13 – Unloading and roadside stacking
- 14 – Breakdowns recovery and emergencies
- 15 – Transport and road movements
- 16 – Timber quality records and practical review
Machine and site information
Before practical work, confirm the machine, crane and grapple models; manuals; payload and load chart; tyres and tracks; drive and slope arrangements; risk zone; safe approach procedure; service requirements; route limits; stacking plan; emergency access and contacts.
