People who are knowledgeable about the logging industry will be very familiar with an occupation called ‘logger-tractor operator.’ This person operates a tractor that may be equipped with certain accessories that allow this vehicle to primarily move or load cut timber from a work-site to another location where it is placed for loading onto rigs for transportation to a sawmill or other processing location. Following is some information about this mid-level position in the forestry industry as a logger-tractor operator:

Process Description

The logging process begins with an experienced feller who cuts down the trees. The bucker then trims off the tree branches and tree tops and cuts the wood into specified lengths. After the trees are cut and trimmed, the choke setter fastens the logs with chokers and prepares them for removal from the work-site to the landing area by the logger-tractor operator either by dragging or skidding them along a road prepared for this task. At the landing area, the logs are then loaded onto haulers for transportation to the mill for processing.

Job Description

The main job description of logger-tractor operator is to drive and maneuver the tractors, control the equipment to load, unload or stack the logs. They must be able to give or receive signals from co-workers when performing their job duties, especially when working with other forestry equipment. With additional accessories, this job could involve: sawing the felled trees into specific lengths; pulling stumps; clearing brush; lifting, swinging and bunching the prepared trees in preparation for placement in a transportation truck.

Skill and Ability Description

Many different skills and abilities are needed to perform this job in an efficient and safe manner. They may include:

• Control and Operation Precision – This includes the capability to operate the machinery promptly and repeatedly during the operations process.

• Coordination – This is the ability to move oneself and the equipment being controlled as well as adapt one’s actions in relation to others involved in the process.

• Observation – This is the capability to observe equipment gauges, etc. to be sure that it is properly functioning while it is working.

• Depth Perception – Very important to this job is being able to accurately know the correct distance between objects especially when lifting logs to be loaded into haulers.

Logger-Tractor Features

Ideally, this equipment should have the following features: a lower center of gravity; 60 horsepower and above; and as a plus factor, 4-wheel drive. The tractor should have a modified design for safe forestry operation. This design should include a strong frame and three-point hitch as well as an approved cab for the operator’s safety.

Following are several types of attachments needed so the vehicle can transport the wood from the work-site to the deck area:

• Skid Winch or Skid Plate - This one of the most commonly used attachments. The skidding winch or skid plates are attached to the vehicle and the logs are then attached to it. This option allows transporting in areas where there are steeper slopes since during the removal of the cut trees the vehicle does not need to be maneuvered to the stump area.

• Grapple or Small Grapple – This is attached to the vehicle to skid logs. It is a claw-like device that can grab onto a load of choked logs to move to another area. This method works best on level ground.

• Forest Trailer and Log Loader – These can be attached to the vehicle to transport the cut wood from the worksite to the landing area where the trailer or loader is then removed and attached to a truck for hauling.

Someone who is looking for employment working outdoors and who likes to drive a tractor may be interested in a position as a logger-tractor operator. With the necessary skills and the desire to work in this environment, this job could be the beginning of a long and happy career in the forestry industry!