Features of the profession of a forestry machine operator

Working on specialized logging equipment requires not just drivers, but withspecialists with specialized education. Depending on the type of equipment, the employee must obtain the appropriate qualifications.

Logger operator - this is a person to whom special requirements are always imposed. This applies not only to personal qualities, but also to professional skills. The advantages of this profession are:

• demand for employees in forestry;
• good salary;
• employment in the TC;
• possibility of career growth.

The specialty also has disadvantages. For example, people with good health, hardy, easily trained are suitable for the position. Engineers must work on modern technology, the design of which provides for a large number of automation and computer technology. During work, the employee is required to quickly rebuild, instantly react to the situation.

For the position of a forest machine operator, they are always looking for a smart employee who does not get tired of monotonous work and does not lose attentiveness. It is to the attentiveness of the worker that special demands are made. Several mechanisms can be installed on one unit of technology, concentration of attention and concentration during the operation of such units is in the first place.

Moreover, the driver must understand the technical structure of the equipment entrusted to him, so that you can quickly fix minor problems. Usually, young specialists are hired for the position, since they quickly delve into the intricacies of the profession, while machinists who have worked for many years on a tracked unit cannot properly study the on-board computer.

A forestry machine operator is both a tractor driver and a self-propelled vehicle driver such as a harvester and forwarder. In each individual case, the specialist receives an appropriate certificate, which allows him to carry out activities on the specified equipment. The peculiarity of the harvester control is that this technique has an outrigger boom and a hydraulic manipulator. Modern machines have a computer.

According to the profession presented, the main categories indicated in the driver's document are:

• "D" - machines on wheels, which have a motor with a power of more than 110.3 kW.
• "E" - machines on a caterpillar mechanism, where the engine has a power of more than 25.7 kW.

According to ETKS and what the professional standard says, the work of a logging machine driver includes a large list of responsibilities:

• familiarization with the technological map at the beginning of the working day;
• it is imperative to undergo instructions on labor protection and safety;
• checking the technical condition of the machine on which it is supposed to work;
• checking the serviceability of protective equipment, tools;
• examination of the means necessary for the provision of first aid;
• use of safety footwear and clothing;
• compliance with traffic rules;
• timely notification of the manager regarding identified malfunctions;
• felling of trees and their skidding;
• uprooting stumps;
• treatment of trunks so that they become free from branches;
• adjustment of built-in units and correction of breakdowns;
• general maintenance of equipment;
• refueling equipment, timely lubrication;
• at the end of the shift, parking equipment;
• external inspection of equipment after work;
• observance of personal hygiene.

Upon hiring, the driver must demonstrate the following skills:

• knowledge of the design of equipment, this applies to attachments and trailed equipment;
• the ability to understand the operation of the power unit of the machine;
• adjustment and commissioning of pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical equipment;
• knowledge of the rules of driving on rough terrain;
• knowledge of the main types of fuels and lubricants;
• knowledge of state standards for wood chips and wood.

To become a Forestry Machine Operator, you need get trained. In the basic version, the employee receives third grade. It is awarded after full-time studies at an institution where they provide initial vocational education. Training available on site and at the initial training facility. Such training is intended to expand knowledge and skills within the same profession.

Harvester driver can climb up to 8th grade depending on the engine power of the equipment used. An employee with grade 3 has the right control equipment with a motor power from 25.7 to 44.1 kW. 4-grade machinist can operate on a unit with a power of up to 73.5 kW. An employee who has a permit to work with equipment over 100 horsepower, has a 5th grade. A technique with an indicator greater than this can be controlled by a person only with 6 digits. 7-8 rank assigned only to those who additionally completed secondary vocational education in the specified specialty.

Any enterprise engaged in timber harvesting approaches the issue with great responsibility training and retraining of its employees. Depending on the initial level of training, training takes from 5 to 20 days. After two months, each driver is required to pass a test for knowledge of basic issues.