FMO Training Programme Manual - Stage 2 - Harvester

Forest Machine Operator Training Programme
TRAINEE MANUAL
STAGE 2
HARVESTER OPERATIONS
This Forest Machine Operator Training Programme has been designed to develop a broad-based employment
focused competence in timber harvesting operations. It is a highly practical programme that has been created by the
Forest Harvesting Training Forum (FHTF), a representative grouping of key industry stakeholders from the Irish
forestry sector who understand the growing need for highly skilled and competent forest machine operators. FHTF is
represented by
 the timber harvesting contractor sector,

 the timber processing sector,
 the private and semi-state forest management sector,
 the forestry education sector and
 forestry machinery manufacturers.
With increasing safety, environmental and efficiency demands on timber harvesting operations, forest machine
operators require a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge to work safely, productively and in an
environmentally sensitive manner within the forest harvesting sector. As Ireland’s privately owned forest resource
matures, there is a significant increase in harvesting activity, especially in farm-forestry thinning operations which
require a more advanced skill set which this programme can provide.
The goal of the Forest Machine Operator Training Programme is to equip trainees with the appropriate balance of
skills, knowledge and practical experience to work successfully within the forest harvesting sector. The
comprehensive programme content reflects the growing requirement for operators to have a broad range of machine
skills and forestry knowledge to operate with minimal levels of supervision.
Certification of both Forest Machine Operator Training Programme stages is accredited by QQI (Quality and
Qualifications Ireland). Each stage is associated with a QQI Minor Award. Each minor award is a component of the
QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Certificate in Forestry, allowing progression through the National Framework of Qualifications.
On completion of a Forest Machine Operator Training Programme stage, trainees will also be prepared for an industry
standard on-site machine skills assessment. The programme complements the existing NPTC City & Guilds skills
assessment industry standard.
Programme participants will be provided with practical knowledge and training that will readily transfer to a working
environment. The programme has been designed to work with industry mentors from the timber harvesting sector
and is heavily focused on practical, on the job training.
The following individuals have participated in the Forest Harvesting Training Forum and in the development of this
training programme. Their support is gratefully acknowledged.
• Enda Coates Waterford Institute of Technology

• Jim Hurley Euroforest Timber Ireland Ltd.
• Noel Kenna Roundwood Timber Ltd.
• Traolach Layton GP Wood Ltd.
• John Lyons Coillte
• Marianne Lyons Teagasc
• Cormac MacGiollacoda Coillte
• Trevor McHugh Veon Ltd.
• Alfie Neville Roland Forestry Ltd.
• Edward Power John Deere
Training material has been produced by Mark Tarleton (Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd. forestry consultants) in
consultation with the Forest Harvesting Training Forum.
[1]
STAGE 2
HARVESTER OPERATIONS
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CONTACT DETAILS:
TRAINEE DETAILS
TRAINEE NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER:
DATE STARTING PROGRAMME:
LEAD MENTOR DETAILS

MENTOR NAME:
COMPANY:
COMPANY ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
VERSION 1.0
APRIL 2017
[2]
INTRODUCTION
What you will learn

Stage 2 of the Forest Machine Operator Training Programme aims to equip you with the knowledge,
skill and competence to operate and maintain a harvester safely and efficiently in accordance with
industry best practice. Training will build on the knowledge and skills that you have developed during
your Stage 1 training. While there is a large volume of information provided and referenced in this
manual, the volume of reading and learning required will depend on your existing level of knowledge
and experience.
The Training Programme Modules

The Harvester Operations Training Programme is broken down into six modules:
1 – Safety
1.1 – Health & Safety Risk Assessment & Management Procedures on Forest Harvesting Sites
2 – Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester)
2.1 – Machine Theory
2.2 – Basic Harvester Maintenance Skills
3 – Forest Management
3.1 – Forest Management Theory
4 – Forest Harvesting Planning & Management
4.1 – Harvesting Operation Theory
4.2 – Harvest Site Planning & Mapping
4.3 – Log Product Quality Control & Assessment; Roadside Stock Assessment
5 – Timber Supply Chain
5.1 – Timber Supply Chain Theory
5.2 – Experiencing the Processing Sector
6 – Thinning Operations
6.1 – Thinning Theory
6.2 – Thinning Practice & Assessment
7 – Machine Operation Training
7.1 – Simulator Training
7.2 – Simulator Self-learning
7.3 – Formal Machine Training
7.4 – Mentor Work Placement Training Period
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How you will learn
The training programme combines on-the-job-training, machine simulator training, self-learning
(reading), mentoring and instruction. This manual will guide you through the different modules of the
programme. It is an important document and should be used in conjunction with your trainee logbook
which will be used by you and your mentors to record your progress through the training programme.
As you have already completed Stage 1 of this training programme, you will have read the learning
material contained and referenced in your Stage 1 Trainee Manual. You should read the Stage 1
manual again before beginning your Stage 2 learning, to refresh yourself on the 7 Modules that you
have completed to date.
Some of your learning material is contained in this manual. However, a lot of your
learning material is accessed on-line. Each training programme module has several links
to websites which contain much of the information that you will be required to read and
learn. Also, much of the learning material has been saved in a training programme
support material folder which all trainees and mentors will have access to.
[4]
INTRODUCTION
Mentoring
The training programme has a strong focus on practical skills development within the working
environment. You will be assigned industry mentors who will provide you with some important
modules of skills training along with periods of practical work experience within the timber industry.
Your mentors will assist you with your learning and can be contacted for advice and help during your
training programme. You will receive the following mentoring:
Lead Mentor NAME COMPANY

Forest Machine Operations
This is your Lead Mentor who will teach you about Forest Machine Operations. You will spend several weeks with this
mentor learning how to operate a harvester safely, efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner. You will also put
into use the skills and knowledge that you have learned during your training programme modules.
Machinery Workshop NAME COMPANY

Mentor
You will spend 2 days at a forest harvesting machinery supplier workshop, learning basic harvester machine maintenance &
servicing operations.
Timber Harvesting Manager NAME COMPANY

Mentor
You will spend about 2 days working with a timber harvesting manager, learning more about harvesting operation planning,
harvesting site safety and harvesting site environmental risk management.
Timber Procurement Manager NAME COMPANY

Mentor
You will spend about 2 days working with a timber procurement manager who buys logs for a sawmill. You will learn about
harvesting operation planning and log quality control and you will visit a panel-board mill.
It is important that you engage with your mentors and learn as much as you can from them. Don’t be
afraid to ask your mentors for information and advice during your training programme. It is important
that you learn from people who are operating within the industry.
Make sure that you are on time for all meetings and work shifts that you have arranged with your
mentors and show appreciation for the time that they are giving to you and to the training programme.
Trainee & Mentor Log Book

You will keep a trainee & mentor log book during the training programme. This is used to guide you
and your mentors through the training programme, to keep notes to help you remember important
information given to you by your mentors and to record your day to day progress. Your Log Book is a
very important document which will be used as part of your training programme assessment. It
contains a training plan for each of the mentor training modules and guidance on how you and your
mentors must complete the various sections.
[5]
INTRODUCTION
Useful Reference Information & Support

Many of the training programme modules in this manual reference specific on-line sources of
information for you to access and read. In addition to these sources, there is a large amount of
information on the forest industry contained in the following website links. It is recommended that you
use these sources of information to expand your overall knowledge of the forest industry and
associated sectors.
Forestry Focus http://www.forestryfocus.ie/

This website gives an introduction to Ireland’s trees, forests and woodlands. Covering all aspects of forestry, this Society of Irish
Foresters initiative gives the reader an easy to understand overview of the Irish forestry sector, while at the same time, providing
access to more detailed information on topics such as trees species, growing forests, wood processing and the public goods and
services that our forests provide.
Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association (IFFPA) http://www.iffpa.ie/

The Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association (IFFPA) was established to represent the broad forest and forest-based business
sector, including companies and organisations involved in the growing, harvesting and processing of forest products. Their website
includes useful information on the contribution the Irish forestry sector makes to the Irish economy.
COFORD http://www.coford.ie/
COFORD is the Council for Forest Research and Development. It is a representative body for the Forest Sector in Ireland and advises
the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine on research and developmental issues. The COFORD website contains many
useful sources on information on forest harvesting operations and, in particular, biomass harvesting systems. The COFORD Connects
series of practical information notes started in 2003. These notes review various aspects of forestry, with an emphasis on practical
recommendations. They include notes on harvesting, transport and forest machinery.
Woodenergy.ie http://woodenergy.ie/
This website, managed by COFORD, promotes the use of wood biomass from sustainably managed forests as a renewable, climate
friendly energy source. It is a dedicated information service based on national and international R&D findings, standards and business
practice and includes useful information on biomass harvesting systems and machinery.
Forest Service http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/

The Forest Service, in the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marines, is the government body responsible for ensuring the
sustainable development of forestry within Ireland. Their website provides useful information on policy, regulatory and
environmental issues and links to some important Codes of Practice and Industry Guidelines.
Teagasc https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/
This is the website of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department, providing advice, training and research on farm forestry and
related matters, with some specific content on harvesting and timber production.
Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) http://www.itga.ie/

The Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) is a membership based organisation supporting the development and expansion of
private sector forestry in Ireland and representing and informing woodland owners. It is now the recognised national representative
body of private woodland owners in Ireland. The Association is particularly concerned that private plantations achieve their maximum
potential by the implementation of good forest management practises throughout their rotation.
Online Forestry & Timber Directory http://www.forestry.ie/

Linked to ITGA’s Forestry & Timber Yearbook publication, this website hosts an online directory of companies, consultants,
enterprises and organisations involved in Irish forestry and the forest products sector. It also acts as a portal for the Irish forestry and
timber sector and contains up-to-date information on many aspects of the industry, including the timber harvesting sector.
Forest Machine Operators Blog https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595640534056707/

A very popular Facebook Group with almost 14,000 members. A place for Forestry Machine Operators and others involved in the
forest contracting sector to post information, updates, and opinion. There is plenty of room for humour too.
Forest Harvesting Machinery Suppliers e.g. http://www.deere.co.uk/en_GB/industry/forestry/forestry.page?

http://www.ponsse.com/
Many of the forest harvesting machinery suppliers have excellent websites with detailed information about their range of machines,
spare parts and accessories. Information includes machine specifications, service & maintenance manuals and links to useful
information on forest harvesting operations.
[6]
Safety
MODULE 1
Module 1 Safety
Unit 1.1 Health & Safety Risk Assessment & Management Procedures on Forest
Harvesting Sites
Overview Building on the comprehensive introduction to Health & Safety that you covered in
Stage 1, this module will help you put some of the knowledge that you have learnt
relating to the management of Health & Safety on timber harvesting sites into further
practice. You will spend 1 day with your Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor, visiting
one or more active timber harvesting sites to learn more about how to manage
Health and Safety correctly. Under the supervision of your mentor, you will prepare a
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA) yourself, specific to the site that you
visit.
Learning Goals  Understanding forest machine ergonomics and the importance of minimising
FMO occupational stresses.
 Be able to complete a Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA) on forest
harvesting sites.
 Be able to check compliance with prescribed harvesting site Health & Safety
requirements (signage etc.).
Learning Approach Mentoring: You will be working with your Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor during
a 1-day site visit to a timber harvesting site. Your mentor will supervise you
completing a HIRA for a new timber harvesting operation. You will also visit a live
timber harvesting operation to check compliance with prescribed harvesting site
Health & Safety requirements (signage etc.). You must keep a record of all work
completed in your Trainee & Mentor Log Book.
Self-Learning: Before you meet your Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor you should
read the material referenced below.
Assessment Trainee & Mentor Log Book Record

You must complete all sections of your Trainee & Mentor Log Book relevant to this
module. All sections must be signed off by you and your Mentor.
Stage 1 Learning Review

You must review all of your Stage 1 Health & Safety Learning (Stage 1 - Module 2.1) prior to your Timber Harvesting Manager
Mentor Field Day. There is some additional reading provided below to increase your knowledge of forest harvesting Health &
Safety matters.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of how work equipment and work environments affect people, primarily physically but also
psychologically. Operating forestry machines is physically demanding and can result in repetitive strain injuries and problems
associated with poor posture. There is also a widespread understanding that the rapid development of computer
technology, with its large volumes of information, also constitutes a significant ergonomic factor. The work environment in a
forestry machine, with all the data that must be processed and the constant requirement for rapid decision making is both
physically and mentally demanding. However, well designed machines with good ergonomics can help to minimise both
physical and psychological stresses associated with machine operation. You should read the following information notes on
forest machine ergonomics.
[7]
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 1 –
Safety \ Harvesting Machine Ergonomics.pdf

Safety \ Ergonomic Guidelines for Forest Machines.pdf
These documents outline some good design features that are being incorporated
into modern forest machines to minimise physical and psychological stresses.
The following website also provides some useful information on simple, preventive
exercises that forestry machine operators can do both inside and outside the
machine to help to minimise physical stresses and strain injuries associated with
forest machine operation.
Komatsu Ergonomics Web Pages

http:// www.komatsuforest.com/default.aspx?id=94666
UK Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Information Leaflet – Mechanical Harvesting

Your Stage 1 learning has already introduced you to some useful information specific to forestry
machine operational safety guidance and risk assessment in the UK Forest Industry Safety Accord
(FISA) Information Leaflets on timber harvesting operations. Have another look at the range of
FISA Safety Guidance leaflets at:
UK Forest Industry Safety Accord Website

http://www.ukfisa.com/safety-information/safety-library/fisa-safety-
guides.html
A leaflet specific to harvester operations has been downloaded and saved to your training
programme support material folder:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 1 – Safety \

FISA - Mechanical Harvesting.pdf
Preparing for NPTC Assessment – Health & Safety Knowledge

CITY & GUILDS NPTC LEVEL 2
AWARD IN FOREST MACHINE OPERATIONS
FELLING
You should read the relevant sections (Pages 5 to 8) of the NPTC Qualification Guidance document to get
an understanding of the type of knowledge that you should have in relation to Health & Safety
management on harvesting sites.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 1 – Safety \ NPTC Qualification Guidance -
Harvester.pdf
[8]
Additional Reading
For useful information on Health & Safety issues specific to harvester operations you should read the Safety sections of the
John Deere 1070E & 1170E Harvester Operator’s Instructions (Pages 4 to 34) and the John Deere Harvester Head Operator’s
Instructions (Pages 4 to 18).
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 1 – Safety \ John Deere 1070E & 1170E Harvester
Operator Instructions.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 1 – Safety \ John Deere Harvester Head Operator
Instructions.pdf
Harvesting Site Monitoring Form – Safety Related Checks

As well as assisting your Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor with the completion of a HIRA, you may also assist with the
completion of a Harvesting Site Monitoring Form. Forms like the example shown may be used by Timber Harvesting
Managers to guide a series of Safety, Environmental, Production and Operational checks. It is useful for FMOs to see what is
included in such a check list. For this programme module you will be focusing on the safety checks summarised below:
Q.1. Is PPE worn by all personnel on site adequate (Helmet, High Viz, Boots)? Are
these in use, condition ok, and not looking old, dirty or tatty?
Q.2. Is PPE worn by chainsaw operators adequate (Combi helmet, High Viz,
Chainsaw gloves, Trousers, Boots)? Are these in use, condition ok, with no nylon
torn from trousers, no pieces out of boots, are gloves being worn?
Q.3. Is appropriate chainsaw equipment in use and adequate (breaking bar,

sledge, wedge, winch). Are these in use as required and is their condition ok?
Q.4. Is first Aid Kit available, adequate and up to date? Is there a specific kit
assigned with the machine being checked? Manager has responsibility to check
periodically for proper maintenance of the kit, to ensure replenishment of
necessary items, taking account of what is reasonable and practical.
Q.5. Is the full content of the Harvesting Site Pack available?
Q.6. Are controls in place for windblow, dangerous trees and roadside felling?
Such controls will be specified in the Harvesting Site Pack as appropriate.
Q.7. Are Utility Line controls in place? As per instruction in the Harvesting Site Pack where required.
Q.8. Are all Safety Signs in place and effective? It is the forest manager’s responsibility to provide these signs, even in
standing sales. Maintenance should be jointly agreed with the contractor (e.g. reporting missing or broken signs).
Q.9. Are timber stacks constructed safely? Maximum height will be determined by site specific risk assessment, experience,
and common sense, taking on board log length, site softness, slope, local space and other road users. This may exceed two
and even three metres. This inspection will also cover the monitoring and management of stack safety while timber is
removed by haulier, and not only the construction of stacks by the forwarder.
Q.10 Is the Forest Works Manager’s Site Safety Rules on site?
Q.11 Is the contractors Risk Assessment completed and relevant to the harvesting site?
Contractor should do his own risk assessment for his employees on the basis of the forest manager’s information given to
him. This should be machine specific and site specific and be retained on the forest manager’s file. This is a requirement on
his part as an employer/contractor.
Q.12. Is the contractor’s Safety Statement on site and adequate? This should be available on site.
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Q.13. Are all operators on the Harvesting Site Plan, are they fully certified and are all certs on site? All relevant operator
training records should be available. Certs should be up to date. NPTC, Manual Handling, 1st Aid, EIA, (Safe Pass on specific
sites; e.g. windfarms).
Q.14. Are there any unsafe work practises on site (please specify)?
An example of a Harvesting Site Monitoring Form can be found in your training programme support material.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 1 – Safety \ Harvesting Site Monitoring Form.pdf
A copy of Coillte’s generic Harvesting Site Safety Rules is shown on the following page. This is a generic list of safety
rules which cover the common risks associated with timber harvesting operations. It is not specific to a particular site
and should be used in conjunction with a site-specific Risk Assessment. This useful listing of safety rules would also
apply to a private timber harvesting site.
[10]
[11]
Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester)
MODULE 2
Module 2 Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester)

Unit 2.1 Machine Theory
Overview Harvesters are complex and specialist machines that must be maintained carefully in
order to maximise their productivity, minimise expensive downtime and ensure
operator safety. The purpose of this Module is to develop a basic understanding of
machinery components in the context of modern harvesters, with particular emphasis
on harvester heads. This will help you prepare for your Machinery Workshop Mentor
work placement (Unit 2.2) and your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 6.4), when
you will be carrying out routine machine maintenance and basic repairs to harvesters.
Learning Goals  Understand the basic principles of harvesters and harvester heads, their control
and measurement systems and their calibration requirements.
Learning Approach Self-Learning: using this training manual and the associated reference material.
Assessment QQI Assessment: Level 6 - (Part of QQI 6N4328)

You will be assessed on this module by a training programme assessor in either a
written or oral exam.
Basic Principles of Harvester Heads

Harvester heads are designed to fell, delimb, measure,
cross-cut and stack logs during a mechanical harvesting
operation. They are highly specialised tools which
require careful maintenance. It is important that you
understand the basic components of a harvester head
before you begin your Machinery Workshop Mentor
work placement (Unit 2.2) when you will learn about
routine harvester head maintenance and repairs.
A typical harvester head consists of:
 a hydraulically powered chain saw to cut the tree
at its base and to cross-cut it into log lengths;
 two or more curved delimbing knives which reach
around the trunk to remove branches;
 two or four feed rollers to grasp the tree. The wheels pivot apart to allow the tree to be embraced by the harvester
head, and pivot together to hug the tree tightly. The wheels are hydraulically driven to force the cut tree stem through
the delimbing knives;
 diameter sensors and a length measuring wheel to measure the dimensions and calculate the volume of harvested logs
as they are fed through the harvester head.
[12]
You will find more detailed information on harvester head design and
components in the Systems and Components section of the John Deere
H414 Harvester Head Manual (Pages 32 to 55).
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2

Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine
Knowledge (Harvester) \ John Deere Harvester
Head Operator Instructions.pdf
Have a look at the following videos to see some close-up footage of harvester heads in action. Note the various components
of the harvester head working together to complete the felling, delimbing, measuring, cross-cutting and log stacking
operations.
Clearfell Operation – Good view of harvester head in operation

https://youtu.be/RAnOyZQ0Mao
Clearfell Operation 2 – Good view of harvester head in operation
https://youtu.be/Na4IPtVw6JM
Thinning Operation – Interview with Owner Operator during Thinning Operation
https://youtu.be/uzcvmNJCllo
[13]
The Innovawood Harvesthead Website provides a lot
of useful information on the function of harvester
heads and on-board computer systems. You should
read all sections of this website and complete the tests
associated with each module.
Innovawood Harvesthead – European Training Module for Harvester Head Technology

http://77.74.50.56/Innovawood/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=2&tabid=177
Harvester and Harvester Head Specifications

You should familiarise yourself with the various harvester and harvester head specifications from some of the main forest
harvesting machinery suppliers operating in Ireland. There is a large amount of high quality information on-line relating to
the wide range of harvesters and harvester heads currently on the market. When looking at harvester specifications, note
their suitability for thinning or clearfell harvest sites. Harvesters suitable for thinning operations are smaller, lighter, lower
powered and more manoeuvrable. Harvesters suitable for clearfell operations are bigger, heavier, higher powered and less
manoeuvrable. It is very important that harvesters are correctly matched to a harvesting site type to minimise the risk of
environmental impact (see Stage 1; Module 4 - Forest Harvesting & the Environment), to minimise health & safety risk (see
Stage 1; Module 3 – Safety) and to optimise production. You should discuss the different harvester specifications with your
Lead Mentor and Machinery Workshop Mentor.
Like harvesters and forwarders, harvester heads are designed for use within a recommended operational range. For
example, some heads are suited to small diameter timber with light branching. They are smaller and less powerful but are
more manoeuvrable and more agile and are more suited for use in thinning operations. Some heads are suited to larger
diameter timber and timber with heavier branching. They are larger and more powerful but are less manoeuvrable and are
more suited for use in clearfell operations. The
following graphics show a manufacturer’s declaration
of the operational range or “zone of application” for
two different harvester head models. The first model
is most suited to harvesting relatively small trees,
with the recommended harvested tree DBH ranging
from 15cm to 32cm (DBH refers to Diameter at
Breast Height, the diameter of a tree at 1.3m above
ground level). The second model is most suited to
harvesting larger trees, with the recommended
harvested tree DBH ranging from 20cm to 50cm.
C
a
n
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It is important that harvesters and harvester heads are correctly matched to the harvest site-type and tree type. Incorrect
matching can result in dangerous working conditions, increased machine wear, increased down-time and sub-optimal
productivity.
Use the following web pages to build your knowledge of the many different harvester & harvester
head specifications.
John Deere Harvester & Harvester Head Range
https://www.deere.co.uk/en_GB/products/equipment/wheeled_harvesters/wheeled_harvesters.page?
https://www.deere.co.uk/en_GB/products/equipment/harvesting_heads/harvesting_heads.page?
Ponsse Harvester & Harvester Head Range

http://www.ponsse.com/products/harvesters
http://www.ponsse.com/products/harvester-heads
Komatsu Harvester & Harvester Head Range

http://www.komatsuforest.com/default.aspx?id=1453&productId=&rootID=1475
Harvester Control and Information Systems

Modern timber harvesting machines are equipped with a range of computer software systems to provide a number of
important functions relating to machine control, harvesting operation data capture and machine diagnostics. The following
list summarises some of the most common features integrated into
modern harvester computer systems:
 Machine Control Systems
Controlling and monitoring machine settings including engine settings,
hydraulic system settings and harvester head settings.
 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping Systems
In-cab display of forest harvesting site maps and harvest site planning
information (health & safety, environmental, production etc.). Real
time GPS tracking of machinery during harvesting operations and
linking of production data to harvest site location.
 Machine Production and Diagnostic Systems
Detailed monitoring of machine and operator performance. For
example, machine operating times, harvested log production, fuel
consumption, machine down time (and associated reasons).
 On-Line Machine Service & Spare Part Support
Remote machine service support provided by manufacturers.
Machine diagnostics experts can access machine diagnostics data
remotely and can advise on machine performance problems and assist
with trouble shooting and servicing advice. This can minimise costly
service call outs to harvest sites and can minimise breakdown times.
Spare parts can also be ordered on-line from the machine cab.
 Harvesting Operation Planning and Monitoring Systems
The range of required log specifications (see Stage 1; Unit 5.1) are
programmed into the machine control system and can inform an
automated log cross-cutting process. Planned and actual log
production can be monitored and reported on.
 Harvesting Fleet Management Systems
Machine production and diagnostics data from a number of machines
operating on different harvesting sites can be fed back to a central
fleet management system which provides detailed live information on
each machine’s performance. Some of Ireland’s larger harvesting
contractor companies are now using these systems to monitor and
manage their fleet of harvesting machinery and their FMOs.
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 Contracts, Accounts and Financial Systems
Many of the forest harvesting machinery manufacturers now provide
advanced business software systems to help to manage all aspects of
timber harvesting operations including harvesting contracts, accounts
and finances. These office systems can use live information feeding
back from harvesting machinery to provide up-to-date reporting at
any time during a harvesting operation.
Use the following web pages to build your knowledge of the different harvester control and
information systems available.
John Deere Harvester Control & Information Systems
https://www.deere.co.uk/en_GB/products/equipment/measuring_and_control_systems/measuring_and_control_systems.page?
Ponsse Harvester Control & Information Systems

http://www.ponsse.com/products/information-systems
Komatsu Harvester Control & Information Systems

Harvester Head Measurement Systems

Harvesters use inbuilt sensors within the harvester head for measuring length
and diameter in order to optimise the recovery of log products from
harvested trees and to cut stems into correct log grades. Harvester heads
measure length by using an encoder, usually driven by a toothed wheel or,
less commonly, by the feed rollers. The toothed wheel is pressed against the
stem by a spring or hydraulic arm. The encoder generates a fixed number of
pulses for each revolution of the wheel or roller. The measuring wheel’s
resolution is commonly about 0.5 cm/pulse, which generates a maximum
accuracy of 1 cm.
Inaccuracy in harvester length measurement can be caused by the
measurement wheel slipping or losing contact with the stem as it passes
through the harvester head. Feed rollers are particularly prone to slippage
and, thus, are less commonly used for length measurement. Knots and other
stem defects can lead to overestimation of length, as the sensors have to
travel further over the defect.
The accuracy of length measurement can also be affected by heavy branching
and loose or easily detached bark. Increased length measurement errors
result from the harvester head losing its position on the stem during repeated
delimbing passes or losing stem contact as rough stems are forced through
the head. You will be shown how to reset the length measurement in such
cases during your work placement training period with your Lead Mentor, by cutting a narrow disc from the end of the log
being processed.
Harvesters estimate stem diameter using pulse encoders or potentiometers
that measure the deflection of the feed rollers or delimbing knives on the
harvesting head as the stem is processed. Most harvesting heads contact the
stem at three points—two movable and one fixed. Some machines measure
the deflection of each movable side independently and average the
measurements to remove some effects of stem ovality.
By combining length and diameter measurements a harvester head can record
the profile or shape of harvested logs in two dimensions (2D). These
measurements are recorded onto the harvester’s computer system in the
form of Stem Files and are used to calculate the volume of timber harvested.
[16]
As previously noted, the Innovawood Harvesthead Website provides a lot of useful information on the function of harvester
heads and on-board computer systems. You should read all sections of this website and complete the tests associated with
each module.

Harvester head length and diameter measurement sensors are exposed to damage during stem processing. For example,
length measurement wheels can be clogged by bark and debris. The wheels can also be damaged if hit by the stem or by the
stem twisting against them. It is very important that they are carefully maintained in order to ensure accurate harvester
head measurements. You will learn more about harvester head maintenance, including measurement system maintenance,
during your Machinery Workshop Mentor work placement (Unit 2.2).
Introduction to Harvester Head Check Measurements and Calibration

You will understand from your Stage 1 learning the importance of log harvesting specifications and why they exist. All logs
that you harvest or forward will be used in a factory (sawmill, panelboard mill etc.) which has a specification relating to the
size, shape and wood properties of the logs they process. Understanding and managing your harvester and harvester head
correctly is key to ensuring that your harvested logs meet the required specifications. FMOs play a vital role in the
management of log quality during forest harvesting operations. As a harvester operator, you have the most amount of
control over the quality of log products being produced as you are controlling log specification quality on a tree by tree basis.
Systematic harvester length or diameter measurement errors can be reduced by regular calibration of the harvester head. A
well maintained and correctly calibrated harvester head will help you to:
 cross cut your logs at a length that falls within the required log specification tolerance (e.g. 4.85m to 4.95m);
 cross cut your logs at a small end diameter that falls within the required log specification (e.g. 20cm);
 generate accurate log production reports from your harvester’s computer system;
 maximise the benefits of your harvester’s cross cutting decision support software and log optimisation software (see
Unit 4.1);
 run your harvester more efficiently;
 minimise log quality issues (and possible costs) associated with out of specification logs (refer back to Stage 1; Unit 5.3 –
Log Product Quality Control & Assessment).
Like all measurement tools, harvester heads must be calibrated and checked for accuracy on a regular basis. Checks must be
made for both length and diameter measurements. A harvester head check measurement routine involves the re-
measurement of a number of logs that have been harvested and measured by the harvester head. These are called control
logs. Manual measurements of control logs made using a steel loggers tape and a calliper are compared to the harvester
head measurements of the same logs. If harvester head measurements and manual measurements of the control logs differ
by more than a pre-defined tolerance, the harvester head must be re-calibrated. Re-calibration involves informing the
harvester’s measurement control system of the harvester head measurements and the manual measurements so that it can
assess the differences and adjust accordingly to align with the manual measurements. This is done using the harvester’s on-
board computer software.
Depending on the make and model of your harvester and harvester head, there are different approaches to harvester head
check measurement and re-calibration procedures. You will be shown how to carry out harvester head check measurements
and how to calibrate your harvester during your Lead Mentor Work Placement Training Period (Unit 7.4). Have a look at the
following video which shows a typical harvester head check measurement procedure using an electronic calliper. You will
see the control logs being cut and carefully set aside for manual measurements.
Harvester Calibration Demonstration – Haglof (Sweeden)

https://youtu.be/brUXb9AqLuo
FMOs will be required to follow a check measurement and calibration protocol based on their employer’s internal
management system or a system defined in a timber harvesting contract. For example, have a look at Coillte’s harvester
head calibration guidelines which define a check measurement and calibration protocol for all harvesting machines working
on contract for Coillte.
[17]
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester) \ Coillte
Harvester Head Calibration Guidelines.pdf
You will see the following recommended control log check measurement tolerances for length and diameter measurements
in this guideline document:
 At least 50 % of the harvester’s diameter measurements must fall within +/- 5 mm of the manual control measurements.
 At least 50 % of the harvester’s length measurements must fall within +/- 2.5 cm of the manual control measurements.
In some countries such as Sweden and Finland, where harvester head measurement is commonly used for timber sale
invoicing purposes, harvester head check measurement and calibration protocols are defined within nationally agreed timber
measurement standards and in legislation. In Sweden, where a system for quality assurance of harvester head
measurements has been in place since 2006, the current recommended tolerances for control log length and diameter
measurements are:
 At least 50 % of the harvester’s diameter measurements must fall within +/- 4 mm of the manual control measurements.
 At least 60 % of the harvester’s length measurements must fall within +/- 2 cm of the manual control measurements.
To build your knowledge on the importance of harvester head accuracy and the requirement for check measurements and
calibration procedures, have a look at the following documents:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester) \ Article
on Managing Harvester Head Accuracy.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester) \
Measurement Accuracy of Harvester Heads.pdf
Additional Reading
You will learn more specific information about harvester mechanics during your Machinery Workshop Mentor work
placement (Unit 2.2) and your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 7.4). Don’t be afraid to ask your mentors about the design
and components of the machines that you will be operating and helping to maintain. For some detailed information on
harvester components and harvester heads, you should read the Machine Systems and Components section of the John
Deere H414 Harvester Head Operator Instructions (Pages 32 to 55) saved in your training programme support material:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester) \ John
Deere Harvester Head Operator Instructions.pdf
You should also have a look at the following harvester and harvester head manufacturers’ brochures to become familiar with
modern design features associated with state of the art machinery:
Deere 1070E Harvester Brochure.pdf
Deere H400 Harvester Head Brochure.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester) \ Komatsu
911 Harvester Brochure.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester) \ Komatsu
C93 Harvester Head Brochure.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester) \ Log Max
Harvester Head Brochure.pdf
[18]
To increase your understanding of harvester head
calibration and the importance of check measurement
procedures you could also look at the following report on
harvester head calibration research conducted in Ireland:

Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine
Knowledge (Harvester) \Paper on Harvester
Head Calibration Research.pdf
You will learn more about harvester head measurement systems in Unit 4.1 (Harvesting Operation Theory), including how
they can help to optimise returns from timber harvesting operations and provide very useful harvesting site production
information.
[19]
Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester)
MODULE 2
Module 2 Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester)

Unit 2.2 Basic Harvester Maintenance Skills
Overview Machinery breakdowns are expensive and greatly reduce the productivity and
profitability of forest harvesting operations. Therefore, understanding how to safely
carry out routine machine maintenance and basic repairs is an important part of
being a competent and efficient forest machine operator. Following routine
maintenance schedules in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines will help to
avoid unnecessary machine breakdowns and prolong the useful life of the machines
you will be operating.
You will spend 2 days at a forest harvesting machinery supplier workshop, observing
and taking part in basic harvester machine maintenance & servicing operations. The
Machinery Workshop Mentor work placement will provide you with a high-level
insight into harvester maintenance skill requirements. You will be involved in day-to-
day machine maintenance operations during your Lead Mentor Work Placement
Training Period (Unit 7.4).
Learning Goals  Increase your understanding of machine safety and safety guidelines relating to
working on forestry machines.
 Understand the basic components of a harvester and harvester head.
 Understand the cost of harvesters and the cost of harvester spare parts.
 Observe and assist with a typical pre-delivery harvester service inspection carried
out at a forest harvesting machinery supplier workshop.
 Observe and assist with some routine harvester head system maintenance,
calibration and basic repairs.
 Understand a typical harvester service schedule (e.g. 10 hour, 50 hour, 250 hour,
1000 hour, 2000 hour).
Learning Approach Mentoring: You will be working with your Machinery Workshop Mentor during this
2-day period of work experience. Your mentor will assign you various tasks and will
demonstrate to you how they are to be carried out. You must keep a record of all
work completed in your Trainee & Mentor Log Book.
Self-Learning: Before you visit your Machinery Workshop Mentor you should read
the material referenced below.

[20]
Harvester & Harvester Head Maintenance Schedules
Forest harvesting machinery suppliers provide detailed maintenance schedules to ensure that machines are kept in a safe
and productive state and to minimise breakdowns. For a detailed example of a harvester maintenance schedule you should
read the General Maintenance and Periodic Maintenance sections of the John Deere 1070E & 1170E Harvester Operator
Instructions (Pages 123 to 271). For a detailed example of a harvester head maintenance schedule you should read the
Periodic Maintenance section of the John Deere Harvester Head Operator Instructions (Pages 56 to 121).
You should also have a look at some of the forestry machine service catalogues such as the 2016 Ponsse Service Catalogue to
appreciate the vast number of parts associated with forestry machines.
Deere 1070E & 1170E Harvester Operator Instructions.pdf
Deere Harvester Head Operator Instructions.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 2 - Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester) \ Ponsse
Service Catalogue 2016.pdf
Summaries of a typical harvester maintenance schedule and a typical harvester head maintenance schedule are presented
below. They refer to a large number of parts and components found on modern harvesters. Make sure to familiarise
yourself with what these parts are and where they are located on your machine when you are working with your Lead
Mentor and Machinery Workshop Mentor.
Example of a Typical Harvester Maintenance Schedule:

EVERY 10 HOURS OR DAILY EVERY 1000 HOURS
• Check hydraulic oil level Change hydraulic oil
• Check engine oil level Replace hydraulic tank oil filters
• Check boom structures visually Replace hydraulic tank breather
Bleed hydraulic tank
EVERY 50 HOURS OR WEEKLY Replace drive pump filter
Check machine visually Grease the driveshafts
Check the cooler cleanness Grease bogie slew bearings
Grease middle joint Check wheel rims and fastening bolts
Check and grease cabin rotation and levelling system Check frame brake fastening screws
Check slew housing oil level Check air conditioner
Grease the boom Change cabin fresh-air filters
Clean rotator magnetic plug
EVERY 250 HOURS Tighten rotator bottom screws
Check high/low gear oil level
Check bogie casing oil quality and level EVERY 2000 HOURS
Check tyre pressures Check valve clearance
Check the door switch Change coolant
Check cabin fresh-air filters Check vibration damper
Check extension boom clearances Change high/low gear oil
Change differential oil
EVERY 500 HOURS Change bogie casing oil
Change engine oil and oil filter Change hub gear oil
Replace fuel filters Check axle fastening bolt torques
Check the drive belt wear Change boom slew housing oil
Check crankcase vent tube
Check air intake system
Check cooling system
Drain water deposited in boom base
Check electrolyte level of batteries
AS REQUIRED
Clean the machine
Replace air filter elements
Check engine coolant level
Replace coolant filter
Drain fuel filters
Replace drive belt
Replace dryer-filter-receiver
Check secondary exit
Check cabin stairs
Check drive brake oil level
Check brake cylinders
Change brake pedal circuit oil
Adjust brake cylinders
Adjust rotator link dampening
Inspect chain shot guard
[21]
Example of a Typical Harvester Head Maintenance Schedule:
EVERY 10 HOURS OR DAILY EVERY 1000 HOURS
Check diameter measuring device Check visually the frame
Check chain lubrication system Clean saw chain lubrication strainer
Fill chain oil tank Clean rotator magnetic plug
Grease rotator and link Clean colour marking tank strainer
Grease length measuring device Clean diameter potentiometers
Grease tilt and cylinders Measure main pressure
Grease upper delimbing knives and cylinders Measure low pressure (tilt)
Grease feed rollers and cylinders Measure pilot pressure
Grease lower delimbing knives and cylinders Measure chain tensioning pressure
Maintain colour marking unit Sharpen the delimbing knives
Maintain multi-tree handling unit
EVERY 500 HOURS

Grease shafts of upper knives
Grease diameter measuring sensors
Check rotator bolt fastening
Check feed arm shaft fastening
Check tilt cylinder upper pin fastening
Check rear knife shaft fastening
Check the hydraulic hoses
Flush rotator
During your period of work experience with your Machinery Workshop Mentor, you will observe and assist with a routine
pre-delivery harvester service inspection carried out at a forest harvesting machinery supplier workshop. Having an initial
understanding of a typical harvester and harvester head maintenance schedule before you begin work with your Machinery
Workshop Mentor will be very helpful.
[22]
Forest Management
MODULE 3
Module 3 Forest Management

Unit 3.1 Forest Management Theory
Overview Harvester operators play a very important role in the management of forests,
particularly when carrying out thinning operations which have a significant impact on
the development of a forest crop. It is important that Forest Machine Operators
understand some of the basic principles of forest management in order to appreciate
the impact of the harvesting operations that you will be carrying out. A good Forest
Machine Operator who understands some of the basic principles of forest
management will be valued, as they will contribute to a reduction in management
workloads and improve operational efficiencies.
This module will help you to understand some of the basic principles of forest
management practiced in Ireland.
Learning Goals  Understand some of the basic principles of forest management as practiced in
Ireland.
 Understand the concepts of forest crop rotations and yields.
 Be able to identify the main species managed in Irish commercial forests.
 Be familiar with legislation relating to timber harvesting operations (including
felling licence requirements).
 Be familiar with the principles of Sustainable Forest Management.
Mentoring: You will have an opportunity to discuss any aspect of forest management
when you visit a live harvesting site with your Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor
(Unit 4.2).

Basic Principles of Silviculture and Forest Management in Ireland

Silviculture has been defined as “the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, and quality of
forest vegetation for the full range of forest resource objectives”. Successful silviculture depends on clearly defined
management objectives and is not always just about managing forests for timber production. It may encompass the
management of forests for a range of other benefits including wildlife habitat creation, water protection, recreation and
aesthetics. The management of forests for multiple uses is becoming more common as we begin to place more value on the
non-timber benefits of our forest resources.
While some forest owners view timber production and the associated income generation as the principle management
objective within their forest enterprises, others may have a number of other objectives and requirements. It is important
that FMOs are aware of differing management objectives within the forests that they are operating in so that they can carry
out harvesting operations with these in mind. Forest management objectives are achieved through the development and
implementation of a good forest management plan and any specific management planning requirements associated with
timber harvesting interventions should be clearly documented in a Harvest Site Plan (refer back to your Stage 1 learning;
Module 5 - Forest Harvesting Planning & Management).
[23]
Silvicultural Systems
The choice of silvicultural system used to manage a forest largely depends on the management objectives associated with a
particular forest area or forest management unit. A range of silvicultural systems have been developed in central Europe
over several centuries as forests began to be managed by man. They range from Close to Nature Systems, which maintain a
continuous forest cover which is repeatedly being thinned and naturally regenerated, to Clearfelling Systems which follow a
defined crop rotation cycle of planting, thinning (usually), clearfell harvesting and replanting. The vast majority of Irish
forests are currently being managed using the Clearfell Silvicultural System, although there is an increasing interest in Close
to Nature Systems as forest owners look for alternatives to the clearfell system.
The Clearfell System is based on a planned rotation length which is mainly dictated by the growth rate of the forest (its Yield
Class) and by the size of logs the processing sector demands. Clearfell System rotation lengths in Ireland for commercial
conifer species such as Sitka spruce are usually about 35 to 45 years. Less productive (slower growing) forests will usually be
managed over a longer rotation (e.g. 50 years) while very productive (faster growing) forests will usually be managed over a
shorter rotation (e.g. 30 years).
Module 6 covers the very important forest management operation of thinning, where FMOs play an important role in
implementing thinning systems to improve the quality and value of the remaining crop while producing useful timber
products for sale.
Understanding Forest Yield

Timber harvesting operations involve the harvesting of forest yields in the form of timber products. It is important that FMOs
understand some of the basic principles of forest yield management and how forest yields can be forecast and measured as
part of managing forests sustainably. This is particularly relevant to forest thinning operations which are covered in more
detail in Module 6.
Forest owners and forest managers need to be able to forecast the future timber yields (in terms of volumes and products)
that will be produced from their forests. This is important for both operational and financial planning purposes. Decades of
forest research involving the monitoring and measurement of forest crop growth over full rotations (the time between forest
planting and forest clearfelling) have allowed the development of Yield Models which can now be used to predict how much
timber can be harvested from a particular type of forest, and when harvesting operations should be carried out to maximise
potential timber yields.
Yield models are one of the foundations of forest management. They provide essential
information about the patterns of tree growth and potential productivity that can be
expected in forest stands of different tree species, with varying growth rates, when
managed in different ways. Yield models are essential for demonstrating that ongoing
and intended management is consistent with the principles of sustainable forestry.
Forest Yield can be measured in terms of total timber volume per hectare (m3/ha).
However, it is more useful to define timber volume yield in terms of tree size.
Therefore, information such as average tree volume (m3/tree) is a very important
output of forest Yield Models. For example, forest Yield Models can be used to predict
the average volume of trees that will be harvested in a prescribed thinning operation,
from which estimates of timber product yields can be made using Assortment Tables.
While Yield Models cannot replace on-the-ground pre-harvest crop assessment, they
provide very useful estimates of future forest crop yields for the purposes of planning
timber harvesting operations and timber supply to sawmills.
The following handbook presents detailed information on why and how forest yield is
measured and monitored by forest managers.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Forest Yield Handbook -
Forestry Commission.pdf
You should read this useful handbook to gain an understanding of forest yield. The handbook presents a lot of information
on yield models that have been developed based on forest crop growth research carried out in UK forests. As forest growth
conditions are similar in Ireland and the UK, these models are suitable for modelling forest growth in Ireland. However,
similar research in Irish forests has led to the development of Irish yield models. You should read the following information
sheet to learn more about these models, which are considered to be more appropriate for use in Ireland.
[24]
Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \
Dynamic Yield Models - An Introduction.pdf
If you are interested in learning more about Irish Dynamic

Yield Models you can attend a training session run by
COFORD.
COFORD Website - Information on GROWFOR Forest Planning Models

http://www.coford.ie/toolsservices/growfor/
An Introduction to Some Important Forest Crop Parameters

You should become familiar with some of the more common forest crop parameters that are used to assess the development
stage of a forest crop, to assess whether a crop is ready for a thinning and to monitor the quality of a thinning operation.
These parameters can also be input into a forest Yield Model (see section above) in order to generate predictions of future
timber yields. These parameters include stocking (number of trees per), tree height, tree diameter (DBH), basal area per
hectare and volume per hectare. Module 6 (Thinning Operations) covers the very important forest management operation
of thinning, where FMOs play an important role in implementing thinning systems to improve the quality and value of the
remaining crop while producing useful timber products for sale. You will learn more about how to measure some of these
forest crop parameters in Module 6 (Thinning Operations) as part of learning about systems of thinning control. You will also
get to practice measuring these parameters on a timber harvesting site during your Formal Machine Training (Unit 7.3) and
your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 7.4).
 Stocking (Number of trees)

The number of living trees in an area of woodland is usually expressed on a per hectare basis. As a stand of trees grows the
number of trees per hectare generally reduces. This is influenced by several factors including competition-induced mortality
as individual trees grow at different rates, mortality due to pests and diseases, windthrow and wind snap, and thinning and
harvesting operations. The number of trees is usually assessed using a series of sample plots of known area and counting the
number of living trees in each plot. The number of trees per hectare can then be calculated by dividing the total number of
trees counted in all of the sample plots by the total area (in hectares) of those same plots.
 Diameter (DBH)
The DBH is the diameter, in centimetres, at the breast height point on a tree. The
breast height point is the point on the tree which is 1.3 m above ground level. On
sloping ground, this is the ground level on the upper side of the tree, while on
leaning trees on level ground, this is the ground level on the underside of the
tree. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) is the most common parameter used in
the measurement of standing timber. DBH is expressed in centimetres rounded
down to the nearest whole centimetre. Generally, DBH is not measured on dead
trees or on trees of less than 7cm DBH. DBH should be measured using callipers
or converted diameter tapes. Further details on how to measure DBH can be
found on Page 143 of the Forestry Commission Forest Mensuration Handbook
and Page 2 of the COFORD Timber Measurement Manual.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Forest Mensuration
Handbook - Forestry Commission.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ COFORD Timber
Measurement Manual.pdf
[25]
You should also look at the following Teagasc video which contains some details on correct DBH measurement conventions:
Is my Conifer Forest Ready for Thinning? – Teagasc

https://youtu.be/L3ApTS05kfY
The mean DBH of a stand or of a group of trees is the diameter at breast height related to a tree of mean basal area.
The most accurate method of calculating mean DBH is to calculate the mean basal area and then convert mean basal area
back to an equivalent DBH. This is known as the quadratic mean (or root mean square) of DBH values rather than the
arithmetic mean. If the arithmetic mean is used, the mean DBH would not always be consistent with the mean basal area.
Unmeasurable trees (dead trees or trees of less than 7cm DBH) are normally excluded from the measurement and calculation
of mean DBH.
The quadratic mean DBH can be calculated as follows, using a calculator or computer:
1. Square each DBH.

2. Add all the squared values together.
3. Divide by the number of trees (count), to give the mean squared DBH.
4. Calculate the square root of this value to give the mean DBH.
5. Round down this result to the nearest whole centimetre.
For example:
DBH Mean Squared Mean DBH

DBH2
(cm) DBH (cm)
12 144
8 64
14 196
9 81 = �𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 2
12 144 =
𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
10 100 = √126.9
10 100 = 1,396/11
= 11.3
11 121
= 126.9
13 169 =11
14 196
9 81
Count = 11 Sum = 1,396
[26]
Alternatively, quadratic mean DBH can be calculated using the DBH to Basal Area Conversion Table below:
1. Convert each DBH into a basal area (using the DBH to Basal Area Conversion Table).
2. Add all the basal areas together.
3. Divide by the number of trees (count), to give the mean basal area.
4. Convert this mean basal area to the mean DBH (again using the DBH to Basal Area Conversion Table).
For example:
DBH Mean Mean DBH

Basal Area
(cm) Basal Area (cm)
12 0.0113
8 0.0050
14 0.0154
9 0.0064
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
12 0.0113 =
𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
10 0.0079
=11
10 0.0079 = 0.1098/11
11 0.0095
= 0.00998
13 0.0133
14 0.0154
9 0.0064
Count = 11 Sum = 0.1098
DBH to Basal Area Conversion Table

DBH Basal area DBH Basal area
(cm) (m2) (cm) (m2)
7 0.0038 34 0.091
8 0.0050 35 0.096
9 0.0064 36 0.102
10 0.0079 37 0.108
11 0.0095 38 0.113
12 0.0113 39 0.119
13 0.0133 40 0.126
14 0.0154 41 0.132
15 0.018 42 0.139
16 0.020 43 0.145
17 0.023 44 0.152
18 0.025 45 0.159
19 0.028 46 0.166
20 0.031 47 0.173
21 0.035 48 0.181
22 0.038 49 0.189
23 0.042 50 0.196
24 0.045 51 0.204
25 0.049 52 0.212
26 0.053 53 0.221
27 0.057 54 0.229
28 0.062 55 0.238
29 0.066 56 0.246
30 0.071 57 0.255
31 0.075 58 0.264
32 0.080 59 0.273
33 0.086 60 0.283
[27]
While the quadratic mean DBH is the most accurate method of calculating mean DBH, the arithmetic mean can be used
where the need for practicality outweighs the need for accuracy. The arithmetic mean DBH can be calculated as follows,
using a calculator or computer:
1. Add all the DBH values together.

2. Divide by the number of trees (count), to give the mean DBH.
3. Round down this result to the nearest whole centimetre.
For example:
DBH Mean DBH

Sum of DBH
(cm) (cm)
12
8
14
9 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
=
12 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
10 = 122/11
= 122
10
11.1
11
13 11
14
9
Count = 11
You will learn more about practical methods of measuring mean DBH in Module 6 (Thinning Operations).
 Height
Tree height is expressed in metres. Height assessments should be rounded down
to the nearest 0.1 m.
The total height is defined as the vertical distance from the base of the tree to
the tallest point on the tree.
Timber height of a conifer tree is defined as the vertical distance from the base
of the tree to the point on the main stem where the diameter is 7cm. For
broadleaves timber height is the vertical distance from the base of the tree to
the point on the main stem where the diameter is 7cm or where the main stem
becomes the crown, whichever is the lower.
Both total height and timber height of standing trees should be measured with a
manual or electronic hypsometer or clinometer, and the instructions supplied
with the instrument should be carefully followed. Each tree should ideally be
measured from two opposite sides, and the measurements averaged. The
distance of the observation points from the tree should be in the region of 1 to
1.5 times the height of the tree. When measuring the heights of trees, it is
important to remember that accurate use of hypsometers or clinometers
requires training, checking, and, most of all, practice.
[28]
An alternative, but slower and more costly
way to measure total height or timber
height is to fell a tree and physically
measure the tree along the ground. Stump
height should be added to the felled length
to give a true height result. Stump height
should be measured with caution, ensuring
the side of the stump measured is the same
side of the felled stem along which the
measurement tape is run.
The top height of a stand is the average total height of the 100 trees of largest DBH per hectare. Usually, top height is
assessed by measuring the total heights of a sample of these trees. A top height sample tree can be identified as the tree of
largest diameter at breast height in a 0.01 ha sample plot. This is not necessarily the tallest tree in the plot. Top height
assessment is used to determine the Yield Class of a forest crop (see section on Yield Class below).
Further details on how to measure tree heights can be found on Page 143 of the Forestry Commission Forest Mensuration
Handbook and Page 4 of the COFORD Timber Measurement Manual.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Forest Mensuration
Handbook - Forestry Commission.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ COFORD Timber
 Basal area
The basal area (BA) of an individual tree is the cross-sectional area of the stem of the tree
at its breast height point. It is measured in square meters (m2). The basal area of a stand
of trees is the sum of the basal areas of all the trees in the stand. All basal areas should
be recorded in square metres, or square metres per hectare. Basal area is a very
important parameter in determining the development stage of a forest crop, in assessing the correct timing of thinning
operations and monitoring the quality of a forest crop thinning operation. You will learn more about how to assess basal
area and how it is used in systems of thinning control in Module 6.
 Yield Class
Yield Class is a measure of a forest crop’s actual or potential productivity. It is expressed in units of timber volume (m3) per
hectare per year (m3/ha/year). It is a very important parameter and is used to determine how a forest will be managed in
future. For example, forests of higher Yield Class tend to be thinned more regularly and clearfelled at a younger age. Forests
of lower Yield Class tend to be thinned less regularly and clearfelled at an older age.
Further background information on Yield Class and how to assess it can be found in the Forestry Commission Forest Yield
Handbook.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Forest Yield Handbook -
Forestry Commission.pdf
You should read Section 3.2 (Pages 23 to 26) of the Irish Thinning Protocol for more details on assessing forest crop
parameters including Stocking, DBH and Top height.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Irish Thinning Protocol.pdf
[29]
Inspection Paths
Before forest crop parameters can be measured it is important that there is adequate access through a plantation.
Inspection paths are typically cut shortly before the time of first thinning to facilitate access for crop assessment and
measurement. Inspection paths are usually cut along parallel planting lines at intervals ranging from 50 to 100 metres. Have
a look at the following Teagasc video which shows how effective inspections paths are cut to provide suitable access to plan
and prepare for first thinning operations:
The Importance of Inspection Paths in Conifer Forests – Teagasc

https://youtu.be/L3ApTS05kfY
Forest Rotation Lengths

Rotation length refers to the number of years a forest is grown for, from year of planting to year of clear-felling. It is
important that forests are grown over an optimal rotation length in order to optimise the financial return to forest owners.
Forests grown under the clearfell silvicultural system have an optimal silvicultural rotation length, after which their average
productivity begins to decline. However, this optimal silvicultural rotation length may result in sawlog products that are sub-
optimal or even too large for sawmills to process and this may result in less valuable sawlog production. Therefore, deciding
on a rotation length must take into consideration prevailing timber markets as well as forest growth potential. There is no
point in a forest owner growing huge logs if there is no demand for them by local sawmills.
Clearfell System rotation lengths in Ireland for commercial conifer species such as Sitka spruce are usually about 35 to 45
years. Less productive (slower growing) forests will usually be managed over a longer rotation (e.g. 50 years) while very
productive (faster growing) forests will usually be managed over a shorter rotation (e.g. 30 years). If you are operating on a
clearfell harvest site during your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 7.4) you should discuss rotation lengths with your
mentor and note the size of the Sawlog products that you are harvesting.
In 2017, the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine launched an interactive online tool that assesses the impact of
forest felling age on overall financial return. The purpose of the tool is to provide information to make growers and foresters
aware of the possible impact of felling age on overall financial return. The online tool can help to inform forest owners and
managers on the most appropriate felling age, with a view to maximising the return on their investment. You should have a
look at this useful Felling Decision Tool which can be accessed on the Forest Service website, via the following link:
Forest Service Felling Decision Tool

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/forestservicegeneralinformation/foreststatisticsandmapping/fellingdecisiontool/
FMOs and Forest Protection

FMOs play an important role in protecting forests. Apart from the very important responsibility of minimising any
environmental impacts during timber harvesting operations (refer back to your Stage 1 learning; Module 3 - Forest
Harvesting & the Environment), you must also learn how to minimise any negative impact on the remaining forest crops that
you are operating in. This section of your learning covers two significant risks that can be influenced by your actions as a
FMO.
Root and Butt Rot Fungus (Heterobasidion annosum):

The principal forest disease which occurs in Ireland is Heterobasidion annosum, often
known as ‘Fomes’. Most conifer species are susceptible to this decay fungus which
colonises the surface of recently cut stumps created in thinning or clearfelling
operations. The fungus grows down through the stump roots and across into any roots
of nearby living trees which happen to be in contact, causing serious decay in tree roots
and lower stems. The marketable volume of timber can be greatly reduced and infected
trees become highly susceptible to windblow. Heterobasidion annosum is long-lived and
can survive within infected stumps and trees for decades (the fruit bodies also live for
many years, releasing their spores at all times of year). As a result, the disease is
cumulative. Each thinning provides an opportunity for stumps to become infected by
spores and with time, fungal growth spreads from tree to tree. Infected clearfell stumps
(unless removed) act as reservoirs of infection from which the subsequent rotation of
replanted trees can be attacked.
[30]
In mainland Europe there are high levels of Heterobasidion
annosum. It affects up to 25 per cent of Norway spruce in
Scandinavia and causes tree decay that results in losses of
hundreds of millions of Euros every year. To date, the problem is
not so severe in Ireland. Irish conifer stands have only been
intensively managed for a relatively short period of time (about
100 years or less) and so Heterobasidion annosum spores are
relatively infrequent and infection levels remain lower than in
Europe. However, there is a risk that spore levels may increase
over time, particularly if important control measures are not
implemented correctly, resulting in costly losses to timber crop
values.
Heterobasidion annosum infection can be prevented by treating freshly cut stump surfaces with chemical or biological agents
that inhibit infection by airborne spores of the fungus. In Ireland, standard practice is to apply a 20% solution of urea
coloured with a dye (1kg fertilizer grade urea dissolved in 5 litres of water). Urea is normally applied automatically by
harvesting machine heads at the time of felling, or manually by paint brush if trees are felled by chainsaw. The dye is used to
stain the tree stumps and indicate the coverage of the urea solution. FMOs play an important role in reducing the negative
economic impact of Heterobasidion annosum infection in Ireland’s forests. Harvester heads should be properly maintained
to ensure correct urea application at all times and regular checks should be made on urea stump coverage.
Windblow:
Windblow (sometimes known as windthrow) is one of the major
causes of economic loss in Irish forests, resulting in pre-mature
clearfelling of smaller, lower value trees, sub-optimal
productivity and poorer quality timber due to stem breakage and
splitting. Ireland is located in a relatively windy location and
experiences periodic Atlantic storms. When combined with wet
weather and poorly drained soils, the risk of windblow in many
of our forests is relatively high. A number of factors will make
forests more susceptible to wind damage. Many of these are
associated with harvesting operations:
 Delayed thinning operations can greatly increase windblow
risk. If forests are not thinned on time and competition
between trees increases, the centre of gravity of forest trees moves steadily upwards, as severe competition between
individual trees reduces crown size in relation to stem length. When thinning is eventually carried out, the sudden
exposure to the wind can cause breakage and uprooting within the stand. Once a pocket of windblow is formed it can
then ‘creep’ through a forest stand until it meets a wind-firm area.
 Thinning inherently unstable sites with high water-tables, impeded drainage and restricted rooting depth can result in
windthrow when crowns are disturbed. In such forests, low intensity thinning may be possible, but windblow risk
increases as trees grow in height.
 Excessive openings in forest canopies for the construction of roads, entrances and turning points for machines increase
windblow risk.
 Inappropriate thinning intensity, particularly thinning too heavily and infrequently, can also increase the risk of
windblow. It is important that FMOs implement prescribed thinning intensities correctly in order to minimise the risk of
windblow associated with harvesting operations.
You will learn more about good thinning practice in Module 6. You should discuss the aspects of good thinning practice and
the management of windblow risk with your Harvesting Manager Mentor and Lead Mentor during your Machine Operation
Training (Module 7).
[31]
Timber Harvesting Operations - Legislation
Forestry in Ireland operates within a legal and regulatory framework and is
subject to a wide range of domestic and EU legislation, as well as
international commitments, protocols and resolutions. This is necessary in
order to protect forests and also to ensure that forestry operations and
activities are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable
forest management (see section on Sustainable Forest Management and
Forest Certification later in this Unit). It is important that those involved in
the forestry sector are familiar with the various legal and regulatory
obligations governing forestry. Legislation relating to workplace Health &
Safety, Environmental Protection and the control of tree felling is of most
relevance to FMOs. For background information on legislation relating to
Health & Safety in the Workplace, refer to your Stage 1 Health & Safety
Learning (Stage 1 - Module 2.1). For background information on
legislation relating to Environmental Protection, refer to your Stage 1
Forest Harvesting & the Environment Learning (Stage 1; Module 4).
By law, some forestry activities require a license or approval (consent)

from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This includes
tree felling and timber harvesting operations (both thinning and
clearfelling). A felling licence granted by the Minister for Agriculture, Food
and the Marine provides authority under the Forestry Act 2014 to fell or
otherwise remove a tree or trees and to thin a forest for management
reasons. The Forestry Act 2014 provides for a single licence process for
tree felling. Felling licences can be valid for up to 10 years in duration, which may be extended for one or more further
periods, up to a total of 5 years extension (or 15 years in total). For the purpose of felling licence application requirements,
forest land is defined as land under trees with a minimum area of 0.1 hectare and tree crown cover of more than 20% of the
total area (or the potential to achieve this cover at maturity). This new and simplified legislation relating to the regulation of
tree felling and timber harvesting operations updates previously enforced legislation dating back to 1946.
All those involved in tree felling must ensure that a felling licence has been issued before any felling is carried out, unless
they are satisfied that the felling is exempted. The Forest Service provides a detailed listing of all exempted felling operations
on their website.
Forest Service Website Information on Felling Licence Requirements

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/treefelling/treefelling/
It is an offence to fell trees without a felling licence if an exemption does not apply. It is very important that FMOs are fully
aware of the legal status of the timber harvesting operations that they are carrying out. A copy of a Felling Licence is usually
included in a Harvesting Site Plan and should be looked for before any timber harvesting operations commence. Examples of
felling licence forms can be found in your training programme support material. You should study these forms and become
familiar with them.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Felling Licence Application
Form.pdf
Form - Completed.pdf
Guidance Notes.pdf
Public Consultation – When the Forest Service receive a tree felling licence application from a land owner, they will publish a
notice of the application before making a decision on the matter. The notices are published on the Department’s website:
Forest Service Public Consultation Web Page

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/publicconsultation/
[32]
These notices state that any person may make a submission to the Forest Service within 30 days from the date of the notice,
allowing a public consultation process.
Site Notice – When a felling licence is granted, the licensee must erect a site notice at the entrance to the forest from the
public road (or where the entrance is to be created) seven days prior to the commencement of harvesting operations and
this notice must remain in place for the duration of the licenced harvesting operations. A copy of a Felling Licence Site Notice
can be found in your training programme support material:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Felling Licence - Site
Notice.pdf
The purpose of this site notice is to inform members of the public about the nature of the felling and that a felling licence has
been issued for the harvesting operations underway. It does not form part of a consultation process.
The following web pages provide a useful general overview of felling licence requirements relating to timber harvesting
operations:
Teagasc Website Information on Felling Licence Requirements

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/advice/timber-harvesting/felling-of-trees---legal-requirements/
Forest Service Website Information on Felling Licence Requirements

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/treefelling/treefelling/
There are also some additional guidance documents relating to felling licence legislation and felling licence applications in
your training programme support material:
Guidance Notes.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Felling Licence FAQs.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Felling Licence Information
Note 2017.pdf
Replanting After Timber Harvesting Operations - Legislation

The Felling and Reforestation Policy document published by the Forest Service aims to
provide a consolidated source of information on the legal and regulatory framework
relating to tree felling. As well as providing information on the felling licence
application process, it provides detailed information on a land owner’s legal obligations
to replant a forest after a clearfelling operation.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest

Management \ Felling and Reforestation Policy - Forest Service.pdf
A new Reforestation Objective classification system is designed to provide clarity

regarding the objectives of the forest owner in relation to the subsequent rotation
following clearfelling. Forest owners applying for a felling licence must specify on the
felling licence application and accompanying map their reforestation objective(s) for
the next rotation. The objective(s) must be indicated on the application, and not
sought retrospectively.
[33]
The range of possible Reforestation Objectives relate primarily to the silvicultural management to be applied onsite, in order
to create a future forest / woodland capable of ‘delivering’ particular products and services, e.g. commercial sawlog, water
protection, enhanced biodiversity, landscape improvement and provision for amenity. The Felling and Reforestation Policy
sets out the standard requirements (silvicultural and other) the Forest Service will apply in relation to each reforestation
objective. The Forest Service considers the suitability of the land owner’s proposed reforestation objective(s) as part of the
Felling Licence Application assessment process.
Tree Species Knowledge

As a harvester operator, you will be working with a variety of tree species. The most
common commercially grown species in Ireland that you will be thinning or clearfelling
are:
 Sitka spruce
 Norway spruce
 Scots pine
 Larch
 Ash
It is important that you can easily identify these species and that you have some
background knowledge on their silviculture and management and on their timber
properties and principle uses. Make sure to ask your Timber Harvesting Manager
Mentor any questions that you might have about the identification of these important
commercial forestry tree species. You should study the five Species Information Sheets
published by the Forest Service that have been saved in your training programme
support material:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Species Info Sheet - Sitka Spruce.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Species Info Sheet - Norway Spruce.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Species Info Sheet – Scots pine.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Species Info Sheet - Larch.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest Management \ Species Info Sheet - Ash.pdf
The UK Forestry Commission has a useful website that will help you to learn how to
identify some of the more common tree species grown in the UK and Irish forests
using some simple needle, leaf and twig characteristics.
UK Forestry Commission Tree Name Trail

https://www.forestry.gov.uk/treenametrail
[34]
Introduction to Sustainable Forest Management & Forest Certification
The following definition is commonly used to describe Sustainable Forest Management (SFM):
“The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that
maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their
potential to fulfil, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social
functions, at local, national, and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other
ecosystems.”
The concept of SFM can be described as the attainment of balance – balance between society’s increasing demands for
forest products and benefits, and the preservation of forest health and diversity. This balance is critical to the survival of
forests, and to the prosperity of forest-dependent communities. In practical terms, sustainably managing a forest means that
forest managers must ensure that forest benefits, health and productivity are maintained into the future. They are required
to assess and integrate a wide array of sometimes conflicting factors – commercial and non-commercial values,
environmental considerations, community needs, – to produce sound forest plans. These plans are developed in
consultation with stakeholders that have an interest in the forest area.
You have already learned a lot about the importance of FMOs working within exacting Health & Safety and Environmental
standards in your Stage 1 learning. By working to the high standards set by environmental and health & safety guidelines and
by implementing forest harvesting operations in line with prescribed management plans, FMO’s are playing a vital role in the
on-going implementation of sustainable forest management principles and are a key link in the forest certification process.
You should have a look at the following websites to learn more about the principles of SFM:
Forestry Focus Website Information on SFM

http://www.forestryfocus.ie/growing-forests-3/sustainability/
Coillte Website Information on SFM
http://www.coillte.ie/our-forests/public-goods/certification/
Confirmation that SFM is being practiced by forest owners and

managers is provided through Forest Certification schemes. There
are two Forest Certification schemes operating in Ireland, FSC and
PEFC. Both schemes are based on international standards which
have been adapted for use specifically in Ireland.
Forest certification is a voluntary process used by forestry
organisations to reassure consumers that the wood and wood
products they buy come from sustainably managed forests.
Certification independently assesses forest management planning
and practices against a sustainable forestry management standard
which has higher requirements than Ireland’s strict regulatory
requirements. These schemes provide an independently verified
means for forest owners to demonstrate to stakeholders and
customers that their natural resource management practices are economically, socially and environmentally responsible.
Have a look at the following websites to read more about the forest certification schemes:
PEFC Website
https://www.pefc.org/
FSC Website
https://www.fsc.org/
Forestry Focus Website Information on Forest Certification
http://www.forestryfocus.ie/governance/forest-certification/
Teagasc Website Information on Forest Certification
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/advice/markets/timber-certification/
[35]
You should also watch the following on-line video to learn more about the importance of SFM and forest certification within
the Irish forestry sector:
Eco Eye – SFM and Forest Certification

https://youtu.be/Vb464S1s7D4
Large forestry organisations like Coillte have achieved forest certification and as a result, a large volume of Irish timber is now
certified. However, not all Irish forests are certified and with the increase in timber harvesting activity in privately owned
forests, there is a growing requirement for private growers to become certified if they are to sell their timber successfully.
Group certification schemes are seen as the most viable option for private forest owners in Ireland as certification costs are
shared amongst many forest owners. Group certification can be organised for a large number of forests owned by different
people. Forest owners can formally join the group, agreeing to implement the required levels of management in their
forests. A group manager defines management requirements and monitors members’ performance. The group manager can
provide support with the implementation
of the group certification scheme and with
the monitoring of scheme compliance. An
external auditor is required to check the
group manager and to inspect a random
number of group members. It is likely that
group certification schemes will become
more common over the next few years. It
is important that FMOs are aware of these
group schemes and are informed of their
responsibilities
A lot can happen to a product between leaving the forest and arriving in the
consumer’s hands. From processing to manufacturing to distribution, wood and
other forest products go through a complex supply chain. Chain of custody
certification schemes verify that certified forest products are identified and
separated from non-certified and non-controlled material as they make their way
along the supply chain from the forest to the consumer. Processors and retailers
of timber products from certified Irish forests can also become certified, through a
FSC or PEFC Chain of Custody scheme.
When you are harvesting timber in SFM certified forests, you are playing a very
important role in this forest certification chain of custody process. For further
information on forest certification and what it means for Irish forestry, have a look
at the following COFORD publication:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 3 - Forest

Management \ Forest Certification - COFORD.pdf
[36]
Forest Harvesting Planning & Management
MODULE 4
Module 4 Forest Harvesting Planning & Management

Unit 4.1 Harvesting Operation Theory
Overview This module will build on the knowledge you will have gained in your Stage 1
Harvesting Operation Theory learning (Stage 1 – Unit 5.1). You will learn more about
how FMOs collect and share very important operational data from timber harvesting
sites that is used in the management of harvesting operations. You will also learn
about operational costing and some basic timber measurement procedures to help in
roadside timber stock management.
Learning Goals  Understand how harvester production information is recorded & communicated.
 Understand how forest machine telemetry data is used to manage harvesting
operations.
 Introduction to StanForD – the data standard for harvesting machines.
 Understand how a harvesting operation is costed.
 Learn how roadside stocks are estimated and how to carry out stack
measurement procedures.
Mentoring: You will have an opportunity to discuss any aspect of harvesting

operation theory when you visit a live harvesting site with your Timber Harvesting
Manager Mentor (Unit 4.2) and your Timber Procurement Manager Mentor (Unit
4.3).

Harvester Production Control, Monitoring and Reporting

You have learnt about forwarder production information
recording and communication in Stage 1 of this training
programme. You have also been introduced to harvester
control and information systems and harvester head
measurement systems in Unit 2.1 of this training programme
stage. It is important that FMOs understand and appreciate the
benefits of the many technology features used to control,
monitor and report on timber harvesting operations that are in-
built in modern harvesters. You will have an opportunity to
work with and learn how to get the most from these features
during your Machine Operation Training (Module 7).
You will use your harvester computer system for machine

function set-up, diagnostics and troubleshooting. For example, setting harvester head feed speeds, setting function speeds,
controlling operator specific settings, and controlling urea application. In addition to this, your harvester computer system is
used to control and monitor all aspects of log production. A harvester is like a compact factory, with trees entering as the
raw material and logs exiting as the finished product. Your harvester computer system is the quality control and production
monitoring department of your factory and it is important that you understand how this works and that you can get the most
from the on-board technology.
[37]
Harvester Production Control - Cross-Cutting Instructions:
Before you begin to harvest a forest, you must configure your harvester with bucking or cross-cutting instructions. This
informs the harvester control system about what range of log products are required from the harvesting site. You will usually
get your list of required log products from a Harvest Site Plan (refer back to your Stage 1 learning; Module 5 – Forest
Harvesting Planning & Management). On most timber harvesting sites, you will have a limited range of log products. For
example:
 Pulpwood Length = 3.0m; Top Diameter = 7cms+
 Stakewood Length = 1.8m; Top Diameter = 7cms to 14cms; Maximum Butt Diameter = 14cm
 Palletwood Length = 3.1m; Top Diameter = 14cms +
 Sawlog Length = 4.9m and 3.7m; Top Diameter = 20cms +
On clearfell sites with large, high quality trees you may have a
larger range of log products, including higher value longer sawlog
lengths such as 5.5m. However, your cross-cutting instructions
may not always be based on log value, and may be set to
accommodate current sawmill demand. For example, a 5.5m
Sawlog might have a considerable higher value (€/m3) than a 4.9m
Sawlog based on the normal market value of different sawn
timber lengths. However, a sawmill may not have an order for
5.5m timber and might wish to prioritise a Sawlog length that is in
more demand. There is always a balance to be struck between
satisfying day-to-day sawmill demand and optimising the value of
the logs that you are harvesting.
The required cross-cutting instructions for a particular harvesting
site can be entered onto your harvester production control system
or can be loaded automatically using an APT-file. An APT-file is a small data file that is saved in a standardised format so that
it can be loaded onto and interpreted by all harvester control systems, irrespective of manufacturer. It contains cross-cutting
instructions that the harvester uses to maximise the value of each
stem or fill a specific production order. An international data and
file format “language” for harvester computer systems called
StanForD has been developed to ensure data compatibility across
harvesting machines made by different manufacturers. You will
learn more about the StanForD harvester control data standard
later in this Module. While production control systems will differ
across manufacturers, they all operate under the same principles.
They require a list of required log products and associated
diameter and length specifications and a weighting or prioritisation
of each product. This might be determined by the relative value of each product or by the current demand for different
products. For example, a sawmill may be running short of 3.7m Sawlog. This sawlog length might need to be prioritised for a
while, even though 4.9m sawlog is a higher value product.
Harvester Production Control - Log Optimisation Systems:

All tree stems have a degree of taper – they get narrower the
further you go up the stem. Harvesters are constantly measuring
and assessing the rate of stem taper of the trees that they are
processing in order to be able to make the correct cross-cutting
decisions. As a stem is being fed through a harvester head, the
measurement system and production control system is measuring
and analysing stem diameter data in order to predict what the
diameter will be further up the stem. This diameter prediction is
based on an assessment of the typical taper of a number of
previously harvested trees from the current harvesting site
(typically 100 trees). A constantly updated analysis of the taper of
recently felled trees is used to inform a taper prediction model.
As a tree is processed, the harvester log optimisation system will
use the taper prediction and the pre-programmed cross-cutting
instructions to make a cross-cutting decision that will ensure that the correct log specification is automatically cut.
[38]
The following example shows how a harvester production control system will automatically optimise log production in line
with a prescribed cross-cutting instruction:
 A harvester is set up with the following (simplified) cross-cutting instruction:
Required Length Diameter Value / Priority

1=highest
Product Specification Specification 5=lowest
Pulpwood 3.00m Top Diameter = 7cms+ 5
Palletwood 3.10m Top Diameter = 14cms + 4
Sawlog 1 3.70m Top Diameter = 18cms + 3
 A relatively large tree is felled and begins to be fed through the harvester head as it is delimbed. The harvester head
measurement system measures the diameter of the stem every 10cm. As a few meters of stem have been measured,
the harvester’s computer system assesses the taper of the stem and, using taper information from previously processed
trees (a taper prediction model), is able to predict that the stem diameter will be 22cm at 4.90m and 18cm at 5.50m. As
the top diameter specification for 4.90m Sawlog and 5.50m Sawlog is 20cm+ in this case, it predicts that it will not be
able to process a 5.50m Sawlog length and opts to cut a 4.90m Sawlog, the second most valuable product according to
the prescribed cross-cutting instruction. Based on this prescription, it continues to feed the stem through the harvester
head, continuing to measure diameter every 10cm. Once it reaches 4.90m, it confirms that the top diameter is 20cm+
and automatically cross-cuts the stem, producing a 4.90m Sawlog length without any manual cross-cutting control by
the FMO.
 The unprocessed section of the stem continues to be fed through the harvester head as it is delimbed and the harvester
head measurement system continues to measure the diameter of the stem every 10cm, with the harvester’s computer
system continually assessing the taper of the stem. Again, combining measurement information from the current stem
being processed along with taper information from previously processed trees, it predicts that the stem diameter will be
19cm at 3.70m and 17cm at 4.90m. As the top diameter specification for 4.90m Sawlog is 20cm+ in this case, it predicts
that it will not be able to process a second length of 4.90m Sawlog and opts to cut a 3.70m Sawlog length, the next most
valuable product according to the prescribed cross-cutting instruction. Based on this prescription, it continues to feed
the stem through the harvester head, continuing to measure diameter every 10cm. Once it reaches 3.70m, it confirms
that the top diameter is 18cm+ and automatically cross-cuts the stem, producing a 3.70m Sawlog length without any
manual cross-cutting control by the FMO.
system continually assessing the taper of the stem. Again, combining measurement information from the current stem
17cm at 3.10m and 16cm at 3.70m. As the top diameter specification for 3.70m Sawlog is 18cm+ in this case, it predicts
that it will not be able to process a second length of 3.70m Sawlog and opts to cut a 3.10m Palletwood length, the next
most valuable product according to the prescribed cross-cutting instruction. Based on this prescription, it continues to
feed the stem through the harvester head, continuing to measure diameter every 10cm. Once it reaches 3.10m, it
confirms that the top diameter is 14cm+ and automatically cross-cuts the stem, producing a 3.10m Palletwood length
without any manual cross-cutting control by the FMO.
system continuing to assess the taper of the stem. Again, combining measurement information from the current stem
15cm at 3.10m. As the top diameter specification for 3.10m Palletwood is 14cm+ in this case, it opts to cut a second
length of 3.10m Palletwood. Based on this prescription, it continues to feed the stem through the harvester head,
continuing to measure diameter every 10cm. Once it reaches 3.10m, it confirms that the top diameter is 14cm+ and
automatically cross-cuts the stem, producing another 3.10m Palletwood length without any manual cross-cutting
control by the FMO.
 The remaining unprocessed section of the stem continues to be fed through the harvester head as it is delimbed and the
harvester head measurement system continues to measure the diameter of the stem every 10cm, with the harvester’s
computer system continuing to assess the taper of the stem. At this stage, the only remaining product that can be cut is
3.0m Pulpwood.
[39]
As harvester head measurement systems cannot assess the quality (straightness, roughness etc.) of trees being processed,
there is sometimes a requirement for FMO manual length selection. A skilled FMO will utilise the efficiency and log value
optimising potential of a harvester production control system and its automated cross-cutting functions, while utlilising the
manual length selection functions wherever necessary to ensure high quality log production.
The log optimisation cross-cutting process is carried out by the harvester production control system in milliseconds for every
cross-cutting decision. It is vital that your harvester head is correctly calibrated for log optimisation and measurement
systems to operate correctly and accurately. You will learn how to carry out harvester head check measurements and
calibration procedures, and how to set up a harvester with cross-cutting instructions during your Machine Operation Training
(Module 7).
Remember that the Innovawood Harvesthead Website referred to in Module 2 provides a lot of useful information on the
function of harvester heads and on-board computer systems. You should read all sections of this website and complete the
tests associated with each module.

Harvester Production Monitoring, Reporting and Communication Systems:

Large amounts of useful information relating to machine productivity is being continually compiled and stored on a harvester
computer system. This information includes detailed data on each tree that is felled and processed and on each log that is
cross-cut. Harvester production data is used for many purposes including:
 Monitoring harvest site production and comparing planned production output schedules with actual volumes forwarded.
 Managing supply to sawmills and panel board mills.
 Calculating what volume of timber is ready for forwarding.
 Providing information to forwarder operators as to the location of harvested material (some modern harvester
production monitoring systems now record the location of each cross-cutting operation, providing a map or trail of
harvested logs to inform forwarder drivers of the location of harvested log products).
 Calculating harvesting contractor payments.
 Monitoring operational output of FMOs for wage or contract payment purposes.
Analysis and reporting of harvester production data can be as detailed or as general as required. For example:
 Reporting can be at an individual tree-by-tree or log-by-log level. As each tree is harvested, its total length and its
diameter every 10cm is measured. This creates a stem profile which can be used to assess the shape of trees being
harvested and inform decisions by FMOs, harvesting contractors, foresters and sawmills about what products should be
harvested. Stem profile data can be downloaded from the harvester computer system in a standardised StanForD file
format, called a STM-file (or Stem File). You will learn more about the StanForD harvester control data standard later in
this Module.
 Reporting can be at a more general level such as by product, machine operator or machine. For example, a typical
production report would include the number of logs and the total volume harvested within each product category.
Production data can be downloaded from the harvester computer system in a standardised, StanForD file format, called
a PRD-file (or Production File). This is very important data which may be used to report on harvested volumes for timber
sales invoicing purposes or harvesting contract payment purposes. You will learn more about the StanForD harvester
control data standard later in this Module.
Harvesting machine reporting functionality is sometimes underutilised. There is a huge amount of very useful information
available to help with the management of harvesting operations and with monitoring the performance of FMOs. As with the
log optimisation cross-cutting process introduced earlier in this section, it is vital that your harvester head is correctly
calibrated for measurement systems to operate correctly and for accurate harvester production information to be generated.
You will learn how to carry out harvester head check measurements and calibration procedures during your Machine
Operation Training (Module 7).
[40]
An example of a harvester production report is presented below:
This report shows the following useful information on harvested log products for a live harvesting site:
For the PINE Species category (highlighted in Green):

 276 lengths of Pulpwood have been produced, totalling 33.3 m3, with an average log volume of 0.121 m3
For the SPRUCE Species category (highlighted in Red):

 1,817 lengths of 4.9m Sawlog have been produced, totalling 577.1 m3, with an average log volume of 0.318 m3
 1,685 lengths of 3.7m Sawlog have been produced, totalling 328.5 m3, with an average log volume of 0.195 m3
 3,669 lengths of Palletwood have been produced, totalling 379.2 m3, with an average log volume of 0.103 m3
 3,776 lengths of Pulpwood have been produced, totalling 270.2 m3, with an average log volume of 0.072 m3
This report also includes information relating to timber volumes that have passed through the harvester head but have not
been converted into harvested log products, including Deadwood and Reject Volume.
Harvester production information is

communicated to timber harvesting managers,
harvesting contractors and forest owners using a
variety of means including phone calls, text
messaging, smartphone email and on-line links to
Forestry Machine Automation Systems. Coillte is
currently introducing a new system called
SATMODO which links harvesters and forwarders
directly to their management information system
via satellite communications which is not reliant
on mobile phone coverage which can often be
poor in remote forest locations. You will learn
more about the SATMODO system during your
Formal Machine Training (Unit 7.3).
[41]
Harvesting Machine Data Standards – StanForD and StanForD 2010
As a FMO, you will most likely operate a range of harvesting machines, made by different machinery manufacturers.
Similarly, many timber harvesting contractors operate “mixed fleets”, using machines made by more than one machinery
manufacturer. Also, foresters and sawmills deal with a range of harvesting contractors who may all be using different brands
of harvesting machines. While harvester control and measurement systems will differ across manufacturers, they all operate
under the same principles and use the same data format called StanForD (the Standard for Forest machine Data and
Communication). This is an international data and file format “language” for harvester computer systems which has been
developed to ensure data compatibility across harvesting machines made by different manufacturers. It is the forestry
sector’s standard for the management of data to and from harvesting machines. The standard is global and is used by all
major manufacturers of forest machines.
StanForD was originally developed in the late 1980’s by Skogforsk, the forestry research institute of Sweden. Its
development continues to be supported by an international panel of forestry companies and manufacturers. StanForD
contains around twenty file types. The most commonly used file types are introduced below. You should be familiar with
these file types as you may be asked to work with them while setting up your harvester control systems or while
downloading production data from your harvester.
 .APT: This is a “cutting strategy” file, used to automatically set up a harvester production control system at the start of a
harvesting operation. It contains harvest site specific cross-cutting instructions that the harvester uses to maximise the
value of each stem or to fill a specific production order. This file can be sent directly to a harvesting machine from a
harvesting contractor’s centralised fleet management system (if phone coverage is available) or can be transferred to a
harvesting machine via a USB memory stick. If an APT file is not available for a harvesting site, it can be set up “on-
board” using the harvester computer control menu system. You will learn how to configure a harvester production
control system during your Machine Operation Training (Module 7).
 .PRI: This is a detailed harvester production file, containing a record of cut length, small end diameter and log volume on
an individual log-by-log basis. When a harvesting machine is equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
receiver, the spatial coordinates of each harvested log are also recorded, allowing all harvester data to be mapped and
related back to an exact location on a timber harvesting site.
 .PRD: This is a summarised harvester production file, containing a record of the number of logs and the total volume
harvested within each product category. This file does not contain measurement records for individual logs.
 .STM: This is a more detailed harvester production file. In addition to the log-by-log information contained in the PRI-
file, it includes all harvester head diameter measurements in 10cm intervals along each harvested log.
 .KTR: This is a harvester head calibration record file. It contains information on all calibration and control checks carried
out on the harvester head. They include a timestamp and calibration result for each calibration event and can be used to
monitor compliance with harvester head calibration standards.
StanForD 2010 is an updated version of the StanForD data standard and was introduced
in 2012. It works with the latest version of harvester control systems and
accommodates some additional data. For example, harvester boom angle and reach can
be recorded along with GPS coordinates for each tree being harvested. This can provide
the precise location of each harvested tree, potentially providing an inventory and
thinning control tool that can be used to monitor thinning operations.
If you want to learn more about StanForD 2010 and its potential uses, have a look at the
following documents:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 4 – Planning & Management \ StanForD 2010 -
Brochure.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 4 – Planning & Management \ StanForD 2010 -
Guide.pdf
[42]
Additional Reading - Advanced use of Harvesting Machine Data
If you are interested in the latest harvester technology developments you could read
this interesting report which looks at state-of-the-art systems that link harvester
head measurement systems with GPS satellite tracking systems, allowing all
harvester data to be mapped and related back to a location on a timber harvesting
site. Such systems are being used to manage forest harvesting operations more
efficiently and in a safer and more environmentally friendly manner. They are also
providing useful information for foresters about forest productivity which will help in
future silviculture and forest management planning.

Planning & Management \ Article on Advanced use of Harvester
Data.pdf
[43]
Understanding how Harvesting Operations are Costed
Whether you will be operating a forest machine for a harvesting contractor or you progress to owning and operating your
own machines, it is important that you at least understand what factors influence the cost of a timber harvesting operation
and how harvesting operations are costed. Harvesting rates are set on a €/m3 or €/tonne basis depending on who is selling
and who is buying the timber. Rates usually include both timber harvesting and forwarding operations (i.e. getting timber to
a forest roadside ready for collection by a timber truck). Harvesting rates are usually adjusted for each harvesting site (site
specific timber harvesting rates) as site specific factors can have a large impact on production and operational overheads.
The setting of a sustainable timber harvesting rate is a highly skilled operation and good rate setting comes only with
considerable experience. If a timber harvesting contractor cannot cost their operations correctly they will not last long in
business.
A good FMO should understand the various factors contributing to a timber harvesting unit cost and be able to help to
control these factors wherever possible, keeping costs as low as possible and production as high as possible. For example,
fuel costs make up a significant part of a harvesting contractor’s operational costs. A good FMO who can operate a machine
efficiently will use considerably less diesel, helping to reduce operational costs. Similarly, a good operator who can optimise
machine output while minimising machine breakdown time will have a very positive effect on harvesting operation
productivity. The following list are some of the factors that influence the cost of a timber harvesting operation:
Machinery:
 Capital Cost of Machinery
How much does a machine cost to purchase (or finance), how many hours is the machine used per year and how much
does the machine depreciate each year? What is the life expectancy of the machine and what is its expected resale or
salvage value at the end of the planned ownership period? Remember that a machine costs money whether or not it is
cutting timber. A machine’s annual utilisation rate (number of productive hours per year) has a large influence on the
cost of a timber harvesting operation.
 Machinery Repairs and Maintenance Overheads
How much is spent maintaining and repairing a machine? With repair overheads, you must consider the cost of
breakdown time (opportunity cost when a machine is not producing timber) as well as the cost of repairs (parts and
labour). Remember that an older machine will have a lower capital cost but may have much higher repair and
maintenance overheads and may be significantly less fuel efficient.
 Cost of Machinery Consumables (Diesel, Engine Oil, Lubricants, Urea etc.)
While these costs are linked to production (only occurring when machines are operating), the rate of consumable usage
can vary depending on the age and condition of a machine and the skill of an operator.
Labour:
 Hourly rate to employ a machine operator
This includes employment overheads such as tax, social welfare, travel costs, training costs, certification costs etc.
Business Overheads:
 Insurance
This includes machinery insurance and other business insurance including public liability insurance and employers’
liability insurance.
 Costs associated with Health & Safety Compliance
 Management
Even a small timber harvesting operation incurs a management overhead. Someone has to spend time looking at and
costing potential harvesting jobs, tendering for harvesting jobs and administering accounts (paying for materials and
invoicing work done). This time costs money. Some larger timber harvesting contractors with several machines in
operation have full time managers who never operate machines.
Harvest Site Factors:

 Harvest Type (1st Thinning, 2nd Thinning, Subsequent Thinning, Clearfell or Windblow)
Each harvest type is associated with different machine productivity. For example, 1st thinnings, where much of the
volume is harvested from the racks and with a relatively low level of selection, tend to have higher machine productivity
compared to 2nd thinnings, where all the volume must come from selection. Similarly, clearfell operations are
considerably more productive than thinning operations and therefore are associated with lower timber harvesting unit
costs.
[44]
 Average Tree Size
The average size of tree being harvested, usually linked with the harvest type (see above), has a large influence on
machine productivity and therefore on harvesting rates. For example, larger average tree size means relatively high
machine productivity (less trees need to be cut to produce a m3 of timber), resulting in lower timber harvesting unit
costs. A smaller average tree size means relatively low machine productivity (more trees need to be cut to produce a m3
of timber), resulting in higher timber harvesting unit costs.
 Size of Harvest (total volume to be harvested)
The cost of relocating machinery, fuel and urea to a new harvest site involves low loading costs, unproductive machine
time and unproductive staff time. This cost is the same irrespective of the size of a harvest. Therefore, smaller harvest
sites with less volume to be harvested incur much higher set-up overheads compared to larger harvest sites.
 Crop Quality
The quality of trees being harvested also influences machine productivity and therefore harvesting rates. For example,
good quality trees that are straight and have light branching means relatively high machine productivity (less time spent
delimbing and less time making cross cutting decisions), resulting in lower timber harvesting rates. Poorer quality trees
that are crooked and have heavy branching means relatively low machine productivity (more time spent delimbing and
more time making cross cutting decisions) resulting in higher timber harvesting unit costs.
 Log Harvesting Specifications
The specification of logs prescribed to be cut from a timber harvesting site and the number of specifications required will
influence machine productivity and harvesting rates. For example, very tight specifications with tight tolerances will
lower machine productivity and result in higher timber harvesting unit costs. Similarly, a large number of specifications
that require segregation and separate roadside stacking will lower machine productivity and result in higher timber
harvesting unit costs. Refer back to your Stage 1 learning on log harvesting specifications (Unit 5.1).
 Terrain
Is the site flat or steeply sloped, wet or dry, excessively rocky etc.? Machine production (m3/day) will be lower on more
difficult sites, resulting in higher timber harvesting unit costs.
 Environmental Constraints
Are there any significant environmental issues on the site which might slow down production and add to operational
costs, resulting in higher timber harvesting unit costs?
 Site access, roading infrastructure & average forwarding distance
Is there restricted site access or poor roading that will add to forwarding costs. Longer than average forwarding
distances will add to operational costs, resulting in higher timber harvesting unit costs.
 Distance from Contractor Business Base
While many timber harvesting contractors operate across Ireland, there is an additional cost associated with operating a
long distance from a workshop base or an operator home. Operator travel costs will be higher and there will be
additional operational costs if machines have to return to a workshop for unscheduled repairs. For a timber harvesting
operation to be profitable the additional overheads associated with operator travel and machine transportation need to
be built into harvesting rates.
You should discuss the important subject of harvesting rates with your Lead
Mentor during your Machine Operation Training (Module 7).
While expert operational costing only comes with experience, there are some
tools available to help with machine cost calculations and harvesting operation
costing. For example, some of the machinery manufacturers provide useful
programmes to help timber harvesting contractors develop, manage and review
operational budgets.
A simplified web based version of a John Deere machinery costing programme
(TimberCalc) allows you to make some basic machine cost calculations by
inputting the capital cost of machinery and some of the operational costs and
production values and compare the effect of the changed values on the unit cost
(€/m3) of owning and operating a harvesting machine. Machine costs can be
calculated separately for a harvester or a forwarder or for a harvester and
forwarder combination. You should have a look at this web-based calculator and
use it to see how the unit cost (€/m3) of machinery changes based on changes to
some of the operational costs and production values.
John Deere TimberCalc Machine Cost program

http://ebus.eame.deere.com/timbercalc/index_2.php
[45]
Roadside Stock Estimation – Stack Measurement
As part of managing a timber
harvesting operation it is important
that FMOs and timber harvesting
contractors have an up-to-date
picture of what timber has been
harvested and brought to roadside
ready for collection by timber
trucks. Machine Automation
Systems supplied with modern
forest harvesting machinery now
incorporate very useful
functionality for monitoring
harvesting operation production
(refer back to your Stage 1 learning (Unit 5.1 - Harvesting Operation Theory) and earlier in this programme stage (Unit 2.1 -
Machine Theory). While more reliable data is becoming available from modern timber harvesting machines, and these
systems are capable of providing very useful and real-time information for harvesting contractors, timber harvesting
managers, timber hauliers and sawmills, there are currently still some “gaps” in the availability and / or quality of data
coming from timber harvesting machines and harvesting contractors and foresters still rely on physically measuring stocks of
harvested material when managing timber harvesting operations.
Harvesting contractors and foresters use roadside stock estimates to calculate interim payments, to plan timber haulage
operations and to control the security of their harvested timber stocks before they are hauled to a sawmill. In some cases,
where alternative timber measurement systems are not available, roadside stack measurement can be used to measure
timber volumes for sale invoicing purposes. This is becoming more common in smaller scale farm forestry situations where
forest owners wish to retain a proportion of their harvested crop for use on their own farms (e.g. for firewood production).
Roadside stock estimates are usually carried out using Stack

Measurement procedures. Depending on your experience
and the purpose of the measurement, Stack Measurements
can be simple estimates (visual assessments) or can be
based on physical measurements of a timber stack (length,
depth and average height). A very experienced FMO or
forester who is carrying out roadside stock estimates on a
regular basis can generate very accurate estimates simply by
walking or driving along a forest road and estimating the
volume of timber in each stack (visual assessments). Less
experienced operators will have to take some physical
measurements of each timber stack.
Detailed stack measurement procedures are outlined in the
COFORD Timber Measurement Manual (Chapter 5; Pages 32
to 37). A copy of this manual can be found in your training
programme support material. You should study this
procedure and be familiar with how timber stack measurements are taken. You will have the opportunity to carry out some
roadside timber stock assessments with your Timber Procurement Manager Mentor (Unit 4.3). Your mentor will show you
how to measure a stack of timber at a forest roadside.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 4 – Planning & Management \ COFORD Timber
There is also a useful information sheet and a guideline document on Stacked Timber Measurement Procedures in your
training programme support material. These documents will provide you with some further information on this system of
timber measurement.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 4 – Planning & Management \ Stacked Timber
Measurement Procedures.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 4 – Planning & Management \ Stacked Timber
Measurement Information Sheet.pdf
[46]
You should also be aware of some of the new systems of stack measurement which use smartphone image analysis software.
These systems are available as Android and Apple apps. A photograph of a log stack is taken and then processed by the
smartphone app which works out the volume of logs in the
stack. Have a look at some of the current stack measurement
apps on the market and perhaps download one and try it out
for yourself. The following list includes some of the more well-
known apps currently available.
Timbeter
http://www.timbeter.com/about-timbeter
Logsize
http://www.logsize.com/en/
Trestima
https://www.trestima.com/products_en/#logpile
A more industrialised and more accurate system of stack

measurement using digital cameras and image analysis
software is provided by a Danish company, Dralle. This is a
good example of how modern digital image capture and
analysis technology is being used to develop more accurate and
useful forms of timber measurement to help with harvested log
stock measurements. As the cost of such technology drops, we
will see more digital stack measurement systems in use within
the timber supply chain. Have a look at the Dralle website and
at some short videos demonstrating the technology in use.
Dralle Stack Measurement Technology Website

http://www.dralle.dk/
Overview of Dralle Digital Stack Measurement Product - sScale

https://youtu.be/o9ISyW32fX8
Dralle – Digital Stack Measurement Demonstration
https://youtu.be/9UuWaXLaJjA
You should also read the following article on the Dralle sScale stack measurement system.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 4 – Planning & Management \ Article on Dralle
sScale Automated Stack Measurement System.pdf
[47]
MODULE 4

Unit 4.2 Harvest Site Planning & Mapping
Overview This module will help you to increase your knowledge and experience relating to
forest harvesting planning. You will spend 1 day with your Timber Harvesting
Manager Mentor, visiting one or more active timber harvesting sites to learn how
forest harvesting operations are planned and managed and how day-to-day log
production is monitored.
Learning Goals  Increase your knowledge on how forest harvesting operations are planned and
strengthen your understanding of the basic elements of harvest site plans &
maps.
 Be able to assist in the development of a harvest site plan.
Learning Approach Mentoring: You will be working with your Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor during
a 1-day site visit to a timber harvesting site. You and your mentor will develop a
Harvest Site Plan and discuss the various components of the plan (including health &
safety, environmental and operational planning elements). You will get some
experience reading maps and mapping various Harvest Site Plan features. You must
keep a record of all work completed in your Trainee & Mentor Log Book.
Self-Learning: Before you meet your Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor you should
read and understand the material referenced below.

Stage 1 Learning Review

You must review all of your Stage 1 Forest Harvesting Planning & Management Learning (Stage 1 - Module 5) prior to your
Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor Field Day.
Harvesting Site Monitoring Form

Production & Operational Related Checks
As well as reviewing a Harvest Site Plan with your Timber Harvesting Manager Mentor,
you may also assist with the completion of a harvesting site monitoring form. Forms like
the example shown may be used by Timber Harvesting Managers to guide a series of
Safety, Environmental, Production and Operational checks. It is useful for FMOs to see
what is included in such a check list. For this programme module you will be focusing on
the Production & Operational checks summarised on the next page:
[48]
Production:
Q.29. Have agreed production targets been achieved?
Q.30. Are all optimum products being harvested?

Based on market demands is operator complying with harvesting manager’s requests?
Q.31. Are all products being segregated and presented correctly on roadside?
Is this happening, taking on board any stacking/space constraints?
Q.32. Are Log Quality Procedures in place?

Daily log quality checks being carried out as required?
Q.33. Are stumps as low as possible, maximum 10cm for thinnings and 15cm for clearfells?
Is this ok, taking consideration of factors such as slope, stones?
Q.34. Are there other production or quality issues (please specify)?
Operational:
Q.35. Are the designated machines in operation?

Inappropriate size machine for site conditions which differs from the machine listed in harvesting contract.
Q.36. Are Timber Sale boundaries adhered to?

Any boundary breach issues?
Q.37. Is stump treatment correctly applied?
Q.38. Are harvester Head Calibration control checks in place?

Weekly control check record available and retained in site file, <5% accuracy?
Q.39. Are harvester production files e-mailed daily?

Are these coming in to office management system (e.g. Ponsse Opti), check in office prior to site visit.
Q.40. Is Forwarder logbook in use and completed correctly?

Are the loads and load volumes being recorded accurately on logbook?
Q.41. Is accurate forwarder production data being transferred daily?

Is this happening and does it appear accurate?
Q.42. Are agreed security arrangements being adhered to?

Use of locks, barriers ok, locks open while on site?
Q.43. Are thinning controls in place, is the thinning being carried out to correct intensity?
Is this happening as specified in site plan?
Q.44. Has the area been fully clearfelled or thinned?

At end of SP, is the agreed area harvested?
Q.45. Are there other operational issues (please specify)?
An example of a Harvesting Site Monitoring Form can be found in your training programme support material.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 4 – Planning & Management \ Harvesting Site
Monitoring Form.pdf
[49]
MODULE 4

Unit 4.3 Log Product Quality Control & Assessment;
Roadside Stock Assessment
Overview This module will help you to increase your knowledge and experience relating to log
harvesting specifications and log quality issues. You will spend 1 day with your
Timber Procurement Manager Mentor, visiting one or more active timber harvesting
sites to implement log product quality control & assessment procedures and carry out
some roadside stock assessments.
Learning Goals  Observe a range of log products being harvested on an active timber harvesting
site and observe live production information reports on a harvesting machine.
 Increase your knowledge of log harvesting specifications and log quality issues
and appreciate why they are so important to good forest harvesting practice.
 Learn how to carry out roadside stock assessments and how to measure a stack
of timber.
Learning Approach Mentoring: You will be working with your Timber Procurement Manager Mentor
during a 1-day site visit to one or more timber harvesting sites. Your mentor will
show you how log product quality control is managed and you will assist with some
log specification checks and some roadside stock assessments. You must keep a
record of all work completed in your Trainee & Mentor Log Book.

[50]
Timber Supply Chain
MODULE 5
Module 5 Timber Supply Chain

Unit 5.1 Timber Supply Chain Theory
Overview Harvested timber is a valuable commodity and it is important that it is securely

tracked from the forest to the sawmill log yard to ensure that it is all accounted for at
the end of a timber harvesting operation. Timber is harvested in remote forest
locations that are often difficult to secure and harvested timber is susceptible to
theft. The theft of harvested timber represents a loss to both forest owners and
harvesting contractors. This module will help you to develop an understanding of
how timber is tracked through the timber supply chain and what systems are
currently being used to help to secure harvested logs from when they are harvested
to when they reach a processing location.
Learning Goals  Understand how timber harvesting contractors are paid.

 Understand how timber is tracked through the timber supply chain from a forest
to a sawmill.
 Understand the timber removal permit systems and industry codes of practice for
secure tracking of timber deliveries from both Coillte forests and privately owned
forests to the processing sector.

Understanding How Timber Harvesting Contractors are Paid

Timber harvesting contractors are typically paid based on the quantity of timber that has been transported to a processing
facility where it is quantified for invoicing and payment purposes. Depending on the agreed system of timber measurement,
timber will be quantified in either tonnes or cubic metres (m3). You should refer back to your Stage 1 learning (Unit 6.1 -
Timber Supply Chain Theory) for information on how harvested logs are measured and paid for as they leave the forest and
enter the processing sector (systems of weight and volume measurement). If timber is being sold as a Standing Sale, the
harvesting contractor will be paid by the timber buyer (usually a sawmill). If timber is being sold as a Harvested Sale, the
harvesting contractor will be paid by the timber seller (usually the forest owner or a forester working for the forest owner).
If timber is being sold by weight, the harvesting contractor should receive a record of weight measurements (weight dockets)
for every load that has been collected from the harvest site. This might be in the form of copies of individual weight dockets
or a summary report of weight transactions. A copy of a weekly weight docket report for a timber sale is shown below.
[51]
This report shows that:
 6 loads of timber were hauled from the timber harvesting site coded Wicklow-103-5;
 This totalled 165.32 tonnes;
 111.06 tonnes of Sawlog and Palletwood went to Sawmill A;
 54.26 tonnes of Pulpwood went to Pulpmill B.
This report can be used for harvesting contract payment purposes. Remember that because of the potential for timber to
dry out and lose weight after harvesting, tonnage measurement systems are only appropriate if the period between
harvesting and weighing operations can be minimised. If a tonnage measurement system is being used, logs must be
forwarded and hauled to a weighbridge with minimal delay.
If timber is being sold by volume, the harvesting contractor should receive a record of weight measurements (weight
dockets) for every load that has been collected from the harvest site, along with the measured and / or agreed
volume/weight conversion factors. This might be in the form of copies of individual weight dockets or a summary report of
weight transactions, with associated volume conversions. A copy of a weekly weight docket report and volume conversions
for a timber sale is shown below.
This report shows that:

 6 loads of timber were hauled from the timber harvesting site coded Wicklow-103-5;
 This totalled 165.32 tonnes;
 111.06 tonnes of Sawlog and Palletwood went to Sawmill A;
 54.26 tonnes of Pulpwood went to Pulpmill B;
 A volume/weight conversion factor of 1.206 was applied to the 3 loads of Sawlog, giving 101.31 m3;
 A volume/weight conversion factor of 1.092 was applied to the 1 load of Palletwood, giving 29.55 m3;
 A volume/weight conversion factor of 1.060 was applied to the 2 loads of Pulpwood, giving 57.52 m3;
 The 165.32 tonne total equated to 188.38 m3.
This report can be used for harvesting contract payment purposes.
At the end of a timber harvesting operation, weight docket reports can be compared with harvester production reports
(Refer to Unit 4.1 - Harvesting Operation Theory) to make sure that the quantity of timber that has been transported to
processing facilities tallies with harvester head measurements. If a tonnage measurement system is being used and there
has been no volume/weight conversion factor sampling, an estimated volume/weight conversion factor has to be used to
equate weight to volume for comparison purposes.
If timber is not measured and quantified for invoicing purposes it will not be assigned to a timber harvesting contractor’s
work record and payment for harvesting services may not be made. This is a major risk to the viability of timber harvesting
operations. FMO’s should be aware of some of the potential issues that might impact on harvesting contractor payments,
including:
[52]
 Incomplete Forwarding: It is important that all timber that has been harvested is also forwarded to the agreed forest
roadside stacking areas in preparation for haulage operations. Timber that is not forwarded will not be hauled and will
not be assigned to a timber harvesting contractor’s work record.
 Incomplete Haulage: It is important that all timber that has been forwarded to the agreed forest roadside stacking areas
is also transported to a processing facility where is can be measured. Timber that has not been hauled will not be
assigned to a timber harvesting contractor’s work record.
 Incorrectly Assigned Haulage: In some larger scale timber harvesting operations there might be more than one
harvesting contractor operating within a forest area, sharing the same forest road with another harvesting contractor
and using timber stacking areas close to each other. In such circumstances, there is a risk that lorry loads might be
assigned to the wrong harvest site, leading to errors in a harvesting contractor’s work records. Good communication
between harvesting contractors, hauliers and timber harvesting managers is essential to avoid such issues.
 Timber Security Problems: Incorrect tracking of timber loads removed from a harvesting site and / or theft can result in
harvested timber not being properly accounted for. There is more information on timber security measures in the
following section.
You should discuss the important subject of contractor payments, timber measurement and timber security with your Lead
Mentor during your Machine Operation Training (Module 7).
Timber Security Measures

Harvested timber is a valuable commodity for both forest owners and timber harvesting contractors, with both parties having
a personal stake in its security. FMOs are often the only eyes and ears on the ground during timber harvesting operations
and play a very important role in monitoring the security of harvested timber. Therefore, you should understand timber
security issues and be aware of some of the measures that can be taken to help to improve the security of harvested timber
such as:
 Use of Forest Docket Systems: FMOs should be

fully aware of how Forest Docket systems
operate. Further information on this is
provided later in this Unit.
 Forest Barriers and Locks: some forest
properties operate under a locked barrier
system which restricts access to roadside
timber stacks to assigned key holders only.
 Hot Logging: the longer timber is left at a forest
roadside, the more likely it is to be stolen.
Rapid removal by assigned hauliers that are being correctly tracked by a Forest Docket system will help to limit the
opportunity for timber theft. However, as haulage operations are not always under the control of harvesting
contractors, hot logging is not always possible.
 Regular Monitoring of Roadside Stocks: FMOs can play a role in roadside stock monitoring, tallying permitted load
removals with reductions in roadside stocks. Some timber harvesting contractors use basic stack photographs to
monitor roadside stocks, particularly if they suspect that there may be a timber security issue at a particular harvest site.
 Digital Surveillance Systems: digital surveillance technology has advanced rapidly in recent years and some timber
harvesting contractors are now using compact mobile camera units to monitor the security of timber on their harvest
sites.
 Forest Caretakers: this particularly applies to privately owned farm forestry sites which are located on or adjacent to an
owner’s farm. Owners can provide a robust security service, helping with the operation of Forest Docket systems, the
control of forest barriers and the monitoring of roadside stocks.
[53]
Forest Dockets / Timber Removal Permits
Most timber harvesting sites operate a Forest Docket system or Timber Removal Permit (TRP) system whereby a timber lorry
must be issued with a valid permit before they can enter a forest property and begin a timber uplift. Currently, timber
removals from private sector forests are controlled using paper and text messaging based Forest Docket systems. The Irish
Timber Growers Association (ITGA) have published a recommended system which is outlined in the following documents.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 5 – Timber Supply Chain \ ITGA - Timber Sales
Dispatch System.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 5 – Timber Supply Chain \ ITGA - Timber Sales
Dispatch System Summary.pdf
An example of a paper Forest Docket is presented below to show you the type of information that is used to document the
removal of a timber load from a forest to a sawmill or panelboard mill:
Blank Forest Docket: Completed Forest Docket:
Paper Forest Dockets are usually 3-copy documents:

 The White Copy is left in the forest as the timber truck enters the forest, usually in a Forest Docket Box.
 The Pink Copy is left at the sawmill or panelboard mill after the load has been weighed.
 The Yellow Copy is retained by the timber haulier as a record of haulage work completed.
The completed Forest Docket above shows the following important information used to inform the forest owner, the forest
manager and the harvesting contractor about a timber collection from an active harvesting site:
Harvest Site Details: Forest & Property Name or Code, Harvesting Contractor & Assigned Haulier
Product Collected: 4.9m Sawlog
Lorry Registration: 06MH 15498
Time of Collection: 12:30pm on 16th June 2016
[54]
As you will have read in your Stage 1 learning, Coillte operate an
electronic (paperless) TRP system across all of their forest harvesting
sites. All lorries registered to remove timber from Coillte forests are
fitted with an electronic TRP device (like a satnav) which is used to issue
electronic TRPs and to satellite track lorry movements from harvesting
sites to their intended destination. You should look at the following
useful overview of Coillte’s Paperless TRPs and Smart Timber Security
System:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \

Module 5 – Timber Supply Chain \ Coillte - Overview of
Paperless TRPs and Smart Timber Security.pdf
Coillte’s electronic TRP system uses similar information to document the

removal of a timber load from a forest to a sawmill or panelboard mill,
with the addition of live lorry tracking which can confirm that planned
timber uplifts are successfully delivered to their intended destination.
All lorry removals from Coillte forest harvesting sites are regulated under
their 2015 Code of Practice for Timber Removals. You should read this
document again to improve your understanding of how timber removals
are controlled and regulated using state of the art systems.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 5 – Timber Supply Chain \ Coillte - Code of Practice
for Timber Removals.pdf
FMOs can play an important role in the management of timber security during forest harvesting operations by monitoring
lorry activity, monitoring roadside stocks (log piles) and by checking compliance with the TRP system being operated. You
should discuss timber security and TRP systems when you visit some live harvesting sites with your Timber Harvesting
Manager Mentor (Unit 4.2) and your Timber Procurement Manager Mentor (Unit 4.3).
[55]
Timber Supply Chain
MODULE 5
Module 5 Timber Supply Chain

Unit 5.2 Experiencing the Processing Sector
Overview This module will help you appreciate the round log product requirements of a
panelboard mill and give you an appreciation of how the logs that you will be involved
in harvesting are processed into an end product. You will visit one of Ireland’s
panelboard mills (either SmartPly or Medite) where you will be given a guided tour by
your Sawmill Mentor.
Learning Goals  Understand the process of panelboard manufacture.

 Observe round log intake and measurement operations, including moisture
content sampling.
 Understand the impact of log product quality on panelboard manufacturing
operations.
Learning Approach Mentoring: Your Sawmill Mentor will show you the process of panelboard
manufacture from round log intake to finished panelboard products. You will observe
the importance of log product quality and see how poor quality logs can disrupt
panelboard production at the point of log infeed. You must keep a record of all work
completed in your Trainee & Mentor Log Book.

[56]
Thinning Operations
MODULE 6
Module 6 Thinning Operations

Unit 6.1 Thinning Theory
Overview Thinning is a very important aspect of forest management and FMOs play a vital role
in the implementation of thinning systems. Becoming proficient at selecting the
correct trees to remove during a thinning operation is one of the most important
aspects of your FMO training progression as the decisions you make while carrying
out thinning operations will have a significant and long-lasting impact on the forests
you are working in. This module will teach you some of the basic theory of forest
thinning operations and prepare you for developing and practicing important thinning
skills in the forest during your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 7.4).
Learning Goals  Understand why forests are thinned.

 Understand the main systems of thinning practiced in Ireland.
 Understand thinning control systems.
 Understand the consequences of poorly executed thinning operations.
Mentoring: You will have an opportunity to carry out thinning operations and
practice thinning control during your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 7.4).

Introduction to Thinning Theory

Thinning is a silvicultural operation where the main objective is to reduce the density of trees in a stand, improve the quality
and growth of the remaining trees and produce a saleable product. Thinning can also achieve other objectives such as
altering the species composition of a stand and improving the health of the remaining trees.
During a First Thinning, normally every
6th or 7th line of trees is fully removed
to provide harvester and forwarder
access to the crop. These lines are
often referred to as racks. A selection
of inferior trees is also removed from
the remaining lines of trees between
the racks. This form of thinning is
known as Rack & Selection Thinning. As a general rule, between 30 and 50% of the existing number of trees are removed in a
first thinning.
Following a first thinning, forests are usually thinned on a regular basis, normally every four to six years depending on the
yield class, with higher yield classes having more frequent thinnings. These thinning interventions are known as Second and
Subsequent Thinnings. Under the Clearfell Silvicultural System a forest may be thinned three or four times before it is finally
clearfelled.
[57]
There are many very informative information sheets and booklets available that provide detailed information on the process
of thinning forests. You should read the following publications which have been saved in your training programme support
material:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ The Practice of Thinning
Forest Crops - Teagasc.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ COFORD Connects -
Thinning to Improve Stand Quality.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ AIFC Guide to First Thinning
of Conifers.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ Farm Forestry - 1st
Thinning of Conifer Forests - Teagasc.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ First Thinning Ready
Reckoner - Teagasc.pdf
You should also read Sections 11 and 12 (Pages 121 to 151) of Ireland’s Code of Best Forest Practice which provides useful
information on thinning and clearfelling operations.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ Code of Best Forest
Practice.pdf
The Irish Thinning Protocol is a comprehensive document which outlines the step-by-step
process required to undertake and complete thinning operations on normal production conifer
sites; from the initial preparation of the site, the administration and management of the
operation and timber marketing & sales procedures. You should read this document.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning

Operations \ Irish Thinning Protocol.pdf
[58]
To learn more about thinning practice and silviculture you should also read the very useful
thinning guide published by the UK Forestry Commission which has also been saved in your
training programme support material:
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning

Operations \ UK Forestry Commission - Thinning Practice; A Silvicultural
Guide.pdf
Introduction to Thin Tree Selection, Thinning Intensity & Thinning Control

Up to about 25 years ago most forests were “marked” prior to being thinned. Foresters would prescribe what trees were to
be removed in a thinning operation by physically marking which trees were to be harvested. Marking of thinnings is now
rarely practiced and most thinning decisions are carried out by harvester operators. Becoming proficient at selecting the
correct trees to remove during a thinning operation is one of the most important aspects of your FMO training progression as
the decisions you make while carrying out thinning operations will have a significant and long-lasting impact on the forests
you are working in. Thin tree selection cannot be learnt from a book. It can only be learnt from expert mentoring and from
machine operation experience. An expert harvester operator needs to be able to combine consistently good thin tree
selection with efficient and productive machine operation. You will begin to develop these skills during your Machine
Operation Training (Module 7). Understanding why good thin tree selection is important is the start of this learning process.
Thinning Intensity refers to the number of trees or the volume of timber that is removed from a forest area during a thinning
operation. It is usually quantified in stems per hectare (Stems/ha), basal area per hectare (m2/ha) or volume per hectare
(m3/ha). A forest manager will prescribe a thinning intensity based on a number of influencing factors including the tree
species, the productivity (yield class) of the forest, the thinning cycle (the number of years between each thinning operation),
the susceptibility of the forest to windblow risk (site location, soil type etc.) and the forest management objectives. For
example, a light thinning, with a lower than normal volume being removed, may be required in areas where there is a risk of
windblow and a “little and often” approach to thinning interventions is favoured. A more intensive thinning, with a higher
than normal volume being removed, may be required if a very light demanding species of tree is being managed.
You can read more about thinning intensity in the information sheets and booklets on
thinning referenced earlier in this Module. It is important that harvester operators
working in thinning operations are fully informed of the prescribed thinning intensity
and are trained to carry out thinning operations to the required intensity.
Thinning Control refers to the monitoring and management of thinning intensity to
ensure that a prescribed thinning intensity is being followed and that the appropriate
range of trees (size and quality) is being removed. This involves taking some sample
measurements of the forest before, during and after a thinning operation. FMOs can
also use production information from their harvester control and information systems
(see Module 2) to monitor thinning intensity. Thinning control procedures also involve
an assessment of the spacing and quality of the remaining trees. Thin trees should be
distributed evenly throughout the forest and should include the poorer quality trees
(e.g. forked, damaged, diseased, very rough branching).
Thinning Demonstration Plots can help you to learn about thinning intensity and are
sometimes used by forest managers to prescribe a thinning intensity and communicate
it to a harvester operator. Thin trees are marked in one or more plots (e.g. a 20m by
20m square plot). The marked trees are then harvested, leaving a plot with the
required post-thinning state. The harvester operator can then carry out thinning operations in the remainder of the
unmarked forest, aiming to replicate the same post-thinning state, referring back to the look and “feel” of the thinning
demonstration plot whenever necessary. This is a particularly useful training aid and you should discuss it with your
Harvesting Manager Mentor and Lead Mentor during your Machine Operation Training (Module 7).
You will find more information on thinning control procedures later in this Module.
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Thinning Systems
The main types of thinning systems used are Systematic and Selective. Systematic thinning involves removing trees based on
a predetermined pattern, and is often used in the initial thinning of a stand. A typical systematic thinning would be the
removal of every fifth row (i.e. 1-in-5). Line thinnings only benefit trees directly adjacent to the lines removed. For example,
a 1-in-5 line thinning leaves 2 internal lines of trees without any thinning effect, not being released from competition in any
way. Line thinning is also indiscriminate with regard to which trees are removed. Trees are removed purely based on their
location in the forest, without any consideration about how large or small they are, how vigorous they are or how much
competition they are under from other trees. This lack of selection can impact negatively on crop yield. However, line
thinnings are rarely carried out in isolation and are usually practiced in combination with selective thinning to facilitate
harvesting machinery access into a forest at time of first thinning.
Selective thinning involves removing trees on the basis of defined criteria such as tree size, tree quality or tree position in the
forest canopy. It is common practice to mix systematic and selective systems in first thinnings. A row is removed to allow
harvesting machine access (this is generally called an extraction rack)
and poor or undesirable stems are removed from either side of the
rack. This system aims to increase growing space for the remaining
high-quality stems. This type of thinning, usually referred to as Rack
& Selection Thinning is commonly carried out by removing 1 line in 7
and selecting trees for removal from the three remaining rows either
side of the rack. The racks are then re-used for machine access in
second and subsequent thinnings.
Selective Thinning Types

Selective thinning involves selecting certain types of tree for removal as thinnings, while favouring other types of tree for
retention, allowing them to grow on with less competition. Selective thinning methods require a way of classifying the
different types of trees forming a forest stand, helping to decide which trees to choose as thinnings and which to retain in the
stand. Foresters have developed many such tree classification systems. Foresters working in the UK and Ireland often refer
to a relatively simple system of tree classification based on a tree’s development status in a forest. Seven classes of tree are
identified in terms of their competitive status (or ‘dominance class’) and / or their broad stem quality characteristics. It is
useful to know how competing forest trees are classified when discussing thinning operations and selecting which trees to
remove in a prescribed thinning. The seven tree classes are listed and described below:
Number Tree Class Description

1 Dominant The tallest trees in the stand but not necessarily the straightest.
Trees in the upper canopy but slightly below the level of the
2 Co-dominant
dominant trees.
Trees which do not hold a place in the upper layer of the canopy
3 Sub-dominant
but which still retain access to light.
Trees which have their leading shoots directly under some portion
4 Suppressed of the crown of another tree and as a consequence are denied
access to light.
Mis-shapen trees with large crowns which both outgrow and
5 Wolf
damage their neighbours.
Slender stems without stability which damage neighbouring trees
6 Whips
when they sway.
Suppressed or diseased trees that have died or are dying, including
7 Dead and dying
leaning and blown trees.
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Different types of selective thinning treatment can be defined, depending on how these different classes of trees are
favoured for thinning or retention.
 Low Thinning
Trees are removed primarily from the lower canopy, i.e. suppressed and sub-dominant trees, and from among the smaller
diameter trees. The aim of low thinning is to concentrate potential for growth onto the larger diameter trees by removing
competing smaller trees. Low thinning tends to result in relatively dense stands of evenly distributed trees, although clumps
of dominant trees can develop. Wolf trees, which are usually of relatively large diameter, are not usually removed in a strict
low thinning. Small-diameter whips will often be included in low thinnings. Normally the mean diameter of early thinnings
will be quite small compared to that of the stand before thinning – in extreme cases the mean DBH of thinnings might be
only one half that of the remaining standing trees. As the number of trees removed in a low thinning is increased, trees are
removed from among progressively larger diameter classes so that the mean DBH of thinnings gets bigger.
 Crown Thinning
Trees are removed primarily from the upper canopy, i.e. containing a mix of dominants and co-dominants, together with
some trees from other classes. The aim of a crown thinning is to give selected dominant trees freedom to grow more rapidly
by gradual removal of competing trees. Some trees may also be removed from the lower canopy if they are in the proximity
of selected dominants. The choice of the selected dominants is not fixed but judged subjectively at successive thinnings.
Poorly formed wolf trees will be identified for removal in early thinnings. Whips will be removed if they interfere with the
crowns of selected dominants. A true crown thinning regime cannot be maintained throughout the rotation of a stand of
trees because repeated crown thinnings tend to result in too few dominants remaining to select from, while smaller trees get
left in dense groups and growth becomes suppressed. As a result, later crown thinnings are often closer to intermediate
thinnings. The mean DBH of early crown thinnings will be very similar to the mean DBH of the remaining standing trees, and
sometimes greater.
 Intermediate Thinning
This involves a combination of the ideas behind low and crown thinning (hence the name intermediate). As in low thinning,
suppressed and sub-dominant trees are removed to favour the growth of the larger trees; at the same time, as in crown
thinning, the canopy is opened up and a uniform stand structure is maintained by breaking up groups of competing
dominants and co-dominant trees. Poorly formed wolf trees will be identified for removal in early thinnings. Small-diameter
whips will often be included in thinnings. The mean dbh of early thinnings will usually be somewhat smaller than that of the
remaining standing trees, but bigger than observed in low thinnings. Intermediate thinning is generally preferred among the
selective thinning types, and is the most commonly used, because a pragmatic view of thinning is taken, encouraging the
development of better trees in the stand while maintaining diameter growth and developing a fairly open and stable stand
structure.
Consequences of a Poorly Executed Thinning

Thinning operations should always improve a forest. A well-
executed thinning can have a very positive impact on the
health, productivity, quality and value of the remaining forest
crop. However, a poorly executed thinning can have a very
negative impact on the health, quality and value of the
remaining forest crop. Some examples of the negative impacts
on forest crops from poor thinning practice are outlined below.
Understanding the consequences of a poorly executed thinning
is an important start to learning how to thin a forest correctly.
 Over Thinning: Removing too many stems per hectare (or

too much volume per hectare) will reduce the remaining
growing stock to sub-optimal levels, therefore reducing the
future productive potential of the thinned forest. As
thinning interventions create gaps in the forest canopy,
reducing the support neighbouring trees provide for each other and providing entry points for wind, over thinning can
increase the risk of windblow which can result in considerable financial losses to forest owners.
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 Under Thinning: Removing too few stems per hectare (or too little volume per hectare) will reduce the positive impacts
associated with thinning. Thinning is required to reduce the level of competition between trees and under thinning can
result in excessive tree competition and sub-optimal forest growth.
 Removing the Wrong Trees: Most thinning methods focus on the removal of smaller, poorer quality trees during each
thinning intervention. While the selection and thinning of larger, higher quality trees will result in higher machine
productivity and a higher value timber yield, it will leave behind a poorer quality forest with a depleted value.
 Physical Damage to Remaining Trees:

Careless machine use will cause excessive
damage to retained trees. Heavy forwarder
types and wide machines cause butt and root
damage. Stem debarking will occur if racks
are too narrow or if the load sways due to
uneven ground conditions. Careless
operation of harvester and forwarder cranes,
with excessive contact with retained trees
will also cause stem debarking. Excessive
damage to remaining trees can result in poor
tree growth and a higher risk of crop disease.
Bark acts as a protective layer over a tree’s
living tissue, just like our skin. Any damage to
tree bark will result in timber scaring
(reducing timber quality) and the possible
entry of tree diseases (reducing the health of
the retained trees). Skilled and careful operation of forest machines during thinning operations will minimise such costly
physical damage.
 Excessive Damage to Forest Soils: Along with potential risks to water

quality (refer back to your Stage 1 learning; Module 3 - Forest
Harvesting & the Environment), soil disturbance associated with
forest harvesting operations can damage forest soils, making them
less capable of growing trees into the future. Forest machines such as
forwarders and harvesters can result is erosion (the loss of soil from
the forest site) and compaction (damage to the natural structure of
the soil). Compaction during thinning operations can lead to water
logging problems (rain water can no longer drain through the forest
soil) resulting in trees becoming less stable and more susceptible to
windblow problems. Skilled and careful operation of forest machines
and good brash management during thinning operations will minimise
such costly physical damage.
 Incorrect Application of Urea: A urea solution is used to treat stumps

during harvesting operations to prevent infection from the fungal tree
disease Heterobasidion annosum, which causes root and butt rot in
remaining trees (see the section on Forest Protection below).
Without proper application of urea at the time of harvesting, tree
stumps are left susceptible to Heterobasidion annosum infection and the development of butt rot which can result in
considerable financial losses to forest owners.
Practicing good thinning control and careful machine operation will ensure that any potential negative impacts of thinning
operations are minimised. You should discuss the many aspects of good thinning practice with your Harvesting Manager
Mentor and Lead Mentor during your Machine Operation Training (Module 7).
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Thinning Prescriptions
Before you begin a thinning operation, it is important that you understand what thinning has been prescribed. Thinnings can
be prescribed using different stand parameters. There is usually a prescribed thinning intensity, stating the stems/ha, basal
area/ha or volume/ha to be removed. Thinning intensity can differ due to different forest management objectives or
different site conditions. For example, a stand that is considered susceptible to possible windblow damage might be
prescribed a less intensive thinning than a stand that is considered to be very wind-firm. The following ways of prescribing a
thinning are most common:
A Target Stocking (Stems/ha):

For example - reduce the stocking from an estimated 2,100 Stems/ha to 1,250 Stems/ha.
A Target Basal Area (m2/ha):

For example - reduce the basal area from an estimated 45 m2/ha to 29 m2/ha.
A Target Stocking (Stems/ha) and Mean DBH (cm):

For example - reduce the stocking from an estimated 2,100 Stems/ha to 1,250 Stems/ha and increase the mean DBH by 1cm
(from 16cm to 17cm).
A Target Species Composition:

In mixed species crops, the thinning prescription may aim to remove a certain species.
For example – remove all of the Scots pine rows in the Oak / Scots pine first thinning.
For example – remove the majority of the Japanese larch in the Sitka spruce / Japanese larch first thinning, while reducing
the basal area from an estimated 45 m2/ha to 29 m2/ha.
Improved Stand Quality:

All of the thinning prescription examples noted above will also require the FMO to aim to improve the average quality of the
remaining trees in the stand after thinning. This means that the process of selecting thin trees must also take into
consideration tree quality parameters such as:
 Roughness
 Straightness
 Forking
 Damaged crowns
 Damaged stems from disease or previous harvesting damage
Thinning prescriptions should be implemented evenly across the prescribed thinning area and should be monitored using
systems of thinning control (see below).
Thinning Control - Practice

Thinning control is practiced to ensure that thinning
operations are being carried out at the prescribed
intensity and that the correct amount and type of
timber is being removed. This is done by measuring
sample plots in areas that have been harvested, to
compare actual thinning results with prescribed
requirements. A poorly monitored thinning operation
may result in over thinning or indeed under thinning,
both of which could reduce the future value of the
crop and disrupt current timber production planning.
[63]
Measuring thinning control plots is a vital part of becoming proficient at implementing thinning operations to a prescribed
standard. Even expert FMOs will measure thinning control plots to check their own work and to keep records of their
thinning operations for their employers or customers. Monitoring thinning intensity is also part of Sustainable Forest
Management and forest management certification (refer back to your Module 3 learning) as forest managers must be able to
demonstrate that forest harvesting operations are not removing more volume than a forest can sustainable produce.
Many harvesting contracts require FMOs to carry out regular thinning control checks (e.g. basal area and / or stocking plot
checks) and maintain harvested volume records (from their Harvester Production Monitoring (see Module 4)). Thinning
control monitoring records and harvested volume records must be submitted weekly and are subjected to checks by forest
managers or timber harvesting managers.
 Thinning Control Plots:

The measurement of Thinning Control Plots is the best way to monitor and control your thinning operations and compile
records to demonstrate to your supervisors or employers that you are thinning in line with prescribed thinning intensities.
You will have to measure a lot of plots when you begin to carry out thinnings in order to “get your eye in” and become used
to what a well thinned stand looks and feels like.
You can set up a thinning control plot using the

following guidelines:
• Using a 20m tape, measure the distance

between the centre of two adjacent
thinning racks and mark your plot
boundaries. For example, if the thinning
prescription is 1-line-in-7 and selection in
between the racks, and the initial tree
spacing is 2m by 2m, the width of your plot
will be 14m.
• Measure along the centre of one of the
selected racks. In this example, the plot
length is 20m.
• It is a good idea to mark each corner of your plot with a stick or other object which you can easily see.
• Your Thinning Control Plot Area is Plot Width x Plot Length = 14m x 20m = 280m2.
• Divide your Plot Area by 10,000 to give the size of your plot in hectares (there are 10,000m2 in one hectare).
• Plot Area in hectares = 280m2 / 10,000 = 0.028 ha.
You can then measure your thinning control plot using one of the following two methodologies:
Method 1 – Checking Stems/ha

• Count the number of trees remaining in the plot following the thinning operation (this is called the Stem Count).
o For example, 32 stems in a 0.028 ha plot.
• Divide the Stem Count by the Plot Area to give you your Stocking in Stems/ha.
o For example, 32/0.028 ha = 1,143 Stems/ha.
• Compare your Thinning Control Plot Stocking result with the Prescribed Stocking specified in the thinning
prescription (e.g. 1,100 Stems/ha).
o For example: Thinning Control Plot Stocking = 1,143 Stems/ha.
Prescribed Stocking = 1,100 Stems/ha.
• If your Thinning Control Plot Stocking is higher than the Prescribed Stocking, you need to increase your thinning
intensity (remove more stems).
• If your Thinning Control Plot Stocking is lower than the Prescribed Stocking, you need to reduce your thinning
intensity (remove less stems).
• Don’t forget that your thinning intensity must be evenly distributed across your plots.
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• Repeat your thinning control plot measurements at regular intervals throughout your working day, recording your
results at all times.
• The following is an example of a Thinning Control record. You will be required to keep a record similar to this as part
of your Machine Operation Training (Module 7).
This is a simple and very quick method of thinning control. However, it does not fully control thinning intensity, unlike the
Basal Area methodology outlined below. The stem count does not provide any information about the size of the remaining
trees. For example, a poorly executed thinning may have removed a lot of the larger trees, which should not have been
removed. The stem count in your thinning control plot may match the prescribed stocking but you may only have small trees
remaining, resulting in understocking of Basal area and irreversible damage to the future timber yield potential of the
remaining forest crop.
Example 2 – Checking Basal Area/ha and Mean DBH

• Measure and record the DBH of all living trees of 7cm DBH or greater in the plot following the thinning operation.
Remember to use the correct DBH measurement conventions (refer to your Module 3 learning).
• You can use a DBH tally system on a field sheet such as that shown in the example below. There is a useful spread
sheet in your training programme support material folder which helps with Basal Area/ha and Mean DBH check
plots.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 – Thinning Operations \ Thinning Control.xlsx
• Record the count of each DBH class.

o For example: DBH 11cm = 1 tree in the plot
DBH 12cm = 1 tree in the plot
DBH 13cm = 1 tree in the plot
DBH 14cm = 2 trees in the plot
DBH 15cm = 3 trees in the plot
Etc.
• Multiply each DBH class count by its Basal Area equivalent.
o For example: DBH 11cm Count = 1 DBH Class Basal Area = 1 x 0.0095 = 0.0095m2/ha
DBH 12cm Count = 1 DBH Class Basal Area = 1 x 0.0113 = 0.0113m2/ha
Etc.
• Add up each DBH Class Basal Area to get the total Plot Basal Area.
o For example, Plot Basal Area = 0.8259 m2.
[65]
• Divide the Plot Basal Area by the Plot Area to give you your Basal Area/ha.
o For example, 0.8259 m2/0.028 ha = 29.5 m2/ha.
• Compare your Thinning Control Plot Basal Area result with the Prescribed Basal Area specified in the thinning
prescription (e.g. 1,100 Stems/ha).
o For example: Thinning Control Plot Basal Area = 29.5 m2/ha.
Prescribed Basal Area = 29 m2/ha.
• If your Thinning Control Plot Basal Area is higher than the Prescribed Basal Area, you need to increase your thinning
intensity (remove more Basal Area).
• If your Thinning Control Plot Basal Area is lower than the Prescribed Basal Area, you need to reduce your thinning
intensity (remove less Basal Area).
• Don’t forget that your thinning intensity must be evenly distributed across your plots.
• You can also check the Mean DBH of your plot by multiplying each DBH class by its corresponding DBH class count
(DBH x Count); then adding up each DBH X Count and dividing by the total count of trees in the plot. Remember to
round down to the neared whole centimetre.
o For example: Mean DBH = 572/32 = 17cm.
• Note that this is the Arithmetic Mean DBH (refer back to your Module 3 learning for details on calculating Mean
DBH).
• Compare your Thinning Control Mean DBH result with the Pre-Thinning Mean DBH (this may be noted in the
thinning prescription).
o For example: Thinning Control Mean DBH = 17cm.
Pre-Thinning Mean DBH = 16cm.
• Your Thinning Control Mean DBH should be larger than the Pre-Thinning Mean DBH in most cases. For example, in
the case of a first thinning, your Thinning Control Mean DBH may increase by one or two centimetres.
[66]
Repeat your thinning control plot measurements at regular intervals throughout your working day, recording your results at
all times. The following is an example of a Thinning Control record. You will be required to keep records similar to this as
part of your Machine Operation Training (Module 7).
Your Lead Mentor may show you other useful ways to set up and measure thinning control plots during your Machine
Operation Training (Module 7). Before you begin working on a thinning site, it is important that you understand the basic
theory of how to set up and measure plots and why thinning control plots are so important in regulating and monitoring
thinning operations.
It is a good idea to get out into a forest and practice setting up and measuring plots. You could even do this is a forest which
is not part of an active timber harvesting operation. You can simulate thinning by marking the thin trees that you select (e.g.
with some tape) and then measuring the unmarked stems which represent the post-thin crop. You will learn how your thin
tree selection impacts on stand parameters such as stems/ha, basal area/ha and mean DBH.
Have a look at the thinning data on the following page. It shows an example of data for:
1. A forest crop prior to a first thinning – a pre-harvest assessment plot;

2. Thin tree data – a record of trees marked for removal or removed;
3. A forest crop following a first thinning – a thinning control plot.
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

[68]
As mentioned earlier in this Module, Thinning Demonstration Plots can help you to learn about thinning intensity and are
sometimes used by forest managers to prescribe a thinning intensity and communicate it to a harvester operator. Thin trees
are marked in one or more plots. The marked trees are then harvested, leaving a plot with the required post-thinning state.
The harvester operator can then carry out thinning operations in the remainder of the unmarked forest, aiming to replicate
the same post-thinning state, referring back to the look and “feel” of the thinning demonstration plot whenever necessary.
Timber Harvesting Managers, forest managers and forest owners may all measure thinning control plots during thinning
operations in order to verify that the appropriate timber volume is being harvested and that the remaining crop is left in the
required state.
Additional Reading
There is some additional reading provided below to increase your knowledge of thinning control and timber measurement
systems.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ UK Forestry Commission -
Thinning Control.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ Timber Measurement in
Conifer Forests - Teagasc.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 - Thinning Operations \ COFORD Timber
[69]
Thinning Operations
MODULE 6
Module 6 Thinning Operations

Unit 6.2 Thinning Practice & Assessment
Overview This module will assess your ability to thin a forest crop in accordance with a thinning
prescription and carry out thinning control operations in order to monitor your
thinning activity. You will complete this Module towards the end of your Machine
Operation Training (Module 7) with your Lead Mentor.
Learning Goals  Thinning a forest crop to a prescribed standard.

 Implement thinning control operations to demonstrate that you are thinning at
the prescribed intensity and to the prescribed standards.
Mentoring: You will have an opportunity to carry out thinning operations and
practice thinning control during your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 7.4).

You will be assessed on this module by a training programme assessor in a practical
exam on a live harvesting site.
Thinning Assessment
You will be given plenty of opportunity to practice thinning technique during your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 7.4).
To assess your knowledge of good thinning practice, you will be required to carry out a prescribed thinning operation on a
portion of a forest crop during your Lead Mentor work placement (Unit 7.4). As part of this operation you will be required to
set up and measure one or more thinning control plots. Make sure that you have studied the Thinning Control Theory
outlined in Unit 6.1 and have practiced the process of monitoring thinning intensity and thinning quality using thinning
control plots.
You can use the following Excel Worksheet saved in your training programme support material folder to help with your
thinning control plot calculations.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 6 – Thinning Operations \ Thinning Control.xlsx
[70]
Machine Operation Training
MODULE 7
Module 7 Machine Operation Training

Unit 7.1 Simulator Training
Overview The Harvester Simulator is an excellent tool to help you to develop some machine
operation skills prior to beginning your Lead Mentor work placement training period
(Unit 7.4). You will follow a series of simulator self-learning modules in Unit 7.2.
However, you will also be provided with some training sessions with a FMO training
expert who will help you to optimise your simulator skills learning experience prior to
your on-site training.
Learning Goals  Understanding the advantages and limitations of your simulator self-learning
modules.
 Get some specific training and advice on areas of harvester operation that you
are having any difficulties with during the completion of your harvester simulator
self-learning modules.
Learning Approach Training: A FMO training expert will visit you during your harvester simulator
sessions. You will be observed operating the simulator and be given some specific
training to help you to improve your skills (e.g. efficient crane movements). You will
have an opportunity to ask any questions that you might have regarding the harvester
operation simulator modules that you will be completing in Unit 6.2.

module. All sections must be signed off by you and your FMO training expert.
[71]
MODULE 7

Unit 7.2 Simulator Self-Learning
Overview The Harvester Simulator is an excellent tool to help you to develop some machine
operation skills prior to beginning your Lead Mentor work placement training period
(Unit 7.4). You will follow a series of eight simulator self-learning modules. You will
practice the skills associated with each module before completing a series of skills
tests that are designed to assess if you have reached the required standard to
progress to the next self-learning module.
Learning Goals  Learn about the basic controls within a harvester cab.
 Learn about the software systems within a harvester.
 Develop a series of basic harvester operator skills including safe and efficient
crane movement, harvester head control, felling small trees, felling big trees and
clearfelling & thinning work models.
Learning Approach Self-Learning: using the self-learning modules within the simulator Timberskills
software, along with this training manual and the associated reference material.
Assessment Trainee Log Book Record & Simulator Skills Test (Timberskills Score)
You must complete a series of skills tests that are designed to assess if you have
reached the required standard to progress to the next self-learning module.
You must also complete all sections of your Trainee & Mentor Log Book relevant to
this module. All sections must be signed off by you.
Getting Started – Your Simulator Account

When you register for Stage 2 of the Forest Machine Operator Training Programme
you will be set up with a Simulator Timberskills Account if you do not still have an
active account from your Stage 1 learning. Your Timberskills Account will allow you
log on to the simulator with the following details:
 User ID
 Password
 Organisation
You must book time on the simulator by contacting the Forestry Department at
Teagasc Ballyhaise College:
049 4338108
marianne.lyons@teagasc.ie
[72]
Your account will give you access to eight Skills Training Modules specific to harvester operations:
 C1 - Felling a Small Tree

 C2 – Sector Work Model (Thinning)
 C3 – Side Felling Work Model (Thinning)
 C4 – Intermediate Felling
 D1 – Felling a Big Tree
 D2 – Side Felling Work Model (Clearfell)
 D3 – Clearfell Harvesting
 D4 – Forward Felling Work Model (Clearfell)
You can log on to your Timberskills account remotely to read the supporting documentation associated with each skills
training module. It is recommended that you pre-read all of the supporting information associated with each Module and
Task before beginning your simulator self-learning sessions. This will make your simulator skills learning time more focused
and worthwhile.
Introduction to the Simulator Modules, Tasks and Assessments

Each of the Timberskills Modules is broken down into a series of separate tasks which you must learn how to complete to a
pre-defined standard. The following screenshot shows how Module C1 (Felling a Small Tree) is broken down into a series of
six separate tasks which will help you develop specific harvester operation skills. A description of the series of tasks is shown,
along with the associated training objectives.
As part of the completion of each Module, you must read the additional
learning material provided under “Links to material” which explains in
more detail some of the concepts that you will be learning. These links
include further reading material and, in some cases, simulated
demonstration videos.
The screenshot on the following page shows how one of the individual
Timberskills tasks (Placing the Grapple on a Tree) is presented. Before
beginning the task on the simulator, you must read all of the information
that introduces and describes the task.
[73]
Again, as part of the completion of each task, you must read the
additional learning material provided under “Links to material”
which explains in more detail some of the concepts that you will
be learning.
For each task, a “Task Target Limit” is defined. This shows you
what “score” you must achieve in your simulator task assessment
before you can sign-off on each task and begin learning the next
task in the Module series.
It is very important that you do not rush through each task with
the objective of simply passing each assessment. Take your time
to fully learn why each skill is important and make sure that you
become as fluent as possible with each task before you
undertake your assessment.
Time spent with your FMO training expert (Unit 7.1) during some of your simulator sessions will help you to improve your
skills and to put into context some of the skills that you are developing. You should keep a record of any questions that you
have thought of during your periods of self-learning and make sure that you ask your FMO training expert during your
simulator training session.
Other Important Learning Material

You should read the John Deere Introduction to Mechanised Timber Harvesting (MECHANISED TIMBER HARVESTING - GOOD
RESULTS IN A CONTROLLED MANNER). This is a very useful document that is designed to assist with FMO training in both a
simulator and “real life” environment. It will help you to understand basic models for productive, controlled and safe
working methods. The instructions have been created so that they are suitable both for virtual and real life environments for
the most common machine types and it is closely linked to the Timberskills training modules. The following sections are
relevant to Stage 2 trainees:
 Mechanised timber processing – Pages 37 to 80

 Welfare at Work – Pages 81 to 83
 The Concepts – Pages 84 to 89
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 7 – Machine Operation Training \ John Deere
Introduction to Mechanised Timber Harvesting.pdf
[74]
MODULE 7

Unit 7.3 Formal Machine Training
Overview You will have two one-day machine operation training sessions on-site with a FMO
training expert to put into context your simulator learning process and provide a
degree of formal training prior to or during your Lead Mentor work placement period
and your NPTC assessment (see Unit 7.4).
Learning Goals  Carry out pre- and post-start checks to ensure the correct operation of a
harvester.
 Learn about harvester control configuration – log specification programming
(setting up an APT file).
 Learn about harvester head check measurements & calibration procedures.
 Gain an understanding of how to select, fell, delimb and cross-cut trees safely
and efficiently.
 Understand the impact of terrain, ground conditions, seasonal changes and
prevailing weather and tree conditions on planning access routes and driving a
harvester.
 Learn about the SATMODO system and how it can track and communicate
harvester production and harvested stock information.
 Receive some specific training and advice on areas of harvester operation that
you are having any difficulties with during the completion of your harvester
simulator self-learning modules and Lead Mentor work placement period.
 Prepare for your NPTC assessment.
Learning Approach Training: You will receive one-to-one harvester training on an active forest harvesting
site with a FMO training expert.

module. All sections must be signed off by you and your FMO training expert.
Important Learning Material

You should read the John Deere 1070E & 1170E Harvester Operator Instructions and the John Deere Harvester Head
Operator Instructions. These are very detailed and very useful documents which contain a lot of information about the
operation of a modern harvester. While some of the information is specific to John Deere machinery, there is a large amount
of important information that is applicable to all modern harvesters, irrespective of manufacturer.
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 7 – Machine Operation Training \ John Deere 1070E
& 1170E Harvester Operator Instructions.pdf
FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 7 – Machine Operation Training \ John Deere
Harvester Head Operator Instructions.pdf
[75]
Preparing for NPTC Assessment
CITY & GUILDS NPTC LEVEL 2
AWARD IN FOREST MACHINE OPERATIONS
FELLING
You should read the following NPTC Qualification Guidance
document to develop a strong understanding of the type of
knowledge that you must have in relation to all aspects of
harvester operations. This document will help you to develop your knowledge
during your two days of formal machine training and during your Lead Mentor work
placement training period (Unit 6.4), prior to undertaking your NPTC assessment.

Machine Operation Training \ NPTC Qualification Guidance –
Harvester.pdf
[76]
MODULE 7

Unit 7.4 Mentor Work Placement Training Period
Overview You will spend 6 weeks with your Lead Mentor, working on one or more active timber
harvesting sites, being taught the basic skills of safe and efficient harvester operation
and gaining harvester operation experience. This is an opportunity to put much of
the knowledge and skills that you have developed during your training programme
modules to date into practice within a live harvesting operation. You will develop
your machine operation skills but also increase your level of knowledge and
understanding around all aspects of forest harvesting operations. At the end of this
period you will undertake your NPTC assessment.
Learning Goals  Carry out pre- and post-start checks to ensure the correct operation of a
harvester.
 Learn about harvester control configuration – log specification programming
(setting up an APT file).
 Learn about harvester head check measurements & calibration procedures.
 Gain an understanding of how to select, fell, delimb and cross-cut trees safely
and efficiently.
 Understand the impact of terrain, ground conditions, seasonal changes and
prevailing weather and tree conditions on planning access routes and driving a
harvester.
 Increase your practical experience of harvester maintenance and servicing.
 Gain a better understanding of forest harvesting operations planning and
management.
 Put into practice some of the Health & Safety and Environmental knowledge that
you have developed to date.
 Prepare for your NPTC assessment.
Learning Approach Mentoring: You will be working with your Mentor during a 6-week period, with an
emphasis on you gaining as much machine operation experience as possible. You
must keep a record of all work completed in your Trainee & Mentor Log Book.

[77]
NOTES
[78]

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Forest Machine Operator Training Programme

 the timber harvesting contractor sector,

• Enda Coates Waterford Institute of Technology

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CONTACT DETAILS:

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER:

DATE STARTING PROGRAMME:

LEAD MENTOR DETAILS

What you will learn

The Training Programme Modules

Lead Mentor NAME COMPANY

Machinery Workshop NAME COMPANY

Timber Harvesting Manager NAME COMPANY

Timber Procurement Manager NAME COMPANY

Trainee & Mentor Log Book

Useful Reference Information & Support

Forestry Focus http://www.forestryfocus.ie/

Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association (IFFPA) http://www.iffpa.ie/

Forest Service http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/

Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) http://www.itga.ie/

Online Forestry & Timber Directory http://www.forestry.ie/

Forest Machine Operators Blog https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595640534056707/

Forest Harvesting Machinery Suppliers e.g. http://www.deere.co.uk/en_GB/industry/forestry/forestry.page?

Assessment Trainee & Mentor Log Book Record

Stage 1 Learning Review

FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 1 –

Komatsu Ergonomics Web Pages

UK Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Information Leaflet – Mechanical Harvesting

UK Forest Industry Safety Accord Website

FMO Training Programme - Stage 2 Material \ Module 1 – Safety \

Preparing for NPTC Assessment – Health & Safety Knowledge

Harvesting Site Monitoring Form – Safety Related Checks

Q.3. Is appropriate chainsaw equipment in use and adequate (breaking bar,

Q.5. Is the full content of the Harvesting Site Pack available?

Q.10 Is the Forest Works Manager’s Site Safety Rules on site?

Module 2 Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester)

Assessment QQI Assessment: Level 6 - (Part of QQI 6N4328)

Basic Principles of Harvester Heads

FMO Training Programme - Stage 2

Clearfell Operation – Good view of harvester head in operation

Innovawood Harvesthead – European Training Module for Harvester Head Technology

Harvester and Harvester Head Specifications

Ponsse Harvester & Harvester Head Range

Komatsu Harvester & Harvester Head Range

Harvester Control and Information Systems

Ponsse Harvester Control & Information Systems

Komatsu Harvester Control & Information Systems

Harvester Head Measurement Systems

Innovawood Harvesthead – European Training Module for Harvester Head Technology

Introduction to Harvester Head Check Measurements and Calibration

Harvester Calibration Demonstration – Haglof (Sweeden)

FMO Training Programme - Stage 2

Module 2 Forest Machine Knowledge (Harvester)

Assessment Trainee & Mentor Log Book Record

Example of a Typical Harvester Maintenance Schedule:

EVERY 500 HOURS

Module 3 Forest Management

Assessment QQI Assessment: Level 6 - (Part of QQI 6N4328)

Basic Principles of Silviculture and Forest Management in Ireland

Understanding Forest Yield

If you are interested in learning more about Irish Dynamic

COFORD Website - Information on GROWFOR Forest Planning Models

An Introduction to Some Important Forest Crop Parameters

 Stocking (Number of trees)

Is my Conifer Forest Ready for Thinning? – Teagasc