Description
Operate cable or grapple skidders to drag felled trees and logs from stump to landing, deck wood, and support trail and landing maintenance. Perform pre-operation inspections, basic maintenance, and follow safe, environmentally responsible skidding practices.
- • Inspect skidder, winch or grapple, cables, and safety systems before use; perform basic service and lubrication.
- • Operate grapple or cable skidders to skid logs from felling sites to landings.
- • Attach chokers or position grapple to secure turns; set, tension, and release winch lines safely.
- • Deck, bunch, or position logs at landings for processing and loading.
- • Select routes and operate on steep or rough terrain to minimize soil disturbance and damage to residual trees.
- • Build, maintain, or repair skid trails and landings using blades or attachments as directed.
- • Coordinate with felling and loading crews via radio or hand signals to manage traffic and turns.
- • Recover stuck logs or equipment using the skidder winch and proper rigging practices.
- • Complete daily equipment inspections, production records, and load count reports.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
