Feller Buncher Operating Tips

Logging has long been considered one of the most dangerous industries to work in. By some accounts, the fatality rate for workers in the logging industry is 30 times higher than the average! This is due to many factors, including the risks inherent in using heavy equipment on uneven ground, severe weather conditions, and the difficulty of getting injured loggers to where they can receive medical treatment. The use of modern equipment like feller bunchers has helped to reduce these risks to a degree. However, improperly used equipment poses its own risks. That’s why the experts at Texas Timberjack have created this guide to operating a feller buncher.

First Steps

Anyone operating a feller buncher must be fully certified and have read the operator’s manual. It’s also important that the operator wear all relevant safety gear. That includes a hard hat, eye/ear protection, safety boots, and durable work gloves.

Staying Safe on Slopes

Wheeled feller bunchers can only handle inclines with slopes below 25%. Tracked feller bunchers can be used on slopes of up to 40%, and tracked models with self-leveling cabs can handle up to 50%. However, working on a slope is always risky, so be careful.

Working in Different Soil Conditions

Soil conditions are another thing to consider. Tracked feller bunchers are generally better for wet ground because they have lower ground pressure. If you have a wheeled model and you’re worried about how you’ll handle wet ground, consider upgrading to dual or high-flotation tires.

Handling Trees of Different Sizes

Feller bunchers can be equipped with a variety of different cutting heads to better handle trees of different diameters. Using the wrong cutting head isn’t just less efficient, it’s also potentially dangerous. Don’t be afraid to switch cutting heads if necessary.

Staying on Top of Maintenance

A feller buncher that’s ready to fall apart isn’t safe to use. By maintaining your feller buncher, you can help it to perform both safer and better. Your owner’s manual should have some advice on how to best take care of your feller buncher. Basic routine maintenance tasks like lubricating the grease points, clearing debris, and checking the track tension or tire pressure will really make a difference.

Shop feller bunchers at Texas Timberjack. We have dealerships in Lufkin, Cleveland, Jasper, and Longview, Texas. We also offer equipment rentals, parts, servicing, test drives, financing, and promotions. We’re proud to serve communities like Nacogdoches and Jacksonville, Texas.