CERTIFICATION AR-MACHINE 2470525 - Caterpillar

Tree Butts Toward Trail
Trees should be felled with butts facing the trail and at a convenient angle for pickup. Note the "herringbone" pattern of felling in areas 5 and 6.Start at Back
It is usually best to skid from the back of the road or trail. Pick up loads from rear areas first in a pattern similar to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 sequence. This way, you can see how the logs are lying and also plan your moves as you approach.Pick up poorly placed trees and drop them onto the side of the trail for pickup and skidding at a better time. For example, return trips to areas 1 or 2 would be convenient times to position trees from area 3 on or near the trail. Then, you can pick them up with loads from area 4 or 5.Get Full Loads
Always work toward a full grapple payload, and always work toward the landing. It pays! Side Hills-Carry on the Uphill Side
When travelling on side hills, always swing the load to the uphill side to improve stability. Use swing boom to keep the load uphill because the logs will tend to push the skidder downhill. Always be aware of the location of the load. Allow Clearance
Do not swing logs close to the skidder. There must be clearance between log butts and the rear of the skidder when swinging. Stuck?
You can use the swing boom and your load to get yourself unstuck.A. Pull the load up close to the skidder, then lower the boom and load to the ground.B. Extending the booms fully will push the skidder forward.C. Now, brake the skidder and raise the boom and pull the load forward.D. Lower the boom, and repeat A, B, and C until you get traction again. Bunching
Move Poorly Felled Trees
Always work toward a full load. Pick up poorly placed logs and skid them onto trails for later pickup with a full load. Pre-bunching (with Smaller Logs)
1. Pre-bunch with your ESCO grapple for faster skidding. Pick up the first log 1 and move it across the middle to log 2. Drop it. 2. Reach over to log 3 and move it over across logs 1 and 2 as shown. 3. Continue until you have a full load, then head for the landing area. Move Load and Machine Together
Lift your load and start skidder forward at the same time for a smooth, time saving skid. Carry logs low to ground and close to the butt plate.
Boom must be in fully UP position when yarding or damage may result to tong cylinders, snubber or boom.
Combining 2 Loads when Possible
To get full loads, combine two small loads. Cross one load on top of another near the butts. Pickup the combined load at the "X" formed by the logs. Otherwise, the logs may spread too wide for the tong opening. Decking
While skidding your logs, plan ahead about how and where you will put the load.Decks should be far enough apart so skidder does not interfere with