Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Logging Equipment Operator
What logging equipment operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Drive to the logging site. From there, the day usually includes operate feller bunchers and harvesters, run skidders and forwarders, and delimb and buck logs. Days start early and can be long; weather and ground conditions affect work.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a logging equipment operator working full time.
- Drive to the logging site.
- Grease and inspect the feller buncher.
- Fell trees in the marked harvest unit.
- Swap to the skidder and move bunches to the landing.
- Lunch in the cab.
- Load a log truck at the landing.
- Fuel and secure equipment.
Where logging equipment operators work
Operators work outdoors in forests, often in remote areas, mostly in equipment cabs, in all weather.
Hours and schedule
Days start early and can be long; weather and ground conditions affect work.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Operate feller bunchers and harvesters
- Run skidders and forwarders
- Delimb and buck logs
- Load log trucks
- Follow harvest plans and boundaries
- Maintain and repair equipment
- Follow environmental best practices
Tools you’ll use every day
- Feller bunchers
- Skidders
- Harvesters and forwarders
- Knuckleboom loaders
- Chainsaws
- GPS and harvest maps
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Run powerful machines
- Work in the woods
- Learn on the job
- Independent work
What’s hard
- Hazardous industry
- Remote locations
- Early starts and long days
- Employment projected to decline
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love working in the woods
- I like running big machines
- I don’t mind early mornings
- I’m safety-minded
- I like independent work
- I’m comfortable in remote areas
Not sure? Take the free Logging Equipment Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Stay clear of falling trees and swing radius
- Use machines with operator protection
- Carry first aid and communication in remote areas
- Follow lockout before repairs