The Game of Logging Training

Chainsaw Safety Training

Level 1 focuses on introducing the participant to open face felling and the development of techniques to safely use it.  Topics covered include personal protective equipment, chainsaw safety features, chainsaw reactive forces, bore cutting, pre-planning the fell, and understanding hinge wood strength.

Level 2 focuses on maximizing chainsaw performance through basic maintenance, carburetor setting, and filing techniques.  Limbing and bucking techniques are introduced, spring pole cutting is covered and more felling is practiced.

Level 3 focuses on techniques for handling difficult trees.  Topics covered include limbing, height measurement, segment calculations, wedging techniques and hinge placement.  The felling is done against the tree's natural lean and participants also limb and buck using techniques demonstrated in level II.

Level 4 focuses on ways to maximize a harvest plan for safety and productivity.  Felling is practiced at working speed using all the techniques from previous levels.  This level is geared to the user group.

Storm Damage Training

Game of Logging provides specialized training that addressed the unique hazards inherent in storm damaged settings.  This training is meant to provide saw users the information and techniques demanded by this dangerous environment and the forces and pressures of wind felled trees.

Demonstration & Hands-On Techniques: Participants will be exposed to and have the opportunity to perform many of the following techniques during the day:

  • Limb-Loc
  • Top-Loc
  • Tongue & Groove
  • Axle Cut
  • Axle Loc
  • Notch Bucking & Directional Notch Bucking (Controlled Release Cut)
  • Roll Away Cut
  • Buck with Wedge
  • Flagging Hazards
  • Tab Cut
  • Oversized Log Buck
  • Dirty Log Bucking
  • Using ropes and mechanical advantage techniques

Demonstration Only by GOL Trainer: Participants will be exposed to these techniques, but will not necessarily perform them during training day:

  • Scissor-Cut - Show using wedge and if applicable rope and come-along option.
  • The release of extreme springpole tension.
  • "Pole in a Hole"

Five Point Plan for Storm Damaged Trees:

  1. OVERHEAD HAZARDS!!
  2. Hazards on the ground
  3. Assess lean weight and pressure
  4. Cutting technique or cut plan
  5. Escape route

STANDARD SAFETY VIOLATIONS WILL BE ENFORCED ALL DAY - 10 PTS.  STUDENTS WILL BE SCORED ON A REFINED BORING STATION.

Forwarder & Skidder Training

Forwarder/Skidder operators work in conjunction with chainsaw operators, in this one day training program, to pre-plan efficient, economical and safe as well as environmentally sound methods of tree removal.  This training covers maintenance, pre-planning, security and the challenges of working with others, communication, a flagging system (felling direction & trails), pattern felling technique, skid trail placement, stream crossings, landing and site consideration, methods of skidding, and sound management practices.

The use of pre-planning, job layout and organization will lead to a safe, quality and profitable method of tree removal.

Topics Covered:

  1. Personal Protective Equipment
  2. Operator Pre-check
  3. Pre-planning skid trails / job layout
  4. Operator skill & technique
  5. Calculating skidding costs

Site Requirements:

  1. Harvesting site with a section to be harvested.
  2. Forwarder/Skidder
  3. Map

ATV & Gentle Logging Training

This training program is for woodland owners and workers who want to extract trees from their property safely and without the use of expensive professional logging equipment.  With the use of an ATV, small tractor, pug, or something that can pull a tree behind, the wood can be pulled out in a low impact manner, with little or no residual damage to the property.  The program focuses on choosing the right equipment and using it safely.  Those taking the program will be instructed in proper chainsaw handling, learning to fell trees safely, with the option of removing the wood with their own equipment at their own pace.  Game of Logging instructors will demonstrate the use of the equipment, how to set up an ATV for working in their woodlot with safety as top priority.

Using the tools and the techniques offered in this program, woodland owners and workers will have the confidence and knowledge to safely and comfortably work in the woods.  ATV/Gentle logging training is offered as an added day with the landowner chainsaw training program.

Clearing Saw Training

This training program focuses on personal protective gear, clearing saw maintenance and proper technique for clearing saw use.