Top 10 Questions for Machine Feller Interview

1. What are the different types of felling machines and their applications?

• Single-grip harvesters: These are used for delimbing and cutting trees in one pass. They are typically used in areas with steep slopes or dense vegetation.
• Dual-grip harvesters: These are used for felling and delimbing trees in two separate passes. They are typically used in areas with moderate slopes or clear-cut areas.
• Processor feller bunchers: These are used for felling, delimbing, and bucking trees in a single pass. They are typically used in areas with high production requirements.
• Tractors: Tractors are used to skid logs to a landing area. They can also be used to pull stumps and other debris.
• Forwarders: Forwarders are used to transport logs from a landing area to a mill or other destination.

2. What are the safety precautions that must be taken when operating a felling machine?

Personal protective equipment

• Hard hat
• Safety glasses
• Ear protection
• Gloves
• Boots with steel toes

Machine operation

• Inspect the machine before each use and report any damage or defects to a supervisor.
• Operate the machine only from the designated operating position.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from other people and objects.
• Never leave the machine running unattended.
• Shut off the engine and remove the key before performing any maintenance or repairs.
• Follow all safety instructions and procedures posted on the machine or in the operator’s manual.

3. What are the different types of felling heads and their advantages and disadvantages?

• Shear felling heads: These are used to cut trees by shearing through the stem. They are typically used in areas with high production requirements.
• Saw felling heads: These are used to cut trees by sawing through the stem. They are typically used in areas with moderate production requirements.
• Disc felling heads: These are used to cut trees by throwing a disc at the stem. They are typically used in areas with high production requirements.
• Advantages of shear felling heads: High production rates, low maintenance costs, can handle large trees.
• Disadvantages of shear felling heads: Can damage the wood fiber, not suitable for all tree species.
• Advantages of saw felling heads: Clean cuts, less damage to the wood fiber, can handle all tree species.
• Disadvantages of saw felling heads: Lower production rates, higher maintenance costs, not suitable for large trees.
• Advantages of disc felling heads: High production rates, can handle large trees, clean cuts.
• Disadvantages of disc felling heads: High maintenance costs, can be dangerous to operate.

4. What are the different factors that affect the productivity of a felling machine?

• Tree size and species
• Terrain conditions
• Weather conditions
• Machine operator experience
• Machine maintenance

5. What are the different types of felling patterns and when are they used?

• Clear-cutting: This is the most common felling pattern. It involves removing all of the trees from an area.
• Selective cutting: This involves removing only certain trees from an area. It is typically used to improve the health of a forest or to create a desired habitat for wildlife.
• Coppice cutting: This involves cutting trees close to the ground to encourage the growth of new shoots. It is typically used to produce firewood or other small wood products.
• Thinning: This involves removing some of the trees from an area to improve the growth of the remaining trees. It is typically used to increase the yield of timber or to improve the health of a forest.

6. What are the different types of forest management practices and how do they affect felling operations?

• Even-aged management: This involves managing a forest as a single unit. All of the trees in an even-aged forest are the same age.
• Uneven-aged management: This involves managing a forest as a collection of individual trees. Trees in an uneven-aged forest are of different ages.
• Sustainable forest management: This involves managing a forest to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Forest management practices can affect felling operations by determining the size, species, and density of the trees in a forest.

7. What are the different types of environmental regulations that apply to felling operations?

• The Clean Water Act
• The Clean Air Act
• The Endangered Species Act
• The National Forest Management Act
• The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act
• These regulations can affect felling operations by restricting the use of certain chemicals, requiring the use of certain equipment, and limiting the amount of timber that can be harvested.

8. What are the different types of equipment that can be used to assist with felling operations?

• Skidders
• Forwarders
• Grapples
• Log loaders
• Chippers
• This equipment can help to improve the efficiency and safety of felling operations.

9. What are the different types of training that are required for felling machine operators?

• Safety training
• Machine operation training
• Environmental awareness training
• First aid training
• This training can help to ensure that felling machine operators are qualified to operate their machines safely and efficiently.

10. What are the different types of career opportunities that are available for felling machine operators?

• Logger
• Forester
• Timber buyer
• Timber scaler
• Log truck driver
• Heavy equipment operator

1. Research the Company and Position

Take the time to learn about the company you are applying to, including their values, mission, and safety record. Research the specific requirements of the Machine Feller position, such as required certifications and experience.

2. Practice Your Answers to Common Interview Questions

There are a number of common interview questions that you are likely to be asked, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why are you interested in this position?”. Practice answering these questions in a clear and concise manner that highlights your skills and experience.

3. Highlight Your Safety and Environmental Awareness

Safety is paramount in the logging industry. Emphasize your commitment to safety by describing your experience with safety regulations and protocols. Additionally, discuss your understanding of environmental regulations and your commitment to sustainable logging practices.

4. Demonstrate Your Technical Skills

Machine Fellars must have a strong understanding of heavy machinery operation and maintenance. In your interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with different types of logging equipment and your ability to troubleshoot and repair common problems.

5. Show Your Teamwork and Communication Skills

Machine Fellars often work as part of a team. Highlight your teamwork and communication skills by providing examples of how you have successfully worked with others to achieve common goals.

6. Dress Professionally and Arrive on Time

First impressions matter. Dress professionally for your interview and arrive on time. This shows that you are serious about the position and respectful of the interviewer’s time.