Logger

A Skidder Operator

What is a Skidder?
 * A machine that has a grapple on the back of it to hook to one end of logs and drag them.
 * Can be driven by large rubber tires or metal tracks.
 * For off road use only
 * Used when semi trucks are unable to reach the logs out in the woods or swamps.

What does a skidder operator do?
 * Assess and appraise logs for their type and value.
 * Check logs for any defects and separate them by size
 * Haul logs to the deck for final loading onto a semi.

Why are skidders important?
 * Without the skidder, a logging operation would take a very long time if it as even possible.
 * Some times the terrain is so rough that a truck or smaller machine wouldn’t even be able to get to the logs, but the four wheel drive machines will usually have no problem.

Interesting facts
 * Skidder tires are three times the size of a semi tire which is about four times the size of an average pick up truck tire.
 * The first John Deere skidder was built in 1965 after hearing loggers give suggestions about a machine that would be perfect for the job.
 * Depending on the size a skidder can weigh between 15 and 30 thousand pounds.

About the job
 * A high school education is usually enough to get the job although you have a better chance if you have taken logging courses in college.
 * A starting salary as a skidder is about twelve dollars per hour. Average is about 18-20 and high salary is about 35 dollars per hour.
 * Their aren’t a lot of jobs available because this is a job you get by seniority however loggers are always retiring and you can move up on the list to be a skidder or other heavy equipment operator after working for a company for about five years.

Interesting facts continued.
 * A skidder can usually haul twice its weight
 * PICTURES