Course in Forestry Vehicles: Skidders and Skidding
Online 300 h course in forestry vehicles: skidders and skidding. 6 modules covering ISO 11850 (self-propelled forestry machinery: safety requirements), ISO 19472 (forestry machinery: winches) and QGIS. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Compare timber extraction systems and their machines.
Describe the skidder, its winch and its equipment.
Apply safe and efficient skidding techniques.
Minimise impacts on soil and water during extraction.
Identify the risks of overturning and cable breakage.
Estimate extraction costs and yields for skidding.
Organise a timber harvesting project using a skidder.
Who it's for
- Timber extraction technician wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Skidders and Skidding.
- Forestry engineering technician wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Skidders and Skidding.
- Harvesting supervisor wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Skidders and Skidding.
- Forestry work prevention manager wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Skidders and Skidding.
- Forestry company manager wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Skidders and Skidding.
- Skid trail restoration technician wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Skidders and Skidding.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter forestry harvesting.
What you'll work with
- ISO 11850 (self-propelled forestry machinery: safety requirements)
- ISO 19472 (forestry machinery: winches)
- ISO 8082-1 (ROPS structures on forestry machinery)
- ISO 6814 (forestry machinery: terminology)
- Forestry Act 43/2003 (Ley de Montes)
- Royal Decree 1215/1997 (work equipment)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Extraction systems: skidding, forwarding and cable1.2Cable and grapple skidders1.3Adapted forestry tractor and its equipment1.4Forestry winches: types and capacities1.5Cable-yarding systems and towers1.6Terrain and slope as selection criteria1.7Skidding distance and productivity1.8Damage to soil and residual trees1.9Comparison of systems by cost and impact1.10Workshop: choosing the extraction system for a stand
2.1Articulated chassis and traction2.2Forestry tyres, chains and bogies2.3Vehicle and underbody protection2.4Cab, visibility and protection against falling objects2.5Grapple, clamp and skidding arch2.6Winch: cable, strops and accessories2.7Loader crane and its reach2.8Hydraulic system and controls2.9Working lights2.10Practice: equipment inspection of a machine
3.1Skidding network planning3.2Layout of extraction tracks and loading points3.3Load formation and number of stems3.4Hitching and strapping of the load3.5Skidding uphill and downhill3.6Remote use of the winch3.7Turning and passing through sensitive areas3.8Unloading and stacking at the landing3.9Product sorting at the landing3.10Practice: complete skidding cycle
4.1Compaction and damage to forest soil4.2Use of brash as track protection4.3Crossing watercourses and water protection4.4Periods of greatest soil fragility4.5Erosion prevention on extraction tracks4.6Track restoration after harvesting4.7Protection of residual trees4.8Waste and fuels in the forest4.9Impact indicators and their monitoring4.10Practice: low-impact extraction plan
5.1Main risks: overturning, cable breakage and impacts5.2Danger zone of the cable and skidding5.3Inspection of cables and accessories5.4Working with hung-up or tensioned trees5.5Working on slopes and safety limits5.6Communication between operator and ground personnel5.7Lone working and communications in the forest5.8First aid and evacuation from the forest5.9Incident investigation5.10Practice: safe working procedure
6.1Hourly cost of the extraction machine6.2Yield per cubic metre and per distance6.3Factors reducing productivity6.4Cost per cubic metre extracted6.5Work site organisation and coordination with felling6.6Landing and transport logistics6.7Operator training and qualification6.8Harvesting indicators6.9Common errors in mechanised extraction6.10Final project: complete extraction plan for a stand
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, advanced Excel, Google Earth Pro, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for skidding studies on slopes, erosion assessment on extraction tracks, and cable and winch inspection. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Compare timber extraction systems and their machines.
Describe the skidder, its winch and its equipment.
Apply safe and efficient skidding techniques.
Minimise impacts on soil and water during extraction.
Identify the risks of overturning and cable breakage.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You work with QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, advanced Excel, Google Earth Pro. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative final project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Ethics in Military Energy Autonomy
Online 300-hour course in ethics in military energy autonomy. 6 modules covering ISO 50001:2018 (energy management), Directive (EU) 2023/1791 (energy efficiency) and HOMER Pro. Assigned tutor…
Railway Insurance Expert Assessment Course
Online 300-hour course in railway insurance expert assessment. 6 modules covering COTIF 1999 (CIV and CIM Uniform Rules), Regulation (EU) 2021/782 (rail passengers' rights) and AutoCAD.…
Course on Energy Transition and Nuclear Policy
Online course of 300 h in Energy Transition and Nuclear Policy. 6 modules covering Paris Agreement (2015), Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (taxonomy of sustainable activities) and LEAP…
More in Nuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies
All Nuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships