Forestry Machinery Operation Course
Online 300-hour course in forestry machinery operation. 6 modules covering EN ISO 11850 (self-propelled forestry machinery, safety), ISO 8082-1 (roll-over protective structures on forestry machinery) and Ponsse Opti. 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
Describe the mechanised forestry work process and its machines.
Identify the components of the harvester and how the processing head works.
Apply efficient felling, delimbing and cross-cutting techniques.
Apply the safety measures specific to forestry work.
Calculate production, costs and the quality of the products obtained.
Minimise environmental impact in line with certification schemes.
Plan a mechanised forest harvest as a final project.
Who it's for
- Harvester operator wishing to specialise in Forestry Machinery Operation.
- Forwarder operator wishing to specialise in Forestry Machinery Operation.
- Harvesting crew leader wishing to specialise in Forestry Machinery Operation.
- Forestry production technician wishing to specialise in Forestry Machinery Operation.
- Forestry prevention technician wishing to specialise in Forestry Machinery Operation.
- Chain of custody certification manager wishing to specialise in Forestry Machinery Operation.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter forestry harvesting.
What you'll work with
- EN ISO 11850 (self-propelled forestry machinery, safety)
- ISO 8082-1 (roll-over protective structures on forestry machinery)
- ISO 8083 (falling object protective structures on forestry machinery)
- ISO 8084 (operator protective structures on forestry machinery)
- StanForD 2010 (forestry machinery data standard)
- FSC forest management standard
- PEFC ST 1003 (sustainable forest management)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Types of harvesting: thinning, final felling and treatments1.2Machines: harvester, forwarder, forestry tractor and chipper1.3Skidding equipment, cable systems and towers1.4Forest terrain: slope, soil and access1.5Species, dimensions and stand density1.6Harvest planning and specifications1.7Output by work system1.8Value chain from forest to customer1.9Harvest documentation and permits1.10Workshop: choosing the work system for a stand
2.1Harvester components and their function2.2Processing head: feeding, delimbing and cutting2.3Measurement system and calibration2.4Product programming and bucking optimisation2.5Crane, reach and stability2.6Daily maintenance of the processing head2.7Chains, bars and sharpening2.8Hydraulic system and its control2.9Operator interface and production records2.10Practice: product configuration and calibration
3.1Work sequence and organisation of the worksite3.2Tree selection and protection of retained trees3.3Felling direction and crown management3.4Stacking and sorting by product3.5Forwarder: loading, transport and unloading3.6Working on slopes and safety limits3.7Soil protection: slash mats and skid trails3.8Night work and lighting3.9Coordination between machines on site3.10Practice: work plan for a forestry worksite
4.1Main risks of mechanised work4.2Cab, guards and safety glazing4.3Safety distances and exclusion zone4.4Working with hung-up or unstable trees4.5Fire risk and measures in high-danger periods4.6Lone working and communications4.7First aid and evacuation from the forest4.8Personal protective equipment4.9Incident investigation4.10Practice: safe working procedure
5.1Hourly cost of forestry machinery5.2Output per cubic metre and per hectare5.3Factors that reduce production5.4Timber measurement and volume calculation5.5Cutting quality and customer penalties5.6Production control and work reports5.7Extraction and transport logistics to the mill5.8Residue and biomass management5.9Harvesting indicators5.10Practice: cost and production calculation for a worksite
6.1Forestry regulations and harvesting conditions6.2Protection of watercourses, soils and habitats6.3Wildlife restriction periods6.4Sustainable forest management certification6.5Timber traceability and chain of custody6.6Track restoration and worksite closure6.7Relations with owners and the administration6.8Common errors in forestry operations6.9Operator training and qualification6.10Final project: complete mechanised harvesting plan
How you'll learn
Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ponsse Opti, John Deere TimberMatic, QGIS, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real practice procedures with a harvester simulator, quality control of cross-cutting and volume measurement, and assessment of impact on forest soil. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the mechanised forestry work process and its machines.
Identify the components of the harvester and how the processing head works.
Apply efficient felling, delimbing and cross-cutting techniques.
Apply the safety measures specific to forestry work.
Calculate production, costs and the quality of the products obtained.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- A sufficient level of 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 comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Ponsse Opti, John Deere TimberMatic, QGIS and advanced Excel. 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 integrating 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-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Curso de Normativas en infraestructura crítica nuclear
300-hour online course in Nuclear Critical Infrastructure Regulations. 4 modules with IAEA safety standards (IAEA SSR-2/1), WENRA Reference Levels and MCNP. Assigned tutor and open enrollment.
Ethics in Predictive AI Applied to Security Course
Online 300-hour course in ethics in predictive AI applied to security. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (Artificial Intelligence Act), Directive (EU) 2016/680 (data protection in…
Risers and Umbilicals Engineering Course
Online 300-hour course in risers and umbilicals engineering. 6 modules with DNV-ST-F201 Riser Systems, API Spec 17J Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe and OrcaFlex. Assigned tutor…
More in Regulation, Safety, RAMS & Homologation
All Regulation, Safety, RAMS & Homologation programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships