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Forestry Vehicles Course: Forwarders

Online 300-hour course in forestry vehicles: forwarders. 6 modules covering ISO 11850 (self-propelled forestry machinery: safety requirements), ISO 8084 (operator protective structures on forestry machinery) and Ponsse Opti. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the forwarder and its main components.

02

Calculate extraction productivity according to distance and load.

03

Apply correct techniques for loading, transporting and stacking timber.

04

Protect soil and watercourses through good practices.

05

Apply preventive safety and maintenance measures.

06

Plan the extraction track network with GIS support.

07

Organise costs and resources in a timber extraction project.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Forest harvesting technician wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Forwarders.
  • Extraction planner wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Forwarders.
  • Forest mechanisation crew leader wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Forwarders.
  • Forest certification technician wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Forwarders.
  • Forestry machinery manager wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Forwarders.
  • Forestry engineer wishing to specialise in Forestry Vehicles: Forwarders.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter forest harvesting.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 11850 (self-propelled forestry machinery: safety requirements)
  • ISO 8084 (operator protective structures on forestry machinery)
  • ISO 8082-1 (ROPS structures on forestry machinery)
  • Spanish Forestry Law 43/2003
  • Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework)
  • PEFC and FSC forest certification
  • Directive 2002/44/EC (exposure to vibration)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Role of the forwarder in the short-wood system
  2. 1.2Ranges by load capacity
  3. 1.3Articulated chassis, bogies and number of axles
  4. 1.4Loading bed: width, bunks and volume
  5. 1.5Loader crane: reach, torque and grapple
  6. 1.6Rotating cab and ergonomics
  7. 1.7Tyres, tracks and soil protection
  8. 1.8Traction, locking and slope capability
  9. 1.9Reading the manufacturer's technical data sheet
  10. 1.10Workshop: selecting a forwarder for a stand
  1. 2.1Nominal and actual load capacity
  2. 2.2Volume per trip by product
  3. 2.3Extraction distance and its effect on output
  4. 2.4Loading, travel and unloading times
  5. 2.5Productivity per cubic metre and per hour
  6. 2.6Stand factors affecting output
  7. 2.7Product classification and mixed trips
  8. 2.8Matching with the processor
  9. 2.9Comparison with skidding systems
  10. 2.10Practice: productivity calculation and sizing
  1. 3.1Planning extraction tracks
  2. 3.2Loaded route and pick-up order
  3. 3.3Crane use: economy of movement
  4. 3.4Load formation and stability
  5. 3.5Load securing and protection
  6. 3.6Loaded driving on slopes
  7. 3.7Crossing soft ground and protection with brush
  8. 3.8Unloading and stacking at the landing
  9. 3.9Landing organisation by product
  10. 3.10Practice: complete extraction cycle
  1. 4.1Ground pressure and compaction
  2. 4.2Use of tracks and bogies to reduce impact
  3. 4.3Permanent tracks and controlled traffic
  4. 4.4Stream crossings and water protection
  5. 4.5Periods of greatest ground fragility
  6. 4.6Erosion prevention on tracks
  7. 4.7Track restoration after harvesting
  8. 4.8Protection of residual trees
  9. 4.9Indicators of soil impact
  10. 4.10Practice: low-impact extraction plan
  1. 5.1Main risks: overturning, falling stems and impacts
  2. 5.2Crane danger zone
  3. 5.3Working on slopes and limits
  4. 5.4Night work and lighting
  5. 5.5Communications and lone working
  6. 5.6Daily maintenance of the machine and crane
  7. 5.7Tracks, tyres and wear parts
  8. 5.8Hydraulic system and leaks
  9. 5.9Early fault detection
  10. 5.10Practice: risk assessment and daily inspection
  1. 6.1Hourly cost of the forwarder
  2. 6.2Cost per cubic metre extracted
  3. 6.3Effect of distance on unit cost
  4. 6.4Fuel consumption and efficient driving
  5. 6.5Work site organisation and coordination with felling
  6. 6.6Landing and truck logistics
  7. 6.7Operator training and qualification
  8. 6.8Harvesting indicators
  9. 6.9Common errors in forwarder extraction
  10. 6.10Final project: complete extraction plan for a stand
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ponsse Opti, QGIS, Komatsu MaxiFleet, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied based on real procedures for timber extraction time studies, compaction and rut assessment, and extraction track planning. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentorship:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Hourly cost of the forwarder

Describe the forwarder and its main components.

Cost per cubic metre extracted

Calculate extraction productivity according to distance and load.

Effect of distance on unit cost

Apply correct techniques for loading, transporting and stacking timber.

Fuel consumption and efficient driving

Protect soil and watercourses through good practices.

Work site organisation and coordination with felling

Apply preventive safety and maintenance measures.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Forest harvesting technicianExtraction plannerForest mechanisation crew leaderForest certification technicianForestry machinery managerForestry engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • 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.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.

Work is carried out with Ponsse Opti, QGIS, Komatsu MaxiFleet and advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry title.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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