Launching a New Logging Operation Lessons from the Field

[MikePhua]

Starting a Logging Show from Scratch
Establishing a new logging operation—often referred to as a “logging show”—requires more than just equipment and permits. It demands a strategic blend of terrain analysis, crew coordination, machine selection, and logistical foresight. Whether the goal is thinning, clear-cutting, or selective harvesting, the first few weeks set the tone for productivity and safety.
A typical startup involves:

• Securing timber contracts or landowner agreements
  
• Surveying the tract for slope, soil type, and access
  
• Mobilizing equipment including feller bunchers, skidders, loaders, and processors
  
• Building haul roads and landing areas
  
• Coordinating with mills for delivery schedules and log specs
  

In the Pacific Northwest, a crew launching a new show on steep ground had to install cable logging systems and build switchback roads before the first tree was felled. Their preparation paid off—production exceeded 80 loads per week within the first month.
Equipment Selection and Deployment
Choosing the right machines depends on terrain, timber type, and harvest method. For tracked operations in mountainous regions, common choices include:

• Tracked feller bunchers for precision cutting
  
• Grapple skidders for fast log extraction
  
• Processor heads mounted on excavators for on-site bucking
  
• Forwarders for minimal ground disturbance in sensitive zones
  

Terminology Annotation:

• Landing: A cleared area where logs are sorted and loaded onto trucks.
  
• Processor Head: A hydraulic attachment that delimbs, measures, and cuts logs to length.
  
• Grapple Skidder: A machine that drags logs using a hydraulic claw.
  

Deploying equipment in phases helps manage fuel, maintenance, and operator fatigue. Staggering start times for machines also reduces congestion at the landing and improves flow.
Crew Coordination and Safety Culture
A successful logging show depends on a well-trained crew with clear communication protocols. Roles typically include:

• Feller buncher operator
  
• Skidder operator
  
• Processor operator
  
• Loader operator
  
• Truck drivers
  
• Foreman or site supervisor
  

Daily tailgate meetings cover:

• Weather conditions and terrain hazards
  
• Equipment status and fuel planning
  
• Mill delivery targets
  
• Emergency procedures and radio channels
  

In British Columbia, a crew implemented a buddy system for steep-slope work. Each operator had a designated spotter during machine movement. Over two seasons, the site reported zero lost-time incidents.
Fuel Logistics and Maintenance Planning
Fueling and servicing machines in remote areas requires planning. Strategies include:

• Mobile fuel tanks with spill containment
  
• Scheduled maintenance intervals based on engine hours
  
• On-site tool trailers with spare hoses, filters, and hydraulic fluid
  
• Satellite communication for parts ordering and diagnostics
  

Recommendations:

• Fuel tracked machines every 8–10 hours to avoid mid-shift shutdowns
  
• Rotate operators to reduce fatigue and improve machine longevity
  
• Keep a log of wear items—undercarriage, saw teeth, hydraulic lines
  

In Maine, a contractor used a converted shipping container as a mobile shop. Outfitted with solar panels and LED lighting, it allowed nighttime repairs and reduced downtime by 15%.
Weather and Seasonal Adaptation
Logging shows must adapt to seasonal changes:

• Snow and ice require chains, heaters, and traction aids
  
• Spring thaw demands low-ground-pressure machines and matting
  
• Summer heat increases fire risk—spark arrestors and extinguishers become mandatory
  

Monitoring weather forecasts and soil moisture helps avoid rutting and environmental violations. In some regions, operations pause during nesting seasons or fire bans.
Mill Coordination and Load Management
Delivering logs to mills involves:

• Matching log specs—length, diameter, species
  
• Scheduling trucks to avoid bottlenecks
  
• Tracking load counts and stumpage payments
  
• Communicating with scalers and yard managers
  

Digital load tracking systems improve transparency and reduce disputes. Some crews use tablets to record load data and transmit it directly to mill offices.
Conclusion
Launching a new logging show is a complex but rewarding endeavor. With the right equipment, crew, and planning, operators can turn raw forest into a streamlined production site. Success hinges on adaptability, safety, and communication. In the woods, every decision—from where to drop the first tree to how to fuel the last machine—shapes the outcome. And when done right, a logging show becomes more than a jobsite—it becomes a rhythm of precision, grit, and respect for the land.