Faller

Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Bucker; Cutter Operator; Feller; Logger; Sawyer; Timber Cutter; Timber Faller; Timber Feller; Tree Faller; Tree Feller

Tasks

• Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.
• Control the direction of a tree's fall by scoring cutting lines with axes, sawing undercuts along scored lines with chainsaws, knocking slabs from cuts with single-bit axes, and driving wedges.
• Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.
• Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.
• Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.
• Insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling.
• Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.
• Appraise trees for certain characteristics, such as twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, and gauge amount and direction of lean, to determine how to control the direction of a tree's fall with the least damage.
• Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.
• Tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.
• Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.
• Maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment, cleaning, oiling, and greasing equipment, and sharpening equipment properly.
• Trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.

Knowledge

• Mechanical

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Reaction Time
• Control Precision
• Multilimb Coordination
• Static Strength
• Speed of Limb Movement
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Problem Sensitivity
• Trunk Strength
• Stamina
• Extent Flexibility
• Near Vision
• Far Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Visualization
• Selective Attention
• Rate Control
• Dynamic Strength
• Depth Perception
• Auditory Attention
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Gross Body Coordination
• Gross Body Equilibrium
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Hearing Sensitivity