SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Extract timber to a landing using a grapple skidder in a production situation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117074  Extract timber to a landing using a grapple skidder in a production situation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  25 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit is for people who extract timber to a landing using a grapple skidder in a production situation. People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the grapple skidder.
  • Prepare and start-up the skidder for extraction.
  • Prepare for extraction.
  • Accumulate timber for extraction with the winch fitted on the grapple skidder.
  • Extract timber to a landing using a grapple skidder in a production situation.
  • Park, shut-down and maintain the skidder after use. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ground-based machine extraction.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic safety in forestry operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Competence can be demonstrated on any grapple skidders, excluding agricultural tractors used in skidder applications. Demonstration of competence will take place "on-the-job" in a production situation. Competence can be demonstrated either on tree lengths or log lengths. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the grapple skidder. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety features on the skidder are identified and their purpose explained according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Consequences of overloading and operating the skidder outside its capabilities are explained in terms of the effect on safety and damage to the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Maximum loading capability of the skidder, winch and grapple are identified according to manufacturer's requirements and varying conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Varying conditions include underfoot conditions and slope.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Slope, terrain and ground clearance limitations are explained according to manufacturer's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hazards specific to operating grapple skidders for extraction and ways to minimise these are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Terrain, slope, ground conditions, machine speed, stability, suitability and state of repair, proximity of other workers and machines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of pre-operational and post-operational checks is explained in terms of prolonging the machine life, maximising productivity, minimising cost, enhancing safety and minimising down-time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Situations where winching are required to accumulate a load are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Terrain, slope, special management zones.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Service intervals of the skidder, winch and grapple are stated according to manufacturer's requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare and start-up the skidder for extraction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and equipment required are checked for completeness and serviceability, and corrective action is taken, if required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fire extinguisher, grease gun, wheel spanner, and tools & accessories as required for specific operation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pre-operational checks are performed according to appropriate checklist. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate checklist is any one or a combination of the following.
  • Manufacturer's checklist
  • Company specific checklist.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Checklist is completed according to procedures and corrective action is taken, if required, to ensure compliance with manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes repairing and/or reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Machine is started according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Warning from machine indicators and gauges are explained, corrective actions are described and the consequences of failing to address are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Corrective action is taken according to manufacturer's requirements if warnings from indicators and gauges are received. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes repairing and/or report.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Safe work practices are adhered to throughout preparation and start-up. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare for extraction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety requirements applicable to the operation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Machine safety, entry into felling zones and landings, proximity of other workers and machines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All personal protective equipment required, is checked for functionality and used in terms of company policy and legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operational requirements are explained in terms of extraction routes, slopes, landing locations, special management zones, timber flow and production target. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work area is checked for hazards and corrective action taken according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Accumulate timber for extraction with the winch fitted on the grapple skidder. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Instructions are given, when applicable, to ensure choker setters understand load size, location and timber flow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Communication ensures safe and effective operation during the positioning of the skidder, haul-out, break-out and haul-in. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication methods include audio and/or visual.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Accumulation of load using the winch is performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Communication ensures safe and effective operation during dechoking. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication methods include audio and/or visual.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Standard operating procedures and safe work practices are adhered to throughout the operation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Extract timber to a landing using a grapple skidder in a production situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Skidder is manoeuvred and controlled effectively within safe operating limits specified by the manufacturer and section 4.3.4 of the Guidelines. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Forward, reverse, left, right, stop, start, gear selection, engine revolutions, braking, speed, travelling empty and loaded. All of the competencies to be performed on flat terrain, gradient and side slope.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Skidder performance is continuously monitored and corrective action taken, if required, according to manufacturer's requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes repairing and/or reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Accumulation of load is performed using the grapple according to manufacturer's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Load is picked up and position according to manufacturer's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Standard operating procedures and safe work practices are adhered to throughout the operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Grapple and blade are used according to manufacturer's limitations to clean landing of harvesting debris, positioning of logs and limited bank cutting as per instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Extraction is performed to meet operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Timber damage and breakage are minimised, extraction complements other phases of the operation, work rate meets pre-determined target, planned extraction routes are used, timber is released and positioned on the landing as arranged with landing workers and operational requirements.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Park, shut-down and maintain the skidder after use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Parking procedures are performed safely according to manufacturer's specifications and standard operating procedures, where applicable. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Siting, hydraulic equipment, braking, immobilising.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Machine is shut-down according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Daily and weekly maintenance are performed according to appropriate post-operational checklist. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate checklist is any one or a combination of the following:
  • Manufacturer's checklist
  • Company specific checklist.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Checklist is completed according to procedures and corrective action is taken, if required, to ensure compliance with manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes repairing and/or reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety work practices are adhered to throughout parking, shut-down, post-operational checks and maintenance. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Providers of learning and assessors must be accredited in terms of the requirements of the Forest Industries Education and Training Authority.

    Moderation option: The moderation requirements of the Forest Industries Education and Training Authority must be met. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Grapple Skidder
  • Tools and equipment
  • Personal protective equipment

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties of:
  • Safety features related to the Grapple Skidder
  • Hazards specific to operating the Grapple Skidder
  • Loading capability of the Grapple Skidder
  • Slope, terrain and ground clearance limitations
  • Checklists

    Sensory cues:
  • What I see, feel and hear during the process

    Purpose of:
  • Grapple Skidder
  • Grapple and blade
  • Grapple Skidder indicators and gauges
  • Maximum loading capabilities
  • Service intervals of the Grapple Skidder
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Safe working practices

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Standard operating procedures: "Guidelines for Forest Engineering Practices in South Africa" (FESA)
  • Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) legislation

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Daily and weekly maintenance
  • Consequences of overloading
  • Pre-operational and post-operational procedures
  • Shut-down procedures
  • Monitoring Grapple Skidder performance

    Relationships, systems:

    The operation of the Grapple Skidder in relation to a safe working environment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems
  • Relating to the extraction of timber with a Grapple Skidder 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others
  • When interacting with team members and colleagues during the preparation of the Grapple Skidder 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • When performing daily and weekly maintenance
  • When completing checklists
  • When safety work practices are adhered
  • When managing resources and my time 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • To ensure safe and effective operation
  • When communicating with support personnel 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • When operating and monitoring the Grapple Skidder performance
  • When using information technology to source technical data and to generate and submit reports 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • When I can explain and justify my actions and procedures followed during the operational requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49081   National Certificate: Construction: Advanced Plant Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  48988   National Certificate: Forestry: Timber Harvesting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. Certified Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    3. ENB TRAINING SERVICEPTYLTD 
    4. Furniture World Training Centre 
    5. FUTURE DISCOVERY TRAINING ACADEMY 
    6. INYAPA VHUSIKU CONSULTING PTY LTD 
    7. KWAMAHLATI TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    8. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    9. LOTTENBURG EDU-FARM 
    10. NEW AFRICA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 
    11. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    12. SINOVUYOLETHU TRADING PTY LTD 
    13. South African Forestry Training College 
    14. TAMASA TRAINING PTY LTD 
    15. TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD 
    16. UMBUSO TRAINING SERVICES 
    17. UMGANO FOUNDATION NPC 
    18. VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD 
    19. VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.