Operator

The outcome of any project is highly dependant on the performance of the operator and his supervisor.  As one soil scientist stated   "as long as the head hits the ground something is going to get mixed and it will be a lot easier to plant".  This may be well and good but there is a lot more that can be gained with good operator training program.

Owner operators take the initiative without hesitating.   Larger successful companies in for the "long term" already know the value of a training program.  Two or more machines operating on the same site can be very cost effective, with high productivity and quality. (The competition aspect.)  This can be great for training operators.  Split shifts, 2 hours on, 2 hours off, can also help where the experienced operator runs the excavator and the trainee watches and learns.

Picking a new operator:

It helps if the unfamiliar operator likes Silviculture work and has a sense of gardening, a little courage and a bit of inventiveness.  Previous experiences or training as a "Feller buncher" operator where numerous hydraulic functions are used at the same time can be a benefit.  Any experience with machines that maneuver through stumps helps.  Some operators will hate the repetitive nature of site preparation work while others look at it as if each block is a new and challenging area to be mastered with the innovative tool he is learning to use.  The latter will look for ways to be more productive without sacrificing quality and to use the machine more efficiently.

Double Shifting and Night Shifts:

There are numerous shift arrangements that can benefit the contractor and improve job quality.

In order to meet objectives and schedules (excavators complete fewer acres per day than other site treatment machines) it may be necessary to double shift.  This can mean working some hours in darkness.  One of the better schedules has both operators sharing the dark hours equally.  Heavy duty electrical alternators are installed on the excavator to run additional flood lighting from the machine.  One contractor equipped his excavators with gas generators and powered several 110 volt flood lights for heavy slash in Coastal conditions.  While working in the dark can often be 10% less productive and more difficult for employees, it can substantially increase the annual hours worked.

Safety: Some sites are not conductive to night shifts. (I.E.) broken terrain with dangers such as cliffs, ravines or broken terrain.  Sensitive sites, such as riparian areas can not be treated at night.  Operators must be familiar with any site dangers.

Ground which dries out hard in the summer that may have been scheduled for ripping (to obtain maximum shatter) can best be managed by the VH Mulcher just before or after summer.  The ground pressure of the excavator is 6-10 times than a D7 with ripper.  Productivity with the VH Mulcher can be greatly increased, with higher quality spot preparation, by taking advantage of seasonal soil moisture benefits.  Site knowledge and operator understanding to assist scheduling of work in the most cost effective manner is a definite benefit.

Very wet ground with standing water can be left for frost or winter conditions.  Keeping the machine aloft while riding on slash, logs or root wads can assist in area coverage and decrease site disturbance in wet areas.

Quality Control by the Operator

Each operator should establish quality and quantity sample plots every 3-4 hours.  He would simply count the number of mulched spots in a small radius plot (3.99 meters). He'd then compute his spots per acre. Each plot center must be marked and numbered with a ribbon, keep a ledger in the cab of the excavator to pass on to his supervisor upon request.  This can be readily done in less than 10 minutes.

Quality control is important.  It keeps the operator aware of his spacing and costs.  600 spots developed when your only getting paid for 400 means that someone has to pay for 200 spots that no one wants.  Long repetitive hours can be tiring.  Ensure that the operator regularly gets out of his machine for an on-ground-look at the actual physical plotting that he has done, flexes his legs and body muscles.  His job quality will remain higher.