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.
Forestry Vehicles Course: Forwarders — studying from Australia
Off-road and special-purpose vehicles are central to Australia's mining, agriculture, construction and emergency services sectors. Remote geography and harsh conditions create strong demand for robust machinery, including haul trucks, agricultural equipment and specialist fire and rescue vehicles. Engineers work on hydraulics, drivetrains, operator safety and machine automation. Employers include mining equipment manufacturers and dealers, agricultural machinery firms, construction companies and government fleet agencies.
Fees for Australia: A$1,270 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Will this qualification be recognised by Australian engineering bodies for off-road vehicle work?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by Engineers Australia or any national body. Recognition is decided by employers or the relevant professional body assessing your application. Engineers Australia assesses competence independently, so check its requirements before enrolling if membership is your goal.
Which Australian employers work with off-road and special vehicles and machinery?
Mining and agricultural equipment makers, fleet operators, defence and emergency service vehicle suppliers, and four-wheel-drive modification businesses are examples. Their hiring decisions depend on their own criteria. Relevant experience and a practical final project are often as important as the qualification.
Can I study this online while working in Australia, and is there support?
Yes, the programmes are 100% online and taught in English, and each student has an assigned technical tutor. You can study from anywhere in Australia without a student visa. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible; check the total hours and plan a realistic schedule.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the forwarder and its main components.
Calculate extraction productivity according to distance and load.
Apply correct techniques for loading, transporting and stacking timber.
Protect soil and watercourses through good practices.
Apply preventive safety and maintenance measures.
Plan the extraction track network with GIS support.
Organise costs and resources in a timber extraction project.
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.
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)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Role of the forwarder in the short-wood system1.2Ranges by load capacity1.3Articulated chassis, bogies and number of axles1.4Loading bed: width, bunks and volume1.5Loader crane: reach, torque and grapple1.6Rotating cab and ergonomics1.7Tyres, tracks and soil protection1.8Traction, locking and slope capability1.9Reading the manufacturer's technical data sheet1.10Workshop: selecting a forwarder for a stand
2.1Nominal and actual load capacity2.2Volume per trip by product2.3Extraction distance and its effect on output2.4Loading, travel and unloading times2.5Productivity per cubic metre and per hour2.6Stand factors affecting output2.7Product classification and mixed trips2.8Matching with the processor2.9Comparison with skidding systems2.10Practice: productivity calculation and sizing
3.1Planning extraction tracks3.2Loaded route and pick-up order3.3Crane use: economy of movement3.4Load formation and stability3.5Load securing and protection3.6Loaded driving on slopes3.7Crossing soft ground and protection with brush3.8Unloading and stacking at the landing3.9Landing organisation by product3.10Practice: complete extraction cycle
4.1Ground pressure and compaction4.2Use of tracks and bogies to reduce impact4.3Permanent tracks and controlled traffic4.4Stream crossings and water protection4.5Periods of greatest ground fragility4.6Erosion prevention on tracks4.7Track restoration after harvesting4.8Protection of residual trees4.9Indicators of soil impact4.10Practice: low-impact extraction plan
5.1Main risks: overturning, falling stems and impacts5.2Crane danger zone5.3Working on slopes and limits5.4Night work and lighting5.5Communications and lone working5.6Daily maintenance of the machine and crane5.7Tracks, tyres and wear parts5.8Hydraulic system and leaks5.9Early fault detection5.10Practice: risk assessment and daily inspection
6.1Hourly cost of the forwarder6.2Cost per cubic metre extracted6.3Effect of distance on unit cost6.4Fuel consumption and efficient driving6.5Work site organisation and coordination with felling6.6Landing and truck logistics6.7Operator training and qualification6.8Harvesting indicators6.9Common errors in forwarder extraction6.10Final project: complete extraction plan for a stand
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.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the forwarder and its main components.
Calculate extraction productivity according to distance and load.
Apply correct techniques for loading, transporting and stacking timber.
Protect soil and watercourses through good practices.
Apply preventive safety and maintenance measures.
Where this takes you
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.
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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