Will AI Replace Fallers?

Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

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.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment, cleaning, oiling, and greasing equipment, and sharpening equipment properly.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Secure steel cables or chains to logs for dragging by tractors or for pulling by cable yarding systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Load logs or wood onto trucks, trailers, or railroad cars, by hand or using loaders or winches.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Mark logs for identification.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Work as a member of a team, rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Place supporting limbs or poles under felled trees to avoid splitting undersides, and to prevent logs from rolling.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.