“Working in Harvesting Teams: Basic knowledge” is a great piece of literature that can be used by students and professionals alike.

The two books in the “Working in Harvesting Teams” range are arguably the best logging handbooks on the market. Part 2 was reviewed by Logging-on some time back, and the author, Per-Erik Perrson, has now had Part 1 translated into English as well. Logging handbooks are often summaries of existing literature, but this new handbook is an original compilation based on the experience of the author and many other people, and a sound understanding of good logging practices. The pictures and drawings are the icing on the make, allowing the reader to clearly understand what is being explained in the text. The chapters of the book are as follows:
 

• Chapter 1 concentrates on work safety and Chapter 2 on the work environment.
• Chapters 3 to 5 deal with areas not normally considered in logging handbooks, but are essential in the modern forestry environment. Chapter 3 considers the machine operator as the face of the forestry company, considering the log buying client and the forest landowner. Chapter 4 covers responsibility aspects, social competence and team spirit. Chapter 5 provides the skills necessary to communicate effectively.
• Chapter 6 provides an overall understanding of machine maintenance, which is clearly essential for good machine availability and productivity.
• Chapter 7 contains the knowledge needed for a machine operator to deal with fires. It is also required for fire insurance in the Nordic countries.
• Chapter 8 contains excellent material on water conservation. It deviates from the standard handbook which tells us what to protect, by also explaining how to go about protecting water resources.
• Chapter 9 is a very comprehensive chapter and deals with reading the terrain. The chapter contains very important information and is presented in a different, but easy-to-understand and comprehensive manner, and can be applied everywhere.
• Chapter 10 covers basic driving techniques. It includes completely new material about how to use hydrostatic transmissions. Again, this chapter includes clear and detailed information on many different operating techniques and scenarios. Machine training centres will get much value from this chapter.
• Chapter 11 highlights the major costs associated with getting stuck, but also explains what to do when the machine is stuck.
• Chapter 12 covers the planning of a harvesting operation. It assembles and presents comprehensive information, with the goal of the best possible land and water care while still operating at the lowest possible cost.
• Chapter 13 presents scaling regulations (measurement requirements) required in Sweden, but the principles apply to all countries.

The book is relevant to new and existing machine operators, operator trainers, supervisors, forestry students, professional foresters and forestry planners. It is focussed on cut-to-length systems, specifically wheeled harvesters and forwarders, but much of the information is relevant to all logging operations. The book is also being translated into other languages, with a Russian edition expected soon. Logging-on expects this to be a very popular handbook. Now go and buy the book!

The book is published by Mora in Europe AB. To purchase the book, contact the author, Per-Erik Perrson, at per-erik@mieab.se , or visit www.mieab.se .