Effectiveness of simulator training compared to machine training for equipment operators in the logging industry

ABSTRACT

Logging equipment operators traditionally learn the skills required for their job through hands-on training using a real machine in the forest. New developments in simulator technology enable operators to learn and practice operating logging equipment in a virtual setting. This study presents a summary of controlled experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of simulator training compared to machine training for logging equipment operators in terms of performance and cost effectiveness. Sixteen participants were trained on simulated or real logging machinery for 26 hours each. We compared the performance of simulator-trained participants to machine-trained participants by testing operators on real equipment in the forest. No significant differences were found in overall performance between simulator-trained and machine-trained operators; however, machine-trained students showed greater improvement than simulator-trained students on more complex equipment. A cost analysis of simulator vs. machine training found that contractors should expect to save 36–40% by sending their students to an external training facility using simulator-based training rather than conducting internal, machine-based training. Contractors considering the purchase of a simulator for in-house training would need to use their simulator for around 130 hours each year to break-even on the yearly average costs of owning and operating the simulator.

KEYWORDS:

• Simulator
• workforce training
• logging equipment operator
• simulator-based training
• forestry simulator

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Economic Development Administration, US Department of Commerce (Investment No: 07 79 07629). While the grant covered the employment and travel costs of the research team, it did not cover the participants’ time, land, or equipment required to carry out these experiments. This study would not have been possible without the generous support and donations we received from all our partnering companies, agencies, institutions, and individuals. Partnering companies, agencies, and institutions included: Miller Timber in Philomath, Oregon, Oregon State University Research Forest in Corvallis, Oregon, Ponsse Oyj in Coburg, Oregon, Intermountain Wood Energy in Redmond, Oregon, Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, Stribling Equipment in Richland, Mississippi, Mississippi Forestry Commission, Mississippi Loggers Association, USDA Forest Service, and the Travel Service team and Statistics department at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. A huge thanks to the everyone who participated in this study.

Geolocation information

This study was completed primarily by researchers at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. The skidder portion of the experiment was completed at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi. The forwarder portion of the experiment was completed at the Oregon State University Research Forest in Corvallis, Oregon.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Economic Development Administration [07 79 07629].