Overview - ISO 6814:2009 (Machinery for forestry)
ISO 6814:2009 is an international standard that defines terminology and provides guidance for the classification of mobile and self‑propelled machinery used in forestry and related operations. It establishes consistent terms and a classification framework based on the machine’s intended end use as declared by the manufacturer. The standard covers machines for site preparation, planting, harvesting, processing, and the transport of wood and wood fibre, and explicitly excludes equipment used exclusively in sawmills or wood yards, on‑highway transport vehicles, and aerial vehicles.
Key topics and classification guidance
ISO 6814:2009 focuses on clear nomenclature and practical classification criteria rather than prescriptive machine specifications. Major technical topics include:
- Standardized terms and definitions for site preparation (e.g., scarifying, mulching, grubbing), harvesting operations (e.g., felling, delimbing, skidding, forwarding, chipping) and machine types (e.g., feller, forwarder, skidder, harvester, processor).
- Classification by general technical concept, including:
- Mobility method (tracked, wheeled, towed)
- Mode of operation (grapple, single‑grip, shear, swing‑to‑load)
- Harvesting system (shortwood, tree‑length, whole‑tree, chips)
- Type of steering (articulated, front/rear steer axle, skid)
- Classification by function, specifying how to classify single‑function and multi‑function machines (e.g., delimber‑buncher, feller‑buncher, harwarder, processor) and additional subclassifications (e.g., shear feller, chain‑saw feller).
- Guidance on how to list subclassifications only as needed to reflect machine concept and context of use.
Practical applications - who benefits
ISO 6814:2009 provides practical value across the forestry value chain:
- Manufacturers and designers: Use consistent terms when naming products, preparing technical documentation and describing intended end use.
- Procurement and fleet managers: Produce clear specifications and compare equipment from different suppliers.
- Regulators and standards developers: Harmonize language used in regulations, safety standards, and certification schemes.
- Researchers, educators and trainers: Teach and document forestry machinery concepts with standardized nomenclature.
- Operators and service providers: Improve clarity in maintenance manuals, operating procedures and training materials.
Related standards
ISO 6814:2009 was prepared by ISO/TC 23/SC 15 (Machinery for forestry) and replaces the earlier 2000 edition. For equipment safety, performance, and environmental aspects, users typically consult complementary ISO, IEC or regional standards specific to controls, operator protection, emissions and measured performance.
Keywords: ISO 6814:2009, forestry machinery standards, mobile and self‑propelled machinery, terms and definitions, machinery classification, forest harvesting equipment, feller, skidder, forwarder, harvester.