Fallers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (5%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 18 (95%)

• Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment, cleaning, oiling, and greasing equipment, and sharpening equipment properly.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Secure steel cables or chains to logs for dragging by tractors or for pulling by cable yarding systems.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Load logs or wood onto trucks, trailers, or railroad cars, by hand or using loaders or winches.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Mark logs for identification.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Work as a member of a team, rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Place supporting limbs or poles under felled trees to avoid splitting undersides, and to prevent logs from rolling.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Split logs, using axes, wedges, and mauls, and stack wood in ricks or cord lots.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task