Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:55 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:55 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Operate a mechanical harvester
Operate a mechanical harvester
Unit of competency
National Code
FDFWGG3008A
FDFWGG3008A
State Code
S8011
S8011
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/06/2012
Field of Education
050303 - Viticulture
Original Release Date
13/06/2012
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to identify harvesting requirements and then set up and operate a mechanical harvester to meet those requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for mechanical harvesting
- 1.1 Harvesting requirements are identified
- 1.2 Equipment is checked to confirm readiness for use
- 1.3 Equipment is set up to meet harvesting requirements
2. Operate mechanical harvester
- 2.1 Equipment is started up according to workplace procedures
- 2.2 Equipment performance is monitored to confirm performance is maintained within specification
- 2.3 Out-of-specification equipment performance is identified, rectified and/or reported
- 2.4 Vines are machine harvested according to workplace requirements
- 2.5 Problems and anomalies are recognised and rectified and/or reported
- 2.6 Equipment is maintained in good working order
3. Complete mechanical harvesting operations
- 3.1 Equipment is shut down according to workplace procedures
- 3.2 Equipment is cleaned and stored according to workplace procedures
- 3.3 Waste generated by both the process and cleaning procedures is collected, treated, disposed of or recycled according to workplace procedures
- 3.4 Work is conducted in accordance with workplace environmental guidelines
4. Record information
- 4.1 Workplace information is recorded in the appropriate format
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Policies and procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures, licensing requirements and legislative requirements
Workplace information
Workplace information can include:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
specifications
production schedules
instructions
routine maintenance schedules
work notes
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
manufacturer instructions
verbal directions from manager or supervisor
Equipment
Equipment includes:
mechanical harvesting machinery
appropriate tools
Terrain
Terrain must enable safe and effective operation of a mechanical harvester. It may include:
tracks
access roads
straight or curving vineyard rows
open paddocks
flat, undulating, steep, hilly or terraced land
on- and off-road environments
Conditions
Conditions must enable safe and effective operation of a mechanical harvester. These may include:
dry
wet
slippery
boggy
icy
foggy
windy
day and night conditions.
Confirming equipment status
Confirming equipment status involves:
checking that all safety standards and pre-start requirements are met and that equipment is operational
Information systems
Information systems may be:
print or screen based
Problems and anomalies
Problems and anomalies may include:
adverse harvesting conditions
diseased, immature, over-ripe or rotten fruit
operating hazards, such as broken trellis and wires
MOG
equipment malfunction or breakdown
Grapes
Grapes may vary according to:
grape variety
crop quality
quantity
trellis systems
collection procedures
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Policies and procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures, licensing requirements and legislative requirements
Workplace information
Workplace information can include:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
specifications
production schedules
instructions
routine maintenance schedules
work notes
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
manufacturer instructions
verbal directions from manager or supervisor
Equipment
Equipment includes:
mechanical harvesting machinery
appropriate tools
Terrain
Terrain must enable safe and effective operation of a mechanical harvester. It may include:
tracks
access roads
straight or curving vineyard rows
open paddocks
flat, undulating, steep, hilly or terraced land
on- and off-road environments
Conditions
Conditions must enable safe and effective operation of a mechanical harvester. These may include:
dry
wet
slippery
boggy
icy
foggy
windy
day and night conditions.
Confirming equipment status
Confirming equipment status involves:
checking that all safety standards and pre-start requirements are met and that equipment is operational
Information systems
Information systems may be:
print or screen based
Problems and anomalies
Problems and anomalies may include:
adverse harvesting conditions
diseased, immature, over-ripe or rotten fruit
operating hazards, such as broken trellis and wires
MOG
equipment malfunction or breakdown
Grapes
Grapes may vary according to:
grape variety
crop quality
quantity
trellis systems
collection procedures
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
use personal protective clothing and equipment
select and confirm readiness of equipment and prepare according to instructions
attach and set up equipment to meet requirements
start and operate equipment in accordance with operation instructions and requirements of workplace and task
perform emergency and routine shutdowns
take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results or non-compliance
demonstrate knowledge of OHS hazards, controls and emergency procedures
sort, collect, treat, recycle or dispose of waste
record information appropriately.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
personal protective clothing and equipment as required
work procedures, including advice on company practices, safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements
instructions, information, specifications and schedules as required
equipment, services and corresponding information as required
products and materials as required
internal and external customers and suppliers as required
cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required
documentation and recording requirements and procedures.
Method of assessment
This unit should be assessed together with other units of competency relevant to the function or work role.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competence should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
use personal protective clothing and equipment
select and confirm readiness of equipment and prepare according to instructions
attach and set up equipment to meet requirements
start and operate equipment in accordance with operation instructions and requirements of workplace and task
perform emergency and routine shutdowns
take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results or non-compliance
demonstrate knowledge of OHS hazards, controls and emergency procedures
sort, collect, treat, recycle or dispose of waste
record information appropriately.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
personal protective clothing and equipment as required
work procedures, including advice on company practices, safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements
instructions, information, specifications and schedules as required
equipment, services and corresponding information as required
products and materials as required
internal and external customers and suppliers as required
cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required
documentation and recording requirements and procedures.
Method of assessment
This unit should be assessed together with other units of competency relevant to the function or work role.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competence should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAM10 | FBPVIT3008 | Operate a mechanical harvester | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D472 | AHC30610 | Certificate III in Production Horticulture | Qualification |
| BDB4 | AHC30616 | Certificate III in Production Horticulture | Qualification |
| D684 | FDF30411 | Certificate III in Wine Industry Operations | Qualification |