The machine then places the cut tree on a stack suitable for a skidder, forwarder, or yarder for transport to further processing such as delimbing, bucking, loading, or chipping.

Some wheeled feller bunchers lack an articulated arm, and must drive close to a tree to grasp it.

In cut-to-length logging a harvester performs the tasks of a feller buncher and additionally does delimbing and bucking.

[5] It is common that levelling cabins are matched with both wheeled and tracked feller buncher for steep terrain as it provides operator comfort and helps keeping the standard of tree felling production.

The disc saw head with good ground speed provides high production, which allows it to keep more than one skidder working continuously.

[9] The feller buncher also has the highest hourly cost which is around $99.5 when comparing other equipment such as a harvesters and grapple skidders.

[12] The felling head is considered one of the hardest part of the feller buncher and it is necessary to apply lubricant to every joint for daily maintenance.

It is suggested to apply lubricant to saw head clamps, wrist attachment and driveshaft bearings during every maintenance.

[17] It is also suggested that the sulphur content of the fuel should not be more than 0.5% as it could reduce 50% of the service interval for the engine oil and filter.

The coolant prevents cylinder linear erosion and pitting, and provides protection during extremely low temperature for up to -37 °C (-34 °F).

[18] It is recommended to use coolants for heavy-duty engines which are relatively low silicate ethylene glycol base.

Related injuries could be avoided by ensuring dryness of all the walking surface, wiping any oils or other liquid substances on the floor.

[12] When getting in and out of the machinery, workers are suggested to use three point of contact with two hands holding the handrails and one foot on a step.

For example, in Appalachian hardwood area, trees have heavy crowns and are grown on the steep slopes which requires tracked feller bunchers in the operations.

[9] If there is not enough timber to harvest, the unit cost can be expensive, especially when the majority of the operation site is steep slopes.

A 2013, University of Maine study suggests that the use of feller bunchers could cause medium to high level of stand damage from 7% to 25%.