Biomass harvesting in Eucalyptus plantations in Western Australia

Australia is at an early stage of exploring the use of forest biomass to generate energy. This study evaluated the biomass yield and the productivity rates of equipment for harvesting biomass in a poor-quality eucalypt plantation. The operation consisted of a tracked feller-buncher, grapple skidder and mobile chipper. Time study methods were used to measure the harvesting operation. A multiple regression model was constructed to predict skidding productivity. Biomass production was 63.9 t ha^?1 based on the recorded load weight of eight trucks. Delays were documented and analysed. The average delay for all equipment was about 30% of working time. The study results will help guide biomass harvesting managers to estimate productivity and cost of similar operation sites.     

Wood Extraction with Farm Tractor and Sulky: Estimating Productivity, Cost and Energy Consumption

A winch and a sulky can transform a farm tractor into an effective small-scale logging machine, closely resembling a wheeled cable skidder. The additional cost of these implements is very small, but they offer significant benefits when extracting timber under the conditions of small-scale forestry. The authors developed a productivity model for skidding timber with wheeled farm tractors, equipped with winch and sulky. The origin data pool contained over 300 individual skidding cycles, extracted from 8 separate tests. Statistical analysis of the data allowed calculating a simple mathematical relationship for estimating skidding productivity as a function of significant work conditions, such as: piece size, winching distance, tractor power, skidding distance and crew size. This model can provide useful directions to prospective users, contributing to operation planning, costing and optimization. It can predict a large proportion of the variability in the data and was successfully validated using reserved cycle records, extracted from the same data pool and not used for model development. Depending on tractor power and piece size, the average turn volume and productivity can exceed respectively 2 m³ per cycle and 4 m³ per Scheduled Machine Hour (SMH). Top performance can reach 8 m³ SMH⁻¹, with heavy tractors and large logs.     

Time Prediction Models and Cost Evaluation of Cut-To-Length (CTL) Harvesting Method in a Mountainous Forest

Time equations are derived for felling with chainsaw, skidding with cable wheeled skidder, loading with grapple hydraulic loader and trucking of logs within a cut-to-length harvesting method. The continuous time study method was applied to collect data for felling, skidding, loading and a transportation model. Multiple regression analysis via SPSS software was applied to develop the time models. Felling time was found to be highly dependent on diameter at breast height. Skidding distance, winching distance, slope of the trail and piece volume were significant variables for the skidding time prediction model. The loading time model was developed considering piece volume. Transportation distance and load volume were used as independent variables in modeling the transportation time. The net production of felling was estimated at 12 trees/h (56.65 m³/h). The net production rates for skidding, loading and traveling averaged 18.51, 41.90 and 3.32 m³/h respectively. The total cost of harvesting from stand to mill was estimated 19.70 €/m³. The skidding phase was the most expensive component of the cut-to-length method. The bucking and delimbing components were less costly than the other logging phases. The results of this study can be used for harvesting planning and productivity optimization.     

多功能轮式集材拖拉机搭载板装置的设计研究

通过对我国集材拖拉机发展沿革及目前林业生产作业条件分析,研发一种新型多功能集材拖拉机对目前林业生产具有重要意义.集材装置是集材拖拉机最具有特点的主要工作装置,本文对多功能轮式集材拖拉机集材装置（搭载板装置）整体结构进行设计.首先根据集材拖拉机趟载量要求确定搭载板整体结构尺寸,宽度为1 050 mm,长度为1 219 mm,厚度为20 mm.其次对搭载板辅助结构进行设计计算,使用Solid Works三维绘图软件建立搭载板的3D模型.最后基于有限元校核搭载板的强度,得到搭载板在最大压力载荷下的位移云图和应力云图,结果表明所设计的搭载板满足强度要求.     

Effect of selective cutting type on the chainsaw productivity in Caspian Forests

Time and motion studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of selective cutting type on Chainsaw productivity in Caspian forests,the selective cutting performed as single and group selection cutting in the region.The selective cutting was performed on a 42-ha tract with an average slope of 30%.The results indicate that felling time for per tree is most affected by diameter at breast height,the distance among harvested trees in single-tree selection method and diameter at breast height in group selection method.The production rate in single and group selection cutting were 21.2 m 3 h-1 and 28.4 m 3 h-1 for one person,respectively.Considering the gross and net production rate in single and group selection cutting,the unit cost was 1.11 USD m-3 and 0.88 USD m-3,respectively.The results indicate that group selection cutting can be more profitable than single-tree selection method.     

A productivity model for first thinning of Pinus patula using a tractor and double-drum winch in South Africa

The productivity of skidding tractors in intermediate harvesting operations has not been determined in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The objective of this study was to develop a productivity model using a farm tractor in first thinning operations in Pinus patula compartments. A work study design was used to assess the performance of a skidding agricultural tractor. From 350 samples, important data variables collected were elemental times for each work cycle, extraction distance, slope and load volume. Stepwise and subsets regression analyses were conducted prior to multiple linear regression analysis. Analysis of variance was used to compare mean productivity estimates of the different models developed. Results showed that the best model was estimated by an interaction of distance × slope (ds), distance × load volume (dv) and slope × load volume (sv) as follows: ln(?₂) = 1.33–0.00154ds + 0.00174dv + 0.161sv. The mean estimate for this model was 5.036 m³ m h^?1. The developed models predicted similar results to estimation results of the observed model, although there were statistically significant (P < 0.001) differences among mean estimates (3.6–5.5 m³ m h^?1). All of the three models yielded R²_adj. = 38%; SE = 0.458% at P < 0.001. It can be speculated that the remaining variation not explained by the models may be associated with long extraction distances, delays and the effect of slope as a main variable in the model. While the developed models mirrored reasonably well with the observed estimates of skidding productivity, these models should not be stretched to conditions dissimilar to those of their generation. Future research focus should be made on (1) effects of weather conditions and vehicular characteristics on skidding productivity and (2) the effect of winching lines on skidding productivity.     

轻型索道集材与开路集材三大效益对比分析

为了研究科学合理的生态采运技术,在邵武二都林业采育场开展轻型索道集材与传统盘山开路集材方式的对照试验。以122-1-3伐区972m3的出材量计算,人工费按每工每日100元计,则索道集材的单位成本为104.65元·m-3,可比开路集材单位成本148.44元·m-3节约29.50%。随着人工费的增加,按每工每日80～140元计,开路集材成本增加明显,单位成本差额为34.47～67.03元·m-3。通过生态、经济与社会效益的比较分析,轻型索道集材优势明显,是一种有利于资源、环境、经济和社会可持续协调发展的生态集材作业模式,在当前劳动力成本剧增情况下,展望轻型索道集材在木材生产技术中的广阔应用前景。     

Factors affecting forwarder productivity

Modern forwarders are an effective extraction option for timber harvesting operations that provide the opportunity for higher levels of mechanization. With their ability to carry logs from the forest to the roadside or processing areas, they have an established lower environmental impact in comparison to tree-length skidding options. However, little is published regarding their productivity potential or the factors that influence productivity. Three case studies were carried out; (1) a selective harvest in Calabria, Italy, with a smaller 12 t capacity John Deere 1110E, (2) a clear-cut on the West Coast of New Zealand, with a larger 19 t capacity John Deere 1910E and (3) a larger clear-cut operation in Canterbury, New Zealand, with two John Deere 1910E forwarders. An elemental time and motion study was used resulting in 73.4 h of detailed data, with 159 cycles extracting 2241 m³ of timber. Productivity models were created for all three sites as well as one combined model. Average cycle time was 33.2, 24.2 and 22.8 min, and average productivity 24.6, 37.1 and 42.7 t per productive machine hour, respectively. Cycle time was the fastest, and consequently productivity the highest, at the Canterbury site where the terrain roughness was low, overcoming any effect of the average small piece size (0.59 m³). Travel speed was slowest at the West Coast site showing the effect of wet and difficult terrain, with travel empty speed being just 3.8 km/h, compared to 6.7 and 6.9 km/h at the other two sites. Productivity at the two clear-cut operations was significantly higher than the selective cut, compounded by the use of the larger capacity forwarders. Distance and payload were significant factors for each cycle time model; in the combined model the sites were also significant. The calculated unit cost of forwarder extraction in the sites ranged from €2.55 to €4.70/m³. For regions such as southern Italy that have relatively low levels of forest mechanization, this information can be used to help design and improve more traditional labor-intensive harvesting systems.     

Operational impacts to residual stands following ground-based skidding in Hyrcanian Forest, northern Iran

Hyrcanian (Caspian) Forest in northern Iran has a richness of biological diversity, with endemic and endangered species. The usage of ground-based skidding is well accepted practice for the extraction of timber from the forest, but this operation has tended to cause the greatest environmental problems. The aims of the study were to evaluate and comparison of operational impacts, residual stand damage, regeneration, and to quantify these effects such as: the extent of the damage, wounding patterns, size and distribution after logging operations that utilized two different methods: short-log and long-log. A Timberjack cable skidder was used and the study location was in the Kheyrud Forest. Post harvesting assessment of damage to the residual stand was compared along skid trail by 100% inventory method and also for the assessment of regeneration damage along winching strips. The results show that along winching strips the percentage of damage to the regeneration was 44% and 36%, while the tree damages along skid trails reached 2.3% and 4.1% in the short-log and long-log methods, respectively. The greatest average amount of damage to a bole occurred along the first 1 m up from the ground (97%) and also within 4 m of the skidder centerline (80%). These results show that the short-log method causes less damage to the residual stand than the long-log method. Tree location to skidder trail appears to have a significant effect on the number and height of scars on a tree. Well designed and constructed trails should be wide enough to allow wood extraction from the forest. Damage to the residual stand might be reduced by proper planning and training of logging crews.     

Effects of Wheeled Cable Skidding on Residual Trees in Selective Logging in Caspian Forests

There are increasing demands on silvicultural practices to reduce the adverse impacts of harvesting. Damage to residual trees caused by ground-based skidding was assessed in stands with low [3.4 stems per hectare (sph), 14.36 m³/ha], medium (5.2 sph, 21.61 m³/ha), and high (7.1 sph, 25.95 m³/ha) harvest intensities. Skidding was conducted using a cable skidder. After the skidding operation, a field survey was conducted to collect data on all residual trees (species, dbh, height) and on tree wounds (size class, location, intensity of damage). It was hypothesized that increased harvest intensity leads to increased injury rates. The treatment with the highest harvest intensity was found to cause the highest percentage of damage and the largest stem wounds. The most common types of damage were stem wounds to the cambium layer and bark scrapes. In all three harvest intensity treatments the probability of individual tree damage decreased as skid-trail cross slope decreased and distance to skid-trail edge increased. It is concluded that harvesting intensity should be limited to 5 trees/ha during each harvesting operation to reduce extent of tree damage and thus future financial loss.     

FYJ-1型轮式抚育伐集材拖拉机应用经济效益分析

通过对FYJ-1型轮式抚育伐集材拖拉机与畜力集材两种生产作业方式进行比较,对两个冬运期集材作业的实测数据进行整理与核算表明,集材拖拉机比畜力集材生产方式的经济效益提高2.99倍,生产效率提高2～3倍。 FYT-1型轮式抚育伐集材拖拉机不仅适合在零星分散的森林抚育间伐场地作业,更适合在集中连片和远距离（800m以上）、坡度适中的场地作业。     

Analyzing time and fuel consumption in road transport of round wood with an onboard fleet manager

Round wood supply in Austria is often affected by different factors such as bottlenecks or oversupply due to changing market, weather and road conditions. An additional factor impacting the complex wood supply chain is the rising transport costs from the landing to the sawmill. Logging trucks are the primary transportation technology used from the forest to the customer??s site. The objectives of this study were to analyze the actual situation and characteristics of typical trucking activities for round wood supply from the region to an Austrian sawmill. The study used time and fuel consumption, proportion of travel on forest roads and average speed on different functional road classes to estimate productivity and costs. Data collection including GPS-tracking was done using fleet management equipment built into the driver??s cabin. The GPS-routes were analyzed in ArcGIS 9.3 based on the national road network and its attributes. The sawmill studied with a yearly demand of 600,000 m³ round wood was located in southern Austria. In total, more than 2,000 round trips operated by seven logging trucks recorded close to 100,000 km. The transport distance from the forest to the sawmill averaged 51 km. The average share on forest roads within a route to the sawmill was 14.2% with an average speed of 13.5 km/h, whereby the forest road is defined as road with minor importance. Transport costs from the forest site to the sawmill with a truck and trailer were ? 11/m³ solid timber based on an average load size of 25 m³. An average 0.77 l of diesel fuel per kilometer was consumed during a round trip including all work phases. A trip to an interim storage location consumed 2.05 l/km due to the number of work phases without driving distance.     

Time Consumption and Production Costs of Two Small-Scale Wood Harvesting Systems in Northern Greece

A field-based study was carried out to determine the productivity and production cost of the tree length (TL) and the wood assortment (WA) systems implemented under small-scale forestry conditions in two Scots pine stands in Northern Greece. Tree felling and processing productivity were estimated at 8.64 m³ per productive machine hour (PMH^?1) and 10.21 m³ PMH^?1, respectively. Wood felling and processing times were strongly dependent on dbh and total tree volume. However, when manual debarking was also considered the productivity rates decreased to 1.96 and 1.43 m³ PMH^?1, respectively. Skidding productivity was calculated to be 3.35 m³ PMH^?1 for TL and 7.17 m³ PMH^?1 for WA, respectively. Strong correlations have been found between the net skidding time and (a) the skidding distance and (b) the load per turn in both wood harvesting systems. Production costs varied greatly, from 19.38 € m^?3 up to 44.81 € m^?3 of roundwood depending on the harvesting system and the inclusion of debarking. The findings suggest that the WA system is more efficient in terms of productivity and production cost than TL, and that there is a substantial optimization potential. The optimization potential can be encoded in four suggestions: (a) opening up of more forest roads to reduce high skidding times, (b) replacement of manual debarking by mechanical debarking at the sawmill, (c) replacement of old pieces of equipment with newer ones and (d) training of the existing workforce.     

A Comparison of Productivity in Five Small-Scale Harvesting Systems

The use of small-scale harvesting equipment continues to grow in forestry in many regions of the world. This equipment includes various devices and methods used to harvesting that generally are smaller, less expensive and less productive than advanced forestry machines. The objective of this study is to compare the efficiency of five alternative extraction methods implemented in a harvesting unit located in a mixed beech and oak forest ecosystem in northwestern Turkey. A continuous time study was conducted during primary transport operations that included skidding with animal power, skidding with farm tractor, hauling with farm tractor, hauling with forest tractor, and extraction by skyline. Timber was skidded uphill on a skid trail, and an average skidding distance of 100 m for all haulage methods was considered. Average slope of the harvesting unit ranged from 20 to 40 %. Average productivities for respective haulage methods were 3.80, 6.25, 2.80, 5.25 and 10.09 m³/h. Significant differences were found between productivity of haulage methods using one-way analysis of variance. The extraction by skyline, skidding with farm tractor, and hauling with forest tractor were determined to be the most statistically different methods, the productivity of these methods was found significantly higher than the other methods. Skid trails are useful for shortening distances during forest operations and skidding with farm tractor is a productive method in small-scale forestry of Turkey.     

辽西半干旱地区刺槐树干液流变化规律的研究

利用热扩散式树干茎流仪于2010年5～10月对辽宁北票市刺槐树干液流进行连续观测。结果表明：刺槐边材液流速率日变化呈单峰曲线,8月液流速率最高,液流高峰维持时间6.5 h左右,曲线呈宽峰型。6月份液流速率居中,但液流高峰维持的时间较长7 h左右,曲线为宽峰型。10月液流速率最低,液流高峰维持时间最短4 h左右,曲线为窄峰型;刺槐平均液流速率8月〉6月〉7月〉9月〉10月;立地条件对刺槐树干液流影响较大,平均液流速率为缓坡〉谷底〉陡坡,单株日平均耗水量为谷底〉缓坡〉陡坡。径阶对液流速率影响不显著,但对耗水量有显著影响,总体上呈现出径阶越大耗水量越高的趋势。     

吉林柳树河林场集材道植被更新研究

通过对吉林柳树河林场的集材主道、叉道的植被天然更新的调查及分析,结果表明:1)集材主道的更新树种以喜光树种香杨、柳和白桦为主,其中香杨是更新最早的树种;叉道以核桃楸和水曲柳为主。2)从更新株数、主要更新树种平均高、平均年龄及植被平均盖度上看,集材叉道西坡更新状况最好,集材主道次之,集材叉道东坡最差。     

多功能集材机三角履带主参数确定

森工企业在拟定采集工艺时,必然要考虑生产效率、经济效益和生态问题.在新的作业条件下,需要开发新型集材装备,既能满足木材生产又能减少对林地环境的不利影响.三角履带是融合了轮胎与履带行走机构的优点而研发的新型行走机构,能适应各种恶劣的环境.本文对多功能集材机三角履带的主参数做分类概述,三角履带的主参数主要由集材机的相关参数和环境的相关数据共同决定.运用建模的方法对5种不同集材机主参数进行计算,通过实验获得诸如坡度、伐根高度等林区作业环境数据,运用统计方法进行数据处理,然后依据以上数据通过理论推导出5种不同多功能集材机三角履带的参考值.     

国外简易原木集材车

介绍了一种国外简易轮式集材车的主要性能及技术参数,其对我国研究开发多种形式的集材设备有一定的借鉴作用。     

Time consumption, productivity, and cost analysis of the motor manual tree felling and processing in the Hyrcanian Forest in Iran

An empirical time study was conducted to evaluate the per- formance of the current felling and tree processing methods used in Northern Iran’s Hyrcanian forest. Motor-manual felling is done mostly in winter, while tree processing starts when the felling season ends. We identified the elements of felling and processing work phases, and 142 cycles and 110 cycles were respectively recorded for felling and proc- essing. On the basis of data analysis (time study), we developed statisti- cal models of effective time consumption in the respective work phase and for its total productivity. The production rate of felling with and without delay time was 9.7 and 11.65 trees per hour (0.17 USD·m -3 and 0.21 USD·m -3 ), and the average production cost with and without delay was 1.21 USD and 1.45 USD per tree, respectively. The average produc- tivity of processing was 35 m 3 per effective hour and the average unit cost of processing was 0.22 USD·m -3 .     

Cost-productivity analysis of South African pine sawtimber mechanised cut-to-length harvesting

The South African forestry industry is experiencing an increase in the number of fully mechanised timber-harvesting systems. Understanding the productivity of these systems, for which data is currently limited for South Africa, is an important step to maximise the utilisation of machines being used. A time study of a mechanised cut-to-length system was conducted in Pinus elliottii sawtimber plantations in the Southern Cape forestry region of South Africa. A harvester and a forwarder were studied with the intention of analysing the division of work time amongst work elements, modelling each machine’s productivity and cost, and estimate fuel consumption. For the harvester’s productivity, a multiple regression model was developed using diameter at breast height (DBH), average distance moved per work cycle and slope class as predictors (adjusted R²? = 0.80). The harvester had a mean productivity of 33.6 m³ per productive machine hour (PMH₀) under the current conditions with most of the productive time being used in the moving element. It consumed 25.5 L PMH₀ ^?1 of diesel on average. The forwarder’s fuel consumption was calculated as 16.8 L PMH₀ ^?1, while productivity was 46.8 m³ PMH₀ ^?1. The forwarder spent the longest portion of the work cycle in the loading and unloading phases. A productivity regression model was created that included load size and distance moved during the driving in the loaded phase (adjusted R?² = 0.78).