The Optimum Length for Pulpwood: Considerations affecting the efficiency of logging

The effect of varying length of pulpwood is discussed in relationto place of conversion, loading, length of lorry, stacking spaceat roadside, method of skidding, and the preparation of loadsafter crosscutting at stump. The conclusion is reached that for Scottish upland conditionspulpwood should be prepared in 10- to 12-feet lengths in twostages, the feller preparing loads for skidding and the horseor tractor roughly piling the unbarked pulpwood at roadsidefor mechanical loading on to long-distance transport. For theFort William mill a standard length of 10 feet, with tolerancedown to 8 feet, will be adopted. Mechanization is not envisaged for some years beyond chain saw,tractor-mounted double-drum winch, and lorry- or tractor-mountedcrane with hydraulic grab, while the horse will play its partin skidding for at least the next five years. Logging teamsof four to eight men will be required and are being trained.