Mechanized Logging

Mechanized Logging Methods : Mechanized Logging Methods Mechanical felling, tree processing & forwarding equipment and systems


There are different levels of mechanized logging methods …. : There are different levels of mechanized logging methods …. E.g. “Low Level”: chainsaw felling & tree processing – line skidding “Medium Level”: chainsaw felling – line skidding & tree processing at landing “High Level”: harvester felling and tree processing – forwarding logs to landing


Mechanized Logging Methods (higher levels) : Mechanized Logging Methods (higher levels) General Disadvantages Capital costs Equipment utilization Machine interaction Hot logging Cold logging Tree size & terrain limitations General Advantages Efficiency in harvesting small trees Applications in commercial thinning High technology benefits Improved safety


Mechanized Harvesting Systems : Mechanized Harvesting Systems


Forest Resource management considerations with alternative mechanized harvesting systems ? : Forest Resource management considerations with alternative mechanized harvesting systems ?


Forest Resource management considerations with alternative mechanized harvesting systems …. Selecting a harvesting system? : Forest Resource management considerations with alternative mechanized harvesting systems …. Selecting a harvesting system? Soil degradation (disturbance, rutting, compaction, impacts on water quality) Long term site productivity – the amount, composition, and location of woody debris Where are the tree limbs and tops located? Soil nutrient source? Fire risk? Damage to residual trees in a partial cut Skidding distances and amount of area in truck roads Landing size and spacing Stand characteristics and terrain Silvicultural strategy Equipment availability & logging expertise


Single-grip Harvester : Single-grip Harvester 18” – 24” tree size 30’ max. boom reach Rubber tire or track carrier


Forwarder : Forwarder 5 – 20 ton payloads 4 – 8 wheel drive


Cut-To-Length System : Cut-To-Length System Applications: Thinning & fuels reduction Forest Resource Considerations: Tree limbs & tops left on forest trails - no landing slash - soil nutrient source - equipment travel on slash - fire risk -- may require follow-up slash treatment Small landings Low stand damage Long forwarding distance – fewer roads


Cut-To-Length System : Cut-To-Length System Forest Resource Considerations: Soil displacement (rutting) can occur on forwarder trails Little soil scarification during logging – may require scarification for natural regeneration Other Considerations: Improved fiber recovery (e.g. lower value pulpwood) Computer aided bucking decisions Longer operating season Short log handling system – complete system change Longer term landowner commitment is important Operator training


Double-Grip Harvester : Double-Grip Harvester


Tree-Length System : Tree-Length System Forest Resource Considerations Tree limbs & tops left on forest trails BUT not dispersed as well compared to a cut-to-length system Landings are larger than a cut-to-length system Higher risk for residual stand damage than cut-to-length system


Fell and Bunch : Fell and Bunch Equipment options & terminology: Drive-to-tree Swing boom (excavator base – not self-leveling) Swing boom (purpose built - self-leveling) Semi-walking or walking


Slide17 : Drive-to-tree machine Drive-to-tree machine Drive to Tree Machines


Slide18 : Swing boom Feller Buncher Excavator base – not self leveling Purpose built – self leveling Purpose Built – Self Leveling Excavator Base


Slide19 : Walking machine


Slide20 : Shear Cutting Head


Slide21 : Non-Shear Cutting Heads Circular Saw - Continuous - Intermittent Chain-and-Bar Saw


Skid or Yard Whole Trees : Skid or Yard Whole Trees


Tree Processing at the Landing : Tree Processing at the Landing Equipment Options & Terminology: Gate delimber Stroke-boom delimber Stroke-deck delimber Grapple processor (dangle head) Pull-through delimber Chipper Chain flail delimber/debarker & chipper


Slide24 : Gate Delimber


Slide25 : Stroke Boom Delimber


Slide27 : Stroke Deck Delimber


Slide28 : Grapple Processor limbing & topping only; no felling


Slide29 : Pull Through Delimber


Slide30 : Chain Flail


Slide31 : Chain Flail and Chipper


Whole-tree System : Whole-tree System Applications: Clearcut & fuel reduction Forest Resource Considerations: Tree limbs & tops brought to the landing - large landing slash piles - soil nutrient problems on some sites - “clean logging” of site may eliminate burning & site preparation need - opportunities to utilize slash at the landing Large landings needed Equipment doesn’t travel on slash mat Hard to control damage to residual trees in thinning