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