ABSTRACT

Small-scale forest operations are often limited to fewer options while selecting timberharvesting equipment compared with their large-scale industrial counterparts. Lower quantity of wood harvested can be a major financial constraint that reduces the opportunity for employing various types of equipment. In such circumstances, moderate capital investment operations such as semi-mechanized harvesting are preferred. The objectives of this study were to evaluate harvest productivity, cost, and carbon footprint (stump-to-landing) of precommercial thinning using a semi-mechanized tree length (TL) operation. A detailed time-motion study was conducted in Orono, Maine, USA for a replicatedharvest operation utilizing a chainsaw and a cable skidder. Harvesting cost for the small-scale operation was estimated to be US $62 m⁻³, with $22 and $40 m⁻³, for felling and skidding, respectively. Frequent tree hang-ups were found to be negatively influencing the productivity of felling operations. The carbon footprint of the operation was estimated at 9.38 kg CO₂ eq m⁻³. The results of this study would encourage loggers and small woodland owners to get involved in stand management practices such as pre-commercial thinning (PCT) for future growth and revenue generation and highlight the impact of hang-up and machine utilization on operating cost. The carbon footprint of PCT is necessary for future cradle-to-gate LCA of wood products manufactured in the region.

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Source: T & F Online

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