Abstract
The operational productivity and costs of tree felling operations can be influenced by several factors, among which, the machine characteristics, slope class, the cutting area and the individual volume of the trees stand out. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to analyze the productivity and production cost for two feller-bunchers with different technical characteristics operating in a eucalyptus forest. The productivity was calculated from a time study and the factors analyzed were two feller-buncher models, two slope classes, and two cutting areas. The machine cost per scheduled hour was based on the methodology of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Analysis of the results showed that the felling and turn operational elements occupied the most time in the operational cycle of feller-bunchers. The machine cost per scheduled hour was USD 69.69 h−1 for feller-buncher 1 and USD 102.03 h−1 for feller-buncher 2. In conclusion, the distinct technical characteristics of feller-bunchers were found to influence the productivity and, consequently, the cost, of the felling operation during the harvesting of whole eucalyptus trees.
Highlights
In Brazil, the area occupied by commercial plantations represents 9.5 million hectares.Among the planted trees, eucalyptus accounts for 7.3 million hectares, with an average productivity of 35 m3 /ha/year
10.02 working hours were observed for FB 1, with an accuracy level of 1.61%; and 9.11 working hours were observed for FB 2, with an accuracy level of 1.53%
Regarding the feller-buncher type, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found for all operational conditions, in which the time for the felling element was shorter for FB 1
Summary
Eucalyptus accounts for 7.3 million hectares, with an average productivity of 35 m3 /ha/year. Among the positive aspects of the use of eucalyptus is the rotation time, which averages six years, and is shorter than that of other forest species planted in Brazil. The eucalyptus rotation time is related to the synergy of genetic improvement, forestry characteristics, favorable climatic conditions, and mechanization in the wood harvesting process. Due to their importance [3,4,5,6,7], eucalyptus plantations have been evaluated in terms of different aspects related to mechanized wood harvesting, using a diverse range of machines
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