Effect of tree size on time of each work element and processing productivity using an excavator-based single-grip harvester or processor at a landing

Abstract

We studied the effect of tree diameter at breast height (DBH) on the time required for the work elements in processing trees and on overall processing productivity at a landing. The times required for swinging with the tree, determining the butt-end cut, cutting the butt end, feeding and measuring, and cross-cutting were affected by the DBH of harvested trees. The time needed to process each tree was significantly longer for larger trees. However, the piece volume of trees increased as the diameter increased, and the rate of increase in volume was greater than the rate of increase in the time required to process one tree. Thus, processing productivity increased with increasing DBH (or piece volume) of harvested trees.