General Productivity Predicting Model for Skidder Working in Eucalypt Plantations

Abstract

Timber extraction from forest to the roadside/landing can be operated using cut-to-length, whole stem and whole tree. Skidding is one of the options for wood extraction. This paper aimed to review the available studies on work productivity of skidders in Eucalypt plantations. Reviewing the machine productivity information indicated that skidding productivity in Eucalypt plantations may be impacted by tree volume, load size, skid distance, slope of skid trail and power of the machine. Based on the reviewed literatures the machine productivity varied from 11.20 green tons per PMH0 (Caterpillar 528 operating in skidding distance of 251 m tested in USA) to 80.25 green tons per PMH0 (Timberjack 1710D operating in skidding distance of 241 m in Brazil). General productivity model was developed including variables such as skidding distance, tree size and power of machine. Future research could verify the impact of harvesting intensity/yield per ha, plantation layout (landing locations and block shape), operator experience, terrain conditions and availability of chippers/or processors at the landing in the case of hot decking on the productivity of the skidders in Eucalypt plantations.