Log Damage and Value Loss Associated with Two Ground-Based Harvesting Systems in Central Appalachia

Abstract

Log damage was examined in terms of volume and value losses by harvesting system, function, tree species, and log size in four central Appalachian hardwood sites. Observations were made of all grade logs during the felling, skidding, decking/sorting, and loading operations. Sawlogs sustaining damage to the bark or cambium were recorded with additional information obtained for the location, dimensions, and type of damage. The data were analyzed statistically to determine significant differences of damage and to estimate the potential damage probability of a log given select operational variables. The results suggest that motor-manual harvesting systems caused more damage to logs than mechanized harvesting systems. Felling resulted in significantly more log damage when compared to skidding, decking, and loading operations. Results also suggest that the process of skidding, decking, and loading of logs has very little impact on damage levels. Volume and value losses of damaged logs were not sensitive to tree species and log size.