A documentation and analysis of the physical, operating, and business environments for small-tree handling and harvesting

Study objectives were 1) to identify successful mechanized thinning and prelogging systems currently operating in the South, 2) to document system characteristics contributing to their success, and 3) to determine which factors affect levels of residual stand damage from thinning operations. The first objective was accomplished by a South-wide industry survey. The latter two objectives were realized through in-depth field studies of selected systems. The survey indicated three system types used on small-tree operations. Feller-buncher/grapple skidder/hydraulic loader systems comprised the majority of operations described. No predictable relationships between system type and tree size were apparent, so examples of the most common type were chosen for detailed study. Three thinning and three prelogging systems were selected, covering a range of ownership patterns and physiographic regions. Information was obtained pertaining to each system's application; crew organization and background; equipment spread and descriptions; performance; and special considerations provided by landowners or timber buyers. Residual stand damage cruises were conducted at each thinning operation's job site. Case-by-case analyses and comparisons between systems based on economic and productivity criteria resulted in a number of recommendations. These suggestions represented system characteristics seen as keys to the success of the operations studied. The recommendations focused on desirable contractor and crew characteristics, equipment selection decisions, job layout, minimization of residual stand damage, and methods of landowner/timber buyer support for small-tree operations.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Forestry

Department dc:contributor.department

Forestry

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1987

Author dc:creator

• Corwin, Matthew L.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/94498

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/94498