Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5552/crojfe.2023.2051
Evaluation of Different Modes for Yarding Windthrown Timber with a Double-Hitch Carriage
Raffaele Spinelli
orcid.org/0000-0001-9545-1004
; CNR-IBE – Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la BioEconomia Via Madonna del Piano 10 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) ITALY
Karl Stampfer
; University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna Department of Forest and Soil Sciences Institute of Forest Engineering Peter Jordan Strasse 82 1190, Vienna AUSTRIA
Natascia Magagnotti
; CNR-IBE – Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la BioEconomia Via Madonna del Piano 10 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) ITALY
Giulio Cosola
; CoNAIBo – Coordinamento Nazionale delle Imprese Boschive Piazzale Merizzi 17 23100 Sondrio (SO) ITALY
Fabio De Francesco
; CNR-IBE – Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la BioEconomia Via Madonna del Piano 10 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) ITALY
Gernot Erber
; University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna Department of Forest and Soil Sciences Institute of Forest Engineering Peter Jordan Strasse 82 1190, Vienna AUSTRIA
Matevž Mihelič
; University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty Večna pot 83 1000, Ljubljana SLOVENIA
Abstract
Yarding whole trees is the most efficient way of extracting timber in steep terrain and allows reaping the combined benefits of mechanization and biomass recovery. In downhill yarding, however, whole-tree extraction is associated with a greater risk of loosening rocks or debris by the incoming loads as they bounce around along the extraction corridor. That may also cause damage to the cables and anchors by corresponding shock loads, ultimately endangering the yarder and its crew. To avoid these risks, »double-hitch carriages« can be employed. They combine a conventional motorized dropline carriage with a secondary carriage (»trailer«), equipped with a further, independent dropline winch. Thus, loads can be attached at two points and transported fully suspended above the ground in a horizontal position.
Operation of these carriages may not be limited to the »horizontal« mode: the main carriage could also be operated without trailer (»single« mode), or separate loads may be attached to the two droplines (»double« mode), but their impact on the efficiency and economy of yarding operations is yet unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated how these modes affect the productivity and cost of downhill whole tree yarding. To this end, a classic time and motion study was conducted during a salvage logging operation in Northern Italy under a strictly controlled experimental design.
Average productivity (18.2±7.2 to 24.5±15.4 m³ PSH0-1 merchantable volume per productive system hour excluding delays) and extraction cost (18 to 20 Euro m-³) did not differ significantly between treatments, while load composition and time consumption by task did. More (2.2±0.5) pieces per load were yarded under the »double«, than under the »single« (1.4±0.5) and »horizontal« (1.1±0.3) treatments. Inhaul speed (3.1±0.6 m s-1) was significantly higher under the »horizontal« treatment, which compensated for increased loading time derived from attaching the load at least at one point outside the corridor. Unloading took significantly longer under the »double« treatment, as loads had to be dropped successively due to the confined conditions on the landing. Though slowest (2.5±0.9 m s-1) during inhaul, the »single« treatment exhibited none of the other treatments disadvantages and larger loads could be accumulated due to partial suspension. From an economic viewpoint, the »horizontal« mode may only be warranted over yarding distances substantially beyond average. On shorter ones, it must be justified by other reasons, such as minimizing product contamination, soil disturbance or excessive strain to the skyline when the terrain profile impedes sufficient ground clearance.
Keywords
harvesting, logging, steep terrain, carriage, horizontal yarding, safety, efficiency
Hrčak ID:
310143
URI
Publication date:
14.7.2023.
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