Original scientific paper
Possibilities of Using Small Tractors for Forestry Operations on Private Property
Jurij Marenče
orcid.org/0000-0002-9461-0090
; University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty Department of Forestry and Renewable Resources Chair for Forest Techniques and Economics Večna pot 83 1000 Ljubljana SLOVENIA
Janez Krč
; University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty Department of Forestry and Renewable Resources Chair for Forest Techniques and Economics Večna pot 83 1000 Ljubljana SLOVENIA
Abstract
The difficulty of working conditions and the scope of forestry operations dictate the selection of suitable tractors. In areas with the prevailing private, small and fragmented forest property structure, the small machines may also be applied. Due to their technical characteristics, their scope of operation is often somewhat limited. Nevertheless, these machines can represent a reasonable choice for less demanding working conditions. They may be used for thinning operations or for assembling small loads, mostly in the downhill skidding operations. In regard to the uphill skidding, they may only be applied where the working conditions so allow. The test included AGT 835, a small agricultural tractor, featuring basic forestry upgrades. The test determined its usability and suitability for working operations according to three factors: tractive force, load size and longitudinal skidding incline. The spatial analysis was conducted in regard to the suitability of forests, where the AGT 835 tractor could be used. The share of forest is shown where the tractor could be successfully applied in accordance with its limitations. The study encompassed only private forests, namely the forest areas featuring terrain slope and stand conditions that allow the use of small tractors in the first place. The analysis showed a relatively frequent possibility of using small tractors, which are suitable on a smallscale forest property and which are generally considered as less suitable for forest operations.
Keywords
private forests; small tractors; wood skidding; limitations; possibilities of use
Hrčak ID:
153480
URI
Publication date:
1.2.2016.
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