Original scientific paper
Productivity Model for Cut-to-Length Harvester Operation in South African Eucalyptus Pulpwood Plantations
Jennifer Norihiro
; University of Stellenbosch Department of Forest and Wood Science Private Bag X1 7602 Matieland SOUTH AFRICA
Pierre Ackerman
; University of Stellenbosch Department of Forest and Wood Science Private Bag X1 7602 Matieland SOUTH AFRICA
Ben D. Spong
; West Virginia University Division of Forestry and Natural Resources PO Box 6125 WV 26506 Morgantown USA
Dirk Längin
; Mondi 380 Old Howick Road 3245 Hilton SOUTH AFRICA
Abstract
There has been a concerted shift from traditional motor-manual and semi-mechanised timber harvesting systems to mechanised cut-to length (CTL) operations in South Africa. This is particularly true in Eucalyptus pulpwood felling and processing, South Africa’s largest commercial wood resources used in the pulp and paper industry. Mechanisation improvements are typically driven by increasing safety regulations, product quality and productivity concerns related to traditional harvesting systems. The objective of this study is to develop productivity models for mechanised Eucalyptus pulpwood CTL felling and processing operations by combining the results of a number of individual studies done over a period of 24 months in the summer rainfall areas of South Africa. The study takes into account species, machine type (purpose built vs. excavator based), silvicultural practices (planted vs. coppiced) and slope. The pooled data revealed general productivity ranges from 5.16 m3 PMH-1 to 27.49 m3 PMH-1.
Keywords
cut-to-length; eucalyptus; pulpwood; full-mechanized system; productivity study
Hrčak ID:
193545
URI
Publication date:
26.1.2018.
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