Original scientific paper
Comparison of Cable Skidding Productivity and Cost: Pre-Choking Mainline Versus Tagline Systems
Pierre Ackerman
; Department of Forest and Wood Science Stellenbosch University Private Bag X1 7602 Matieland, Stellenbosch SOUTH AFRICA
Reino Pulkki
; Faculty of Natural Resources Management Lakehead University 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1 CANADA
Benedict Odhiambo
; Department of Forest and Wood Science Stellenbosch University Private Bag X1 7602 Matieland, Stellenbosch SOUTH AFRICA
Abstract
This study quantifies the operational efficiency and cost of pre-choking main and tagline systems for tree-length extraction using a cable skidder. The study was done by comparing productivity and costs of the two systems in a semi-mechanised tree-length harvesting operation. Study data was collected using time studies and work sampling for choking and dechoking operations, and GNSS tracking for recording and analysing machine in-field travel time and skidding distance. Operating costs were estimated using South African Harvesting and Transport Costing Model. Average productivity of the tagline system (46 m3 PMH-1) exceeded that of the mainline system (34 m3 PMH-1) by 35%. The extraction cost of the tagline system (US$1.10 m-3) was 26% lower than the cost of using the mainline system (US$1.50 m-3).
Keywords
cable skidding; mainline system; tagline system; productivity; cost; extraction; time study
Hrčak ID:
173826
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2016.
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