A method to assess log value loss caused by cross-cutting practice on the skidsite.

Authors: J. M. P. Geerts, A. A. Twaddle
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1984, Issue N.Z.J.For. 29(2) 1984, pp 173-184, Aug 1984
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: A program called AVIS, Assessment of Value by Individual Stems, has been developed to enable the comparison of what the skidworkers are able to achieve in crosscutting the stems and ihe optimal conversion for these stems. This program uses the same optimal crosscutting algorithm as the planning system MARVL*

To develop a field measurement procedure and to test the method, a full-scale trial was undertaken in Kinleith Forest.

A value loss of 26% from sub-optimal crosscutting was shown by AVIS with the particular mix of log types and values used in this trial. This was reduced to 11% after the introduction of practices designed to aid the skidworkers in their choice of individual stem cutting patterns.

The results of the trial indicate that the AVIS system will be a valuable research tool for quantifying value losses during processing and the identification of where and why these losses occur.

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