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Pruned logs - how well can we find them?
Authors: A. TwaddlePublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1988, Issue N.Z.J.For. 33(2) 1988, pp 22-26, Aug 1988
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: Many stands of radiata pine have been pruned in the anticipation that pruned logs will be recovered during their subsequent harvest. A set of six measurements were made in harvesting operations where completely pruned or partially pruned logs were being produced. The objective was to determine what proportion of the pruned stems had been correctly cut to maximize pruned log recovery.
A high proportion of the pruned logs were found to be out of specification, with the most common error being the inclusion of sections of unpruned stem, although other types of error were also prevalent. The proposed reasons why skidworkers make errors associated with the recovery of pruned logs include the difficulty in spotting branches; the limited time available to inspect stems; the complexity of log specifications; and a skid-worker's skill and motivation.