The challenges facing contractors to achieve higher levels of mechanisation: The New Zealand experience

Authors: John Shrider
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2007, Issue N.Z.J.For. 52(2) 2007, pp 6-14, Aug 2007
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Contracting of felling, extraction, transportation and road construction and maintenance activities associated with forest harvesting and involving the use of heavy equipment has been a feature of the forest industry in New Zealand since the 1960’s. The relationship between contractor and forest company however has changed considerably since those early days as has the nature of contract structure and the environment in which forest owner companies and contractors have been required to operate. Harvesting methods and systems have progressed from basic motor manual systems with emphasis on the manual to more mechanized systems with emphasis on sophisticated technology and high investment cost. The transition however has largely been reactive, very difficult and the barriers to completing that transition still loom very large.

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