Mechanising steep terrain harvesting operations

Authors: Rien Visser, Keith Raymond, Hunter Harrill
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2014, Issue N.Z.J.For. 59(3) 2014, pp 3-8, Nov 2014
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Harvesting the extensive areas of maturing New Zealand plantation forestry on steep terrain has highlighted significant productivity and safety issues associated with using traditional systems. The mainstay of steep terrain harvesting for decades has been chainsaw felling, followed by cable yarding extraction using choker-setters, with subsequent processing on a landing involving skid workers. A high level of risks to forest workers operating these systems provides both the need, but also the potential benefits, of mechanising the manual aspects of this system. A number of initiatives and innovations are starting to eliminate the need for forest workers to be exposed to hazards. Most of the forests currently being harvested are on terrain that can be characterised as steep and difficult (Amishev, 2012). Cost-effectively harvesting this resource requires not only the need for improved operational efficiency to remain competitive in an international market, but also to address challenges of safety and environmental performance (Raymond, 2012). There is now a very strong industry focus on improving the level of mechanisation and integrating new technology to achieve these goals. Some innovations are developed by individuals or smaller equipment companies, but improving our steep terrain harvesting is also being supported by a coordinated R&D programme. The Harvesting theme of Future Forests Research Ltd (FFR) is a co-funded programme between industry participants and a competitive government Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) grant. It has a comprehensive longer term programme under the theme of ‘no worker on the slope, no hand on the chainsaw’. Industry is actively testing and implementing these new developments as they look to gain the productivity and safety benefits of these new systems (Raymond, 2012). This paper overviews a number of advances based on the mechanisation of our steep terrain operations. It includes: (a) extending the operating range of groundbased systems on steep slopes; (b) mechanisation of cable yarder extraction through improved grapple carriage systems; and (c) advanced planning and performance monitoring systems.

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