Evaluation of wood extraction with an agricultural tractor in the whole-tree method of poplar clear-felling operations

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Forest Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Iran.

2 Department of Forestry, Khalkhal Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khalkhal, Iran.

10.22059/jfwp.2025.387893.1321

Abstract

Optimizing productivity is a prerequisite in forest logging. The use of farm tractors is one of the most common logging techniques for the primary transportation of wood-based forest products in forest plantations in northern Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the effective work cycle time, factors influencing skidding time, productivity, operational costs, and production costs of tree extraction using the ITM 800 4WD farm tractor. The research was conducted in the Haftdaghanan region of Sowmeh Sara County in Guilan Province. For the farm tractor, productivity was estimated, and a cycle time prediction model was developed using multiple regression analysis. Both fixed and variable costs were estimated, and total costs were calculated by combining machine and labor costs. The results showed that the average pure and gross hourly productivity were 4.68 and 4.28 m³, respectively, and the hourly system cost during productive time was 9,632,648 Rials. The most time-consuming work element was travel loaded (38%), followed by travel unloaded (26%). Skidding distance and log volume significantly affected productivity. The models introduced in this study can be used for planning, work optimization, and production and cost estimation under similar working conditions. This study demonstrates that in small forest areas with small tree diameters and suitable terrain conditions, farm tractors operate efficiently in skidding operations.

Keywords

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References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 77, Issue 4
March 2025
Pages 439-451

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