Effects of felling head type on tensile strength of southern pine dimension lumber

Damage to butt logs harvested by shear felling heads has been observed. The extent of damage in terms of tensile strength loss (perpendicular to the grain) to the wood material is not documented. In this study, shear and saw felling heads were compared for their effects on tensile strength properties in close proximity to the harvest cut. Tensile strength of the wood material was measured at 1.5, 12, and 22.5 inches from the harvest cut. Results show that a well-maintained shear felling head results in a 42 percent loss in tensile strength at 1.5 inches from the harvest cut. A well-maintained saw felling head showed no significant effect on tensile strength. The extent of shear damage to tensile strength is limited to within 12 inches of the harvest cut.

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