Handling the Small Tree Resource with Cable Systems

For cost efficiency, harvesting young stands on steep terrain in the Pacific Northwest requires different equipment and techniques than for harvesting old growth. At Oregon State University, felling and bucking studies have shown that cutting time per tree is reduced 15 percent when trees are thinned in a herringbone strip rather than in a conventional, selective pattern. Eliminating lateral yarding and bunching logs for larger turns with skyline yarders may reduce total thinning cost as much as 39 percent. Multispan yarding extends yarding distance of short towers on convex slopes; small yarders such as the Igland-Jones Trailer Alp and Koller K-300 are cost effective. Proper balance of crew size and equipment is important. Swinging logs away from the yarding machine with a skidder improves yarding and loading production. Future techniques and equipment should be designed to 1) obtain more pieces per turn, 2) improve wood handling efficiency on the landing, 3) specifically yard the smallwood resource, and 4) balance crew size with equipment needs. Silviculture-harvesting must blend economical wood handling with environmentally sound management of the small-tree resource.

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