A rational approach to feller-buncher design for steep slope thinning

The engineering design of a feller-buncher intended for thinning on steep terrain was explored through the use of a geometric analysis and an interactive computer-aided simulation. Requirements for selectivity, bunch size, productivity, and tip-over stability were addressed in terms of vehicle size, boom length, operating rates, and tip-over enhancement. The design approach led to the conclusion that a 3-m-wide by 4-m-long prime-mover, with a 9-m-long boom, could obtain 70 percent selectivity and six-tree bunches in a forest stand with 625 trees/ha thinned to a target of 345 trees/ha. The feller-buncher traveled 560 m/ha and extended the boom a total of 1100 m/ha to accomplish the thinning.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member