Comparison of mechanized systems for thinning ponderosa pine and mixed conifer stands

Three systems for thinning pine plantations and naturally-regenerated stands were studied. All three produced small sawlogs and fuel chips. The whole-tree system consisted of a feller buncher, skidder, stroke processor, loader, and chipper. The cut-to-length system included a harvester, forwarder, loader, and chipper. A hybrid system combined a feller buncher, harvester, skidders, loader, and chipper. Time-motion study data were analyzed to predict cost per unit volume. The cut-to-length system had higher costs and yielded less fuel than the other systems. In plantations, the hybrid system was least expensive, while the whole-tree system was cheaper in the natural stands. The harvesters were capable of handling larger trees in the natural stands, and could remove limbs from the plantation pines, up to a limit. The cut-to-length system could operate on the steep and broken terrain included in the study.

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