Stand and operating effects on feller-buncher productivity in second thinnings of southern pine

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · For. Prod. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6307023

Greene, W D; Lanford, B L; Mykytka, E F

The effects of stand and operating factors on the productivity of a small feller-buncher in second thinning applications were studied in an intensive experiment using interactive simulation. Three first-thinning treatments, three levels of stand density prior to second thinning, three levels of stand density after second thinning, two spacings between corridors, and three target bunch sizes were considered in a fully replicated experiment. The elemental times of simulated machine were analyzed with least squares regression to determine factors of importance for prediction purposes. These estimates were combined to estimate total time per tree. Average tree diameter and distance between harvested trees were important stand variables affecting machine productivity. Factors defined by the machine operator or the operating pattern in use exerted a greater influence than stand variables. These included the utilization of the shear head (trees per accumulation), the spacing of work corridors, and the bunch size used as a target by the operator. Feller-buncher productivity was greatest when using the smallest target bunch size and closely spaced working corridors. Such conditions minimized the distance traveled by the machine in selecting and felling trees. 30 references.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Georgia, Athens; Auburn Univ., AL
• OSTI ID: 6307023
• Journal Information: For. Prod. J.; (United States), Journal Name: For. Prod. J.; (United States) Vol. 37:3; ISSN FPJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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HARVESTING
HARVESTING EQUIPMENT
MATHEMATICS
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