Logging research results - Comparing crawler tractors and rubber-tyred mini-skidders in alpine logging operations

Researchers examined the feasibility of alternative extraction techniques to reduce costs, improve safety and protect the environment.

The title of the article was “An alternative skidding technology to the current use of crawler tractors in Alpine logging operations”, and it appeared in the Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 31 (August 2012), pages 73 to 79. The authors were R Spinelli, N Magagnotti and R Relano. Intermediate logging technology is largely used in Italian non-industrial private forestry due to the small size of the harvested units. On land too steep for the use of agricultural tractors, crawler tractors are used. However, these crawler tractors cause soil disturbance and damage residual trees. The research investigated whether rubber-tyred mini-skidders would be a suitable alternative.

The results showed that these rubber-tyred skidders were a cost effective alternative. Extraction costs were reduced by between 30 and 50%. At an average skidding distance of 130 m, the crawler tractor achieved productivity of 3.2 m3 per machine hour, while the skidder achieved 4.1 m3 per machine hour. Skidding costs ranged between Euro 19 and 47 for the crawler, and between Euro 13 and 23 for the skidder. As part of the research, a model was developed to estimate machine productivity, extraction costs, and energy use for both machines under a variety of working conditions.

For a more complete account of the research, please access the journal at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652612001096