FPInnovations has produced a publication which reviews tethered logging equipment used across the world.The review was carried out due to the slope handling capabilities of modern machines being greater than the limits currently contained in safety codes. For example, many felling machines can operate on 60% slopes, while the current British Columbia regulations restrict ground based logging equipment to 40%. A method to increase the slope handling ability of logging machines is to tether them using a winch and cable to anchors such as stumps or stationery equipment. This can improve machine stability, traction and mobility. Soil disturbance can also be reduced.
The FPInnovations article, compiled by Brad Sutherland (Internal Report 2012-08-20), is titled “Review of tethered equipment for steep-slope operations”. The document lists the currently available felling and extraction equipment that uses traction aid winches. The machine make and model, type of machine, manufacturer, size, slope limit and winch configuration are provided. The document then goes on to describe the status of tethered logging machine developments in New Zealand, Germany, Italy, USA and Norway. The document concludes with a discussion on the applicability of current tethered equipment to British Columbia. For more information, contact Jack MacDonald at jack.macdonald@fpinnovations.ca .