Economic efficiency of fully mechanized timber harvesting in coniferous stands of the 2nd age class
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15287/afr.2023.2491Keywords:
cut-to-length, harvesters, unit costs, timber harvesting efficiency, early thinning in pine standsAbstract
The aim of the study was to determine the unit costs of mechanizedtimber harvesting in pine stands where early thinning was being performed, and todetermine the relationship between the cost level and the volume of harvested trees,the harvester model and field conditions. Analysis focused on timber harvesting withthe use of small- and mid-sized harvesters. The tested harvesters were specializedforestry machines (Vimek, Sampo, Profi-Pro, Ponsse) and a construction machine(Fao-Far). Terrain accessibility variants were distinguished in relation to furrowsbetween which trees had been planted in the past: flat terrain with the depth ofunevenness up to 20 cm, up to 40 cm, and over 40 cm. The operating costs ofthe analyzed harvesters varied significantly, an hour of operation of the machinethat was the cheapest to use (Fao-Far) cost nearly 2.5 times less (37.3 €) than theProfi-Pro harvester, which was the most expensive in operation (89.1 €). In standswithout furrows, the lowest unit costs were noted for the Sampo harvester: 8.4 €·m-3.The other small harvesters, Vimek and Fao-Far, were slightly more expensive touse: 10.3 €·m-3 and 9.1 €·m-3, respectively. In areas where furrows were up to 20cm deep, the cheapest solution was timber harvesting with the Fao-Far harvester(9.9 €·m-3). In areas where furrows were up to 40 cm deep, timber harvesting wasthe cheapest with the Sampo harvester (10.7 €·m-3), while harvesters Vimek andFao-Far were characterized by a similar cost intensity, amounting to just over 12€·m-3. In stands with furrows deeper than 40 cm, it was cheapest to use the Ponsseharvester (10.4 €·m-3). The cost of operation of the Profi-Pro harvester was higherby approx. 25% (14.0 €·m-3). With the current level of the financing of mechanizedtimber harvesting in Poland (about 11 €·m-3), small harvesters Vimek, Sampo andFao-Far are cost-effective when single tree volume exceeds 0.05-0.06 m3. Mediumharvesters, Profi-Pro and Ponsse, are cost-effective when unit volumes of harvestedtrees reach 0.08 and 0.11 m3 respectively. The cost-effectiveness of the testedharvesters increased when working shifts were extended.References
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