Mule Logging in Northern Forests of Iran: A Study of Productivity, Cost and Damage to Soil and Seedlings

Abstract

Animal logging is one of the traditional logging systems in Iran, as in many other areas of the world. In this study, after determination of the work elements, a continuous time study method was used to develop hauling time prediction models for wood hauling by mule for firewood hauling with standard saddles, firewood hauling with special equipment, and pulpwood hauling. The elemental time prediction models are also presented in this paper. The firewood production outputs in billet hauling were 2.135 m^3/h using standard saddles, and 3.275 m^3/h using special equipment. Pulpwood hauling productivity was 1.246 m^3/h. The contract costs for hauling firewood and pulpwood were 1.02 €/m^3 and 1.28 €/m^3, respectively. Soil disturbance was observed on 5.72% of the harvesting area, and the soil compaction in the studied skid trail increased by 14.14%.