Productivity and cost analysis of skidding with Timberjack 450C in forest plantations in Shafaroud watershed, Iran

Abstract

We present research results of timber skidding by a Timberjack 450C skidder in the path cutting of pine trees in Shafaroud watershed. Time studies were conducted to quantify the productivity and perational cost of skidding by a skidder in a plantation in even terrain conditions in Shafaroud, northern Iran. A linear regression model was applied for finding the relation of dependent variables such as total time consumption and productivity with appropriate independent variables. The most influencing variable for skidding were skidding distance, number of logs in each turn and load volume. The results indicated that the total production with and without delays was 5.17 and 5.98 m3.effective h-1, while the production cost with and without delays was 13.7 and 11.91 USD.h-1, respectively.

Keywords

• forest operation
• wood extraction
• skidder
• time study
• iran