Harvesting and utilisation operations

 

Summary

This programme covers a range of large and small scale harvesting and utilisation operations including harvesting, extraction, environmental protection and value adding operations such as sawmilling. Projects include:

• Excavator based skylines
• Broadleaf mechanical harvesting
• The use of harvester, forwarder and office based IT in the supply chain
• Mechanised harvesting and environmental protection
• Operations in Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF).

Research objectives

Each project has specific and detailed  objectives. As an overview:

• Investigate the conditions and constraints affecting excavator cableway use and describe safety and ergonomic issues
• Investigate the use of mechanised harvesting and developments in machinery and operating systems in broadleaf harvesting
• Describe the use of computer based production control and Information Technology to monitor harvesting outputs and delivery of product to the customer.  Investigate the cost effectiveness of data transfer
• Review information on techniques designed to reduce the environmental impact of mechanised harvesting systems
• Study mechanised harvesting systems in CCF.  Evaluate appropriate harvesting systems, costs and techniques to reduce environmental impact.

Funders and partners

This majority of this research is funded by the Forestry Commission Machinery and methods programme.

Transformation of crops to CCF: the harvesting operations investigation is being undertaken by Bangor University with support from Forest Research.

Technical Development also works in partnership with contractors and machine suppliers.

Forestry Commission policy

One objective of the Forestry Commission is to support the Government's policy of sustainable forest management. This includes enhancing the economic value of forests and woodland resources.

Mechanised harvesting systems have significantly reduced working costs and with appropriate techniques site impact can be minimised.

Publications

The following Technical Note has been produced:

Chainsaw debuttressing of standing timber ^(PDF-6293K)

Information is also available on the following subjects:

• Helicopter extraction
• Harvesting techniques for wet ground
• Excavator based skylines
• Compact tractors in forestry
• Harvester Machine Operator Health & Safety.

Status

• A Technical Note will be produced on 'Mechanised harvesting techniques for environmental protection'
• Some projects will be continued in 2005/2006 and further Technical Notes produced.

Contacts

General harvesting operations

Colin Saunders
Forest Research
Technical Development
Forestry Commission
Ae Village
Dumfries
Scotland DG1 1QB

Tel: 01387 860264
Fax: 01387 860386
Email: tdb.ae@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

CCF harvesting

Duncan Ireland
Technical Development
Forest Research
Ae Village
Dumfries
Scotland DG1 1QB

Tel: 01387 860264
Fax: 01387 860386
Email: research.info@forestry.gsi.gov.uk