Small scale operations

 

Summary

This programme investigates small scale woodland establishment, harvesting and processing operations. Projects include:

• Evaluation of mini and midi tractors with respect to the Health and Safety design features
• It is anticipated that the above will then go on to evaluate the potential of such equipment in forestry operations in terms of robustness, outputs, environmental protection and overall suitability for forestry work
• Workshop demonstrations of small scale equipment.

This programme is also linked with the 'Broadleaf mechanical harvesting' project in the the Harvesting and utilisation operations programme.

Research objectives

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

• Investigate the design features on mini and midi equipment in terms of health and safety and appraise suitability for work in the forestry environment
• Development of guidelines for the safe management of such equipment identifying limitations or potential areas of risk
• Demonstrate small scale establishment, harvesting and processing equipment at outdoor workshops
• Detail outputs, costs, ergonomic and safety issues.

Funders and partners

This research is funded primarily by the Forestry Commission Machinery and methods programme.

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.

Small scale equipment can encourage small woodland owners and communities to undertake operations within woods that can be too small and/or contain constraints that may preclude the use of larger equipment.

Recent work

• Outdoor workshops giving information on small scale establishment, harvesting and processing equipment
• Use of compact tractors in forestry.

Technical Development deliver technology transfer via internal and external reports, seminars and workshops. Several workshops have been used to deliver information on small scale equipment this financial year.

Status

Project work is ingoing and will be completed  in 2005/2006.

Contact

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