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Tools and Resources

Cable systems

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Ropeway systems where timber is extracted by means of moving cables, powered by a static tractor or lorry powered winch. The timber load can be carried wholly or partially clear of the ground. Examples include skyline and high lead systems

High lead systems
Availability	No data
Costs	Low capital cost, with competitive unit costs over shorter extraction distances
Terrain ability	Suitable for use on steep banks and wet soils
Potential site impact	Low ground impact and site disturbance
Potential crop impact	Some potential for stem damage
Access and transportation	Allows access to difficult sites
Other operational considerations	Best suited to extraction distances of up to 150 m, depending on concavity of terrain. Best suited to small thinnings or shorter extraction distances, and high product density. Low load capacity. Substantial setup time, but lower than other cable systems. Stacking space required at roadside. May require secondary extraction
Ergonomics	Some manual handling involved

Gravity systems
Availability	No data
Costs	Low capital cost, but competitive unit costs over shorter extraction distances
Terrain ability	Suitable for steep banks
Potential site impact	Low ground impact and site disturbance
Potential crop impact	Some stem damage risk
Access and transportation	Allows access to difficult sites
Other operational considerations	Best suited to extraction distances of up to 300m. Best suited to small thinnings or shorter extraction distances, and high product density. Low load capacity. Substantial setup time, but lower than other cable systems. Stacking space required at roadside. May require secondary extraction
Ergonomics	Some manual handling involved

Skyline systems
Availability	No data
Costs	High capital cost and high unit costs, generally only used on sites where other methods are not an option
Terrain ability	Allows access to difficult sites, suitable for use on steep banks and wet soils
Potential site impact	Low ground impact
Potential crop impact	Some stem damage risk
Access and transportation	Allows access to difficult sites
Other operational considerations	Best suited to extraction distances >300 m. Best suited for high product density due to high unit cost. Low load capacity. Substantial setup time
Ergonomics	Some manual handling involved. High level of skill required