Better utilisation of the skidder winch can decrease the overrun on the logging site

Abstract

SYNOPSIS A study of seven articulated wheel skidders was conducted at five different locations, where the winch line was pulled out for a distance of up to 60 metres from the skid trail. The further the winch line is pulled porn a skid trail to hitch a load, the further apart the skid trail spacing can be, with the resultant decrease in the negative effects of the skidder on the logging site. Winching skidder pay loads from beyond the usual 10 metres will involve a productivity and a cost penalty. The effect of a long winching distance on the productivity and cost of logging and its effect on the logging site is discussed.