Stand-specific working methods for harvester operators: a simulation study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Working methods used by harvester operators greatly affect their productivity. However, there might be further improvements in the ability to use multiple working methods by choosing the right method for the stand being harvested. The aim of this study was to assess the productivity of multiple working methods in an array of stand characteristics and to quantify the productivity gains of adapting the operator’s working method to the stand. To do so, we developed a discrete-event simulation model of a harvester. In total, 36 working methods were simulated in 50 different forest corridors of varying tree densities and tree heights, in clear-cut scenarios. While we observed differences in productivity of up to 18.56% between working methods in the same corridor, no method outperformed the others in all conditions. Some working methods were found to be unproductive in every stand condition, and the largest productivity gains came from avoiding them. The upper bound of the productivity gains from adapting the working method to the stand was 2.66%. These results suggest adapting the working method to the stand may not be worthwhile for harvester operators.