Insights on motor-manual tree felling in Germany, recent developments to ensure efficient operations in singletree selection harvest

Despite an intensive mechanization trend in German forest operations since the early 1990s, many sites restrict the efficient implementation of fully mechanized harvesting systems. Trafficability and singletree selection harvest-based silviculture, focusing on high stem volume broadleaves, such as European beech, are the main limitations. Thus, motor-manual operations are still prevalent but need to be adapted to stay efficient and improve safety in a changing work environment. Recent developments of new felling techniques and aiding tools and advances in training and work organization improved occupational health and safety. Also, these achievements help to avoid log devaluation due to felling damages. The general digitalization trend did not ignore motor-manual operations either. Smartphone applications can already contribute to more efficient bucking, operation planning and fleet management. Yet, motor-manual operations will remain cost-intensive, and expose worker directly to occupational hazards. Therefore, operations should take as much advantage of mechanized systems as possible for feasible and applicable silvicultural objectives.