Research Brief #32

Trials of a Gentler Timber Harvesting System
Louisiana Forest Products Development Center
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA

Situation/Problem

As a forest grows, it needs thinning and weeding just as a home garden does. Growth models show that this is best done at the earliest age possible. Of course, damage to the soil and the rest of the trees must be minimal.

Action

A comprehensive, analytical examination of a highly mechanized Ponsse brand cut-to-length timber harvesting system was conducted in northern Louisiana. A cut-to-length harvesting system consists of only two machines: a harvester that reaches up to 30 feet for a tree, severs the tree, delimbs it, and bucks the stem into logs; and a forwarder that picks up the logs, carries them to a truck and loads the truck. Martin Timber Company approached Drs. Cornelis de Hoop (LSU AgCenter), Clyde Vidrine (LA Tech University), and Bob Lanford (Auburn), and a concerted, collaborated analysis began. The purpose was to determine the productivity and cost of the new system when thinning in a 12-year-old pine plantation. The trees averaged only six inches in diameter. Also, soil disturbance and residual stand damage were analyzed.

Results

Compared to a conventional shear/skidder logging operation, they found that both the soil compaction and disturbance to the residual stand was less. Productivity and cost data were also developed. Like most timber harvesting operations, productivity is highly dependent upon the diameter of the tree stems

Impact

Travis Taylor, a logging contractor from Goldonna, Louisiana, decided to purchase the system for $600,000. The machines worked out so well that Mr. Taylor purchased two additional systems within a year. Martin Timber and other Louisiana landowners are benefiting by having their timber cut at competitive rates while enjoying better environmental impacts.

Research Team

Ponsse USA Equipment Company
Sam Soulé, Martin Timber Company, Campti, LA
Cornelis de Hoop, LSU AgCenter
Clyde Vidrine, Louisiana Tech University

Target Group

Loggers, wood dealers, log supply managers, timberland managers, timberland owners.

Contact

Cornelis F. de Hoop
Associate Professor
Louisiana Forest Products Development Center
Renewable Natural Resources Bldg.
LSU
Baton Rouge,LA 70803-6202
USA
cdehoop@lsu.edu
Tel: 225-578-4242
Fax: 225-578-4251