Timber-Harvesting Mechanization in the Western United States: An Industry Survey

Author： Schuh Donald D. Kellogg Loren D.

Publisher： Society of American Foresters

ISSN： 0885-6095

Source： Western Journal of Applied Forestry, Vol.3, Iss.2, 1988-04, pp. : 33-36

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Abstract

A survey of mechanized harvesting operations in the western United States located more than 140 timber companies and logging contractors using nontraditional manufacturing or transportation equipment during 1985. The operations ranged from small contractors owning a single feller-buncher to completely mechanized firms operating delimbers, debarkers, chippers, and felling machines. Most of the mechanized logging was found in Washington, Oregon, and Montana. Equipment breakdowns were the most critical harvesting problem cited by the loggers, followed by decreased production on steep terrain. Few contractors provide formal training for their equipment operators, a factor that may increase the frequency, duration, and severity of equipment downtime. Monetary incentive bonuses were used to spur production by approximately 35% of the responding firms. West. J. Appl. For. 3(2):33-36, April 1988.