Analysis of small diameter energy-wood harvesting machinery, equipment and systems
Author(s)
Di Fulvio, Fulvio
Date Issued
February 23, 2010
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Small tree harvesting for energy wood could offer an income in thinning of young stands,
hardwood coppices, and cutting of dedicated coppice plantations (SRC). The introduction of low cost harvesting solutions, with high productivities, low stand impacts and higher mass removal are considered the main innovation objectives in forest biomass harvesting. The aim of the study was to
evaluate improvements and limits of the Whole Tree System technologies in “small” and “large scale” harvesting conditions. The analysis of small scale harvesting was carried out trough experimental field comparisons of full tree technologies based on traditional machines and methods,
analyzing biomass removal, achievable productivities and silvicultural results. These studies were performed in different young stand conditions in Italy, in order to identify the best machines, equipment and systems for full tree harvesting, in each condition. Full tree harvesting showed to
increase the mass removal up to 30%, when compared to traditional firewood harvesting in coppices and stem harvesting in thinning of pine stands. From the work times analysis resulted a possible significant increase of operator productivity and improved work ergonomics applying a modified frame to a traditional chainsaw in the lift felling-bunching technique. In all cases was
noticed a possible biomass cost reduction, if acting on tree bunching and machine payloads, using the right extraction equipment. A field study and theoretical simulation of young stands thinning in
Sweden allowed to compare energy wood and pulpwood system in large scale. The results showed the possibility to double the removal and to reach the economical profitability of full tree harvesting in stands where pulpwood removal is actually a cost. The study of SRC plantations showed the
possible yields in different land fertility conditions and the needing of improvements in actual harvesting systems to reach economic and environmental sustainability. The study results allowed to model productivities in biomass cutting and haulage in small scale and large scale conditions, these results integrated with existing literature information allowed to give an economical evaluation of full tree harvesting at different scale. Finally the thesis underlined the needing of new
harvesting solutions to reduce the biomass cost and to find a compromise between biomass, site nutrients removal, and environmental impact.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Scienze e tecnologie per la gestione forestale e ambientale
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