The productivity of the machine depending on the work duration and blades wearing out was investigated. The wearing out of the blades of Biber-70 cutting machine during manufacturing of wastes from wood processing and furniture production into energy chips was studied as well as the factors it...

Small tree size represents the main challenge when designing a cost-effective harvesting system for European short-rotation plantations. This challenge is further complicated by the need to obtain 4-m logs for high-end products, which rules out the possibility to deploy whole-tree chipping. Both...

Based on data collected from seven commercial harvesting operations in Western Australia, the study developed a productivity model for chain flail delimber-debarker-chippers (CFDDCs) used in blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) plantations. The tests covered 45 h and 3395 cycles, and were...

Compared with purpose-built units, excavator-based harvesters offer many advantages, but they also face one main limitation: a much higher fuel consumption, which also results in higher CO₂ emission levels. The fuel efficiency of excavator-based harvesters can be increased by a better interface...

In contexts in which mechanized harvesting is limited, such as in the northwestern Black Sea region of Turkey, it is important to improve timber harvesting productivity while preserving operators' safety and reducing environmental damage. This study aims to introduce a methodology in which the...

Farmers are reluctant to establish short-rotation coppice because too many uncertainties remain about its economic feasibility. Up to now, most progress has been accomplished by increasing plantation yields through genetic improvement and by reducing management costs through mechanization. In...

The study sampled six representative work sites in Northern and Central Italy, in order to assess the risk for developing musculo-skeletal disease due to poor work posture (postural risk) among the operators engaged in semi-mechanized post debarking operations. Assessment was conducted with the...

Plantation forestry has a long history in Europe and still supports local industry, generating employment, improving environmental quality, and mitigating climate change. As part of these plantations, medium-rotation poplars (5-8 years) provide good quality logs for fiber production, and the...