Productivity analysis of two cable yarding carriages in clearcut of Pinus radiata plantations

Abstract

This study is a comparison of two yarding carriages productivity, in a cable yarding operation, in clearcut of Radiata pine plantations in Chile. A mechanical carriage Christie and the automatic remote control Howe-line carriage were compared working in a Chapman yarder. The forest company introduced the automatic Howe-line carriage in order to include new technology and improve productivity. The study methods consisted of detailed time studies of the productive elements and delays time of the overall work cycle in both extraction operations. The Howe-line carriage production rate was higher than that of the mechanical carriage Christie, with 15.6 m3/h and 73.1%, productivity and 11.7 m3/h and 73.2% productivity respectively. The Howe-line carriage will increase the production rate if operational and mechanical delays decrease.