A Comparison of Two Felling Techniques Considering Stump-Height-Related Timber Value Loss

Abstract

Harvest from plantations can provide both industrial wood and forest residues for bioenergy, including stumps. The literature suggests that the choice of cutting system can affect the division between industrial wood recovery and remaining stump volume. In this study, two felling techniques - motor-manual chainsaw and feller-buncher, were compared based on stump-height-related timber value loss for four ground slope classes: high, medium, low, and flat. The economic value loss of wood material for three products - sawlogs, pulpwood, and fiber-chip wood, was determined based on the estimated volume of stumps left in the woods. The results indicated that the average stump height for the motor-manual chainsaw and feller-buncher was 17.16 cm and 8.69 cm. The economic value loss of wood material per stump was higher in felling by manual chainsaw as compared to the feller-buncher operation (log: €0.60­, paper wood: €0.29­, fiber-chip: €0.15­). However, volume loss due to high stumps could contribute to wood for bioenergy if stumps are subsequently removed. Additional research is needed to evaluate the benefits and costs of stump removal for bioenergy as part of a total supply chain to provide both industrial wood and wood for bioenergy.

Potential waste from felling of Eucalyptus pellita trees using Komatsu PC130F-7 in industrial plantation forest

“…The measurements for stumps in the chainsaw study averaged 36.50 cm, 17.16 cm, and 0.02 m 3 . The results indicate that chainsaw cutting led to a stump height 50% greater than feller-buncher cutting [21]. Furthermore, the trimming tool study showed an 8.47 cm higher stump level compared to the fellerbuncher site study [21].…”

“…The results indicate that chainsaw cutting led to a stump height 50% greater than feller-buncher cutting [21]. Furthermore, the trimming tool study showed an 8.47 cm higher stump level compared to the fellerbuncher site study [21]. The discrepancy in the height of the stumps was very similar to a study carried out by [22], who found that trees cut with a feller-buncher had an average stump height that was 8.8 cm lower than those cut with a chainsaw.…”

“…(Table 2) However, under slope circumstances greater than 15-25%, this instrument cannot be used properly, resulting in a stump height of up to 12.6 cm. The average diameter, height, volume, and slope of the stump for the feller-buncher study were calculated to be 39.79 cm, 8.69 cm, and 0.01 m 3 , respectively [21]. The measurements for stumps in the chainsaw study averaged 36.50 cm, 17.16 cm, and 0.02 m 3 .…”