Economic comparisons of haul road construction versus forwarding versus longer skid distances

Michael D. Erickson; Curt C. Hassler; Chris B. LeDoux

Treesearch

Economic comparisons of haul road construction versus forwarding versus longer skid distances

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Michael D. Erickson, Curt C. Hassler, Chris B. LeDoux

Year:

1992

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

In: 1992 international winter meeting, American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Paper No. 92-7513. Nashville, TN: St. Joseph, MI.

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Abstract

There currently exists no set of basic guidelines for Appalachian loggers to use in the decision making process for selecting the best way to harvest a tract of timber. Specifically, guidelines are needed for deciding between the alternatives of constructing truck haul roads to access an area or other alternatives such as skidding or forwarding timber longer distances, thereby limiting road construction costs. The results of this study indicate that several interrelated factors influence the choice of system to be used. These factors include road building costs, harvest volumes, skid distances, and machine operation costs.

Keywords

Timber harvesting, Economics, Skidders, Forest roads, Forwarders

Citation

Erickson, Michael D.; Hassler, Curt C.; LeDoux, Chris B. 1992. Economic comparisons of haul road construction versus forwarding versus longer skid distances. In: 1992 international winter meeting, American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Paper No. 92-7513. Nashville, TN: St. Joseph, MI.