Benefits and Limitations of Winch-Assist Technology for Skidding Operations

Skidders are very cost-effective extraction machines, and winch-assist systems may extend their operating range to increasingly steep terrain. The use of skidder is relatively new, little information available about operational efficiency potential soil impact. A productivity disturbance study was carried out in Southland (New Zealand) gauge the benefits winch assistance by comparing performance same two-axle with without on trails (30 40% gradients). delay-free approached 100 m3 solid volume over bark per productive machine hour (PMH) under best conditions declined distance, reducing approximately 40 PMH−1 at 300 m. On 30% slope trail, allowed an 8% gain through a significant increase payload size. However, increased size unable offset much lower empty speed and, therefore, control treatment (no assistance) performed better. preliminary assessment whole harvest site using line transect method. conducted end reflected impact all activities, including mechanised felling skid trail construction, not just skidding. Soil appeared be low, as ruts deeper than 15 cm covered only 2% inspected surface.