The Impact of Felling Method, Bunch Size, Slope Degree and Skidding Area on Productivity and Costs of Skidding in a Eucalyptus Plantation

Grapple skidder is a machine designed for the extraction of tree bunches after felling. Several factors influence its technical performance and costs such as terrain slope, operator experience time, type, size each operating cycle, among others. Thus, it becomes necessary to weigh variables that most productivity grapple skidder. So, main objective was evaluated according bunch using two feller bunchers with distinct characteristics, slope classes skidding areas on production cost in Eucalyptus plantation. For analysis productivity, study time method applied scheduled per hour based Food Agriculture Organization United Nations methods. When analyzing results, found operational elements moving without load (MWoL) (MWL) were ones spend cycle Among components, monetary expenditure fuel labor influential hour. In conclusion, class influenced and, consequently, operation.