John J. Garland

Assessing gains from woodsworker training

This paper describes the environment for woodsworker training in the U.S. and presents a decision model for evaluating training gains. Results of a field experiment on chokersetting using control and experimental groups are presented. Experimental results are incorporated into the decision model to determine if the logging firm will recoup its training investment. Results show logging firms could recover training costs with productivity gains before workers change jobs in chokersetting. Sensitivity analysis and simulation potentials are also discussed.

Computer Aided Bucking on a Mechanized Harvester

Abstract During June 1989, researchers from the Forest Engineering Department at Oregon State University evaluated the feasibility of using the computer program BUCK® to aid the Hahn Harvester operator in determining the best bucking cuts. The computer was able to increase the total value by 7.5%. This is about US

Value Loss from Measurement Error in Computer-Aided Bucking at the Stump

6.40 per tree for the 38–cm [15-in] diameter trees we processed. This increase was from improved log quality and increased scaling volume when Scribner rules were used. The computer solution cuts roughly 16% more logs. The computer solution increased the volume in the best export sort by 8%. The computer solution could increase the total value by 19.6% if more accurate tree quality information were sent to the computer before the bucking cuts were made.

Log Trucking in Oregon—a Survey

The accuracy of length and diameter measurements, and the effect on log value of diameter measurements made with buckers tape, angle-gauge and calipers were evaluated in a field study of computer-aided bucking at the stump. The time cost of data entry added 33% to the total time needed to fell and buck a tree. When the potential gain in log value was considered, the additional cost represented 0.4% of old-growth value and 2.0% of second-growth value. Errors in length measurement were not significant. Angle-gauge and tape measurements varied more than caliper measurements. Errors in diameter measurement resulted in a substantial loss in potential value: 2.7% to 5.2% when a buckers tape was used, 2.0% with the angle gauge, and 1.2% to 1.4% with calipers.

Synthetic Rope End Connections For Use In Timber Harvesting

ABSTRACT IN a comprehensive survey of the log-trucking industry in Oregon, 228 questionnaires were returned, representing 24 percent of the approxi-mately 950 log hauling operators and 4,550 high-way log trucks operating in the state. Analysis of the survey data shows that the average Oregon log truck hauls approximately 14,900 m3 (2.7 million board feet) of logs annually, making 587 trips and traveling more than 71,900 km (44,677 miles). To-tal annual operating costs for this average truck are about

Evaluating Timber Sale Bids Using Optimal Bucking Technology

50,200. It uses approximately 36,340 L (9,600 gallons) of diesel fuel, a fuel consumption rate of 0.0266 L/m3 hauled per round-trip km (0.0632 gallons per thousand board feet per round-trip mile.

Tree bucking for optimal stand value with log allocation constraints

Abstract This paper describes a pilot study of end connections for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene 12-strand braided rope (synthetic rope) for use in timber harvesting applications. Fourteen different end connections for 14mm and 16mm diameter synthetic rope were developed and break tested to determine suitability. Three types of end connections were evaluated: spliced, adhesives, and dry hardware. Spliced end connections provided consistent performance in breaking strengths. End connections with adhesive had variable strength performance and are therefore not recommended. Within the dry hardware group, the pinned nubbin and knuckle link provided the highest breaking strengths. Suitable end connections for forest operations were: buried eye splice, Whoopie Sling, long splice, rope clamps, knuckle link, pinned nubbin, and in limited applications, rope clamps. Further research and development is needed on these six concepts with larger sample sizes and under testing and operating varied conditions.

Prospects for Using Synthetic Rope in Logging: First Look and Future Research

This study documented and field tested a method of using optimal bucking procedures to aid in cruising and stand value appraisals. The CRUISE/BUCK© method can estimate the type of logs which should be cut from a stand and evaluate the potential revenue if different sets of mills are chosen as the purchasers. This type of pre-harvest analysis can aid managers in how to “merchandize” the stand. Alternative methods of collecting diameter measurements were compared.