• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.2
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• pp.164-169
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• 2024

In South Korea, most felling operations involve the use of chainsaws due to steep and rough terrains. This felling technique is responsible for approximately 80% of all fatalities mainly due to unpredictable felling directions. Therefore, readjust monitorised felling is imperative to improve safety in different working conditions. This study examined the effect of wedging on felling direction error and productivity during felling operations. When wedging was applied, a felling direction error within 22° and a productivity of 0.63 m³/min were obtained. These results show a decrease in mean directional error and a dimish in productivity. Thus, although wedging reduces productivity, it is a necessary strategy to improve safety.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.4
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• pp.567-582
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• 2022

Chainsaw use for motor-manual timber harvesting in South Korea is associated with worker safety issues. However, forestry operations such as timber harvesting have already been mechanized to reduce hazards to workers and increase productivity. This study analyzed the productivities and costs of felling and processing, felling and processing using an excavator-based stroke harvester for Pinus rigida and Quercus mongolica stands. To efficiently operate the stroke harvester, we developed a regression equation to estimate the productivities of felling and processing, felling, and processing operations,and we conducted sensitivity analysis of the operation costs using DBH and machine utilization. The felling and processing productivity was 6.53 and 4.02 m³/SMH for P. rigida a nd Q. mongolica, respectively, and the cost was 17,983 and 29,210 won/m³, respectively. The felling productivity for P. rigida a nd Q. mongolica wa s 40.9 and 23.0 m³/SMH, respectively, and the cost was 2,667 and 4,743 won/m³, respectively. The processing productivity for P. rigida and Q. mongolica was 8.25 and 7.75 m³/SMH, respectively, and the cost was 15,296 and 16,283 won/m³, respectively. In the developed regression equation, the DBH, traveling distance, and number of cuttings were found to be important factors (p<0.05). Therefore, it is necessary to construct a DB considering the various conditions and species associated with harvester operations, and further research is needed to increase the accuracy of predicting operation productivity and costs.