Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Productivity and Cost-Effectiveness of Mechanized and Motor-Manual Harvesting of Grey Alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench): A Case Study in Latvia

  • Research Paper
  • Published:
Small-scale Forestry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In Latvia, the management of grey alder stands is an important issue in non-state forests, where this species accounts for 14 % of the total non-state forest area. The motor-manual felling and processing of timber with a chainsaw is still a commonly used method in non-state forests, while timber harvesting in final felling is fully mechanized in state forests. This study examined the productivity and costs of the mechanized and motor-manual harvesting of grey alder following the cut-to-length CTL system and analysed factors influencing the productivity of harvesting of grey alder stands under Latvian conditions. Productivity rates achieved for mechanized and motor-manual harvesting were 7.04 and 2.99 m3 per productive work hour, respectively. Despite lower productivity, motor-manual harvesting was more cost-effective than mechanized harvesting. Improved working methods that could ensure higher production levels and increase the labour costs in the future have potential to increase the cost competiveness of the mechanized harvesting of alder stands in Latvia.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abolins J, Gravitis J, Kosmacha J (2010) Optimizing the yield of energy from biomass by analytical models of the rate of growth. Latv J Phys Tech Sci 47(5):25–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Ackerman P, Belbo H, Eliasson L, de Jong A, Lazdins A, Lyons J (2014) The COST model for calculation of forest operations costs. Int J For Eng 25(1):75–81. doi:10.1080/14942119.2014.903711

    Google Scholar 

  • Acuna M et al (2012) Good practice guidelines for biomass production studies. CNR IVALSA, Sesto Fiorentino

    Google Scholar 

  • Anonymous (2014) Hourly labor costs by kind of activity by quarter, seasonally unadjusted data. Cent Stat Bur Latv. http://www.csb.gov.lv/en/statistikas-temas/labour-costs-key-indicators-30616.html. Accessed 15 July 2014

  • Aosaar J, Varik M, Uri V (2012) Biomass production potential of grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench.) in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe: a review. Biomass Bioenerg 45:11–26. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2012.05.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aosaar J, Varik M, Lõhmus K, Ostonen I, Becker H, Uri V (2013) Long-term study of above- and below-ground biomass production in relation to nitrogen and carbon accumulation dynamics in a grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) plantation on former agricultural land. Eur J For Res 132(5–6):737–749. doi:10.1007/s10342-013-0706-1

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arhipova N, Gaitnieks T, Donis J, Stenlid J, Vasaitis R (2011) Decay, yield loss and associated fungi in stands of grey alder (Alnus incana) in Latvia. Forestry 84(4):337–348

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asikainen A, Röser D, Laitila J, Sikanen L (2011) Feasibility of the Nordic forest energy harvesting technology in Poland and Scotland. Biomass Bioenerg 35(11):4565–4569. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bell JL (2002) Changes in logging injury rates associated with use of feller-bunchers in West Virginia. J Saf Res 33(4):463–471. doi:10.1016/S0022-4375(02)00048-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Björheden R, Apel K, Shiba M, Thompson MA (1995) IUFRO forest work study nomenclature. Department of Operational Efficiency, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Garpenberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Būmanis K (2012) Wood biomass for energy purposes. Assessment of development trends and opportunities. Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute, Jelgava

    Google Scholar 

  • Cacot E, Bigot M, Cuchet E (2006) Developing full-mechanized harvesting systems for broadleaved trees: a challenge to face the reduction of the manual workforce and to sustain the supply of hardwood industries. 29th Council of Forest Engineering. In: Chung W, Han HS (eds) Council on Forest Engineering (COFE) conference proceedings: “Working Globally–Sharing Forest Engineering Challenges and Technologies Around the World”, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA. pp 43–53

  • Calvo A, Manzone M, Spinelli R (2013) Long term repair and maintenance cost of some professional chainsaws. Croat J For Eng 34(2):265–272

    Google Scholar 

  • Danilović M, Tomašević I, Gačić D (2011) Efficiency of John Deere 1470D ECOIII harvester in poplar plantations. Croat J For Eng 32(2):533–548

    Google Scholar 

  • Daugaviete M, Liepiņš K, Lazdiņš A, Daugavietis O, Žvīgurs K (2009) Process of natural regeneration of gray alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench.). and above-ground biomass accumulation in the young stands. LLU Raksti 23:78–90 (in Latvian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Daugavietis M, Bisenieks J, Daugaviete M (2011) Interrelations among grey alder stand characteristics. Balt For 17(1):68–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferrari E, Spinelli R, Cavallo E, Magagnotti N (2012) Attitudes towards mechanized cut-to-length technology among logging contractors in Northern Italy. Scand J For Res 27(8):800–806. doi:10.1080/02827581.2012.693192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gerasimov Y, Sokolov A (2014) Ergonomic evaluation and comparison of wood harvesting systems in Northwest Russia. Appl Ergon 45(2):318–338. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2013.04.018

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gerasimov Y, Senkin V, Väätäinen K (2012) Productivity of single-grip harvesters in clear-cutting operations in the northern European part of Russia. Eur J For Res 131(3):647–654. doi:10.1007/s10342-011-0538-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gerasimov Y, Sokolov A, Syunev V (2013) Development trends and future prospects of cut-to-length machinery. In: Paper presented at the advanced materials research, 2013 international conference on MEMS and mechanics, Wuhan, China

  • Gravitis J, Aboliņš J, Tupčiauskas R, Veveris A (2010) Lignin from steam-exploded wood as binder in wood composites. J Environ Eng Landsc 18(2):75–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiroušek R, Klvač R, Skoupý A (2007) Productivity and costs of the mechanised cut-to-length wood harvesting system in clear-felling operations. J For Sci 53(10):476–482

    Google Scholar 

  • Kärki T (1999) Predicting the value of grey alder (Alnus incana) logs based on external quality. Silva Fenn 33(1):13–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kärki T, Maltamo M, Eerikäinen K (2000) Diameter distribution, stem volume and stem quality models for grey alder (Alnus incana) in eastern Finland. New For 20(1):65–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lazdiņa D, Liepiņš K, Bardule A, Liepiņš J, Bardulis A (2013) Wood ash and wastewater sludge recycling success in fast-growing deciduous tree—birch and alder plantations. Agron Res 11(2):347–356

    Google Scholar 

  • Liepa I (1996) Increment science. LLU, Jelgava (in Latvian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Magagnotti N, Kanzian C, Schulmeyer F, Spinelli R (2013) A new guide for work studies in forestry. Int J For Eng 24:249–253

    Google Scholar 

  • Miezīte O (2008) Structure and productivity of grey alder stands. Dissertation, Latvia University of Agriculture (in Latvian)

  • Mizaras S, Sadauskiene L, Mizaraite D (2008) Productivity of harvesting machines and costs of mechanized wood harvesting: Lithuanian case study. Balt For 14(2):155–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Mizaras S, Sadauskiene L, Mizaraite D (2011) Cost and profitability of biofuel chipping in Alnus incana stands in Lithuania. Scand J For Res 26(2):154–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muiste P, Kurvits V, Mitt R, Teder M, Kakko T (2006) Forest harvesting in Estonia during the transition period. For Stud 45:164–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Nordfjell T, Björheden R, Thor M, Wästerlund I (2010) Changes in technical performance, mechanical availability and prices of machines used in forest operations in Sweden from 1985 to 2010. Scand J For Res 25(4):382–389. doi:10.1080/02827581.2010.498385

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nurminen T, Korpunen H, Uusitalo J (2006) Time consumption analysis of the mechanized cut-to-length harvesting system. Silva Fenn 40(2):335–363

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Purfürst FT, Erler J (2011) The human influence on productivity in harvester operations. Int J For Eng 22(2):15–22. doi:10.1080/14942119.2011.10702606

    Google Scholar 

  • Rizhikovs J, Zandersons J, Spince B, Dobele G, Jakab E (2012) Preparation of granular activated carbon from hydrothermally treated and pelletized deciduous wood. J Anal Appl Pyrol 93:68–76

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rytter L (1996) Grey alder in forestry: a review. Nor J Agr Sci 24:61–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Rytter L, Sennerby-Forsse L, Alriksson A (2000) Natural regeneration of grey alder (Alnus incana [L.] Moench.) stands after harvest. J Sustain For 10((3–4)):287–294

    Google Scholar 

  • Spinelli R, Magagnotti N, Nati C (2011a) Work quality and veneer value recovery of mechanised and manual log-making in Italian poplar plantations. Eur J For Res 130(5):737–744. doi:10.1007/s10342-010-0464-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spinelli R, Magagnotti N, Sperandio G, Cielo P, Verani S, Zanuttini R (2011b) Cost and productivity of harvesting high-value hybrid poplar plantations in Italy. For Prod J 61(1):64–70. doi:10.13073/0015-7473-61.1.64

    Google Scholar 

  • State Forest Service (2014) Forest statistics. http://www.vmd.gov.lv/valsts-meza-dienests/statiskas-lapas/publikacijas-un-statistika/meza-statistikas-cd?nid=1049#jump. Accessed 16 Jan 2015 (in Latvian)

  • Suchomel C, Spinelli R, Magagnotti N (2012) Productivity of processing hardwood from coppice forests. Croat J For Eng 33(1):39–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Vilkriste L (2011) Necessity and feasibility to increase supply of timber from the private forest sector in Latvia. In: Hartebrodt C (ed) 2011 IUFRO small-scale forestry: synergies and conflicts in social, ecological and economic interactions, Freiburg, Germany; 24–28 July 2011, 2011. Fakultät für Forst- und umweltwissenschaften der Universität Freiburg, Forstliche Versuchs- und Forschungsanstalt Baden-Württemberg (FVA), Freiburg, pp 201–208

  • Zinkevicius R, Vitunskas D (2013) Assessment of operator effect on machine performance of “Ponsse Buffalo Dual” harwarder. In: 12th international scientific conference “Engineering for rural development”, Jelgava, 23–24 May 2013, pp 73–78

  • Zinkevičius R, Steponavičius D, Vitunskas D, Činga G (2012) Comparison of harvester and motor-manual logging in intermediate cuttings of deciduous stands. Turk J Agric For 36(5):591–600

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. LSFRI Silava, Rigas Str, 111, Salaspils, 2169, Latvia

    Kaspars Liepiņš, Andis Lazdiņš, Jānis Liepiņš & Uldis Prindulis

Authors
  1. Kaspars Liepiņš
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Andis Lazdiņš
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jānis Liepiņš
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Uldis Prindulis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kaspars Liepiņš.

Appendix: Time Element Classification

Appendix: Time Element Classification

Motor-manual harvesting:

  • Moving: movement of the chainsaw operator (CHO) or assistant (AS) across the cutting area during the harvesting work—walk to the tree or working place. Begins when the worker starts walking toward the working place and ends when the worker reaches the working place.

  • Felling: all of the activities of CHO that are associated with the felling of trees—judging the felling direction, making felling cuts, pushing the felled tree, and hang-up tree releasing. Begins when the CHO reaches the tree and ends after the tree is felled on the ground.

  • Supporting felling: all of the activities of AS that are associated with the felling of trees—pushing the felled tree and hang-up tree releasing. Begins when the AS reaches the tree and ends after the tree is felled on the ground.

  • Clearing: cutting and crosscutting the undergrowth.

  • Delimbing: cutting the branches from the felled tree with a chainsaw.

  • Piling: sorting and arranging roundwood assortments into piles.

  • Arranging of the cutting residues: arranging the cutting residues and felled undergrowth to release the spots for piles of roundwood assortments or creating the brush mat on strip road.

  • Miscellaneous time: harvesting work that is not included in the mentioned elements (e.g., fuelling, sharpening the saw chain).

  • Delays: time that is not related to PW—phone calls, etc.

Mechanized harvesting:

  • Felling: all of the activities that are associated with grabbing the tree, positioning the felling head at the cutting height, felling cut and felling the tree on the ground. Begins when the harvesting head grabs the tree and ends when the crown of the tree reaches the ground.

  • Processing: delimbing, cross cutting and sorting of assortments. Begins when the feeding rolls starts to run and ends when the top of the tree is laid on the ground after the last bucking cut.

  • Boom maneuvering: swinging the boom toward the tree to start cutting and toward the base machine before moving to another work location.

  • Moving: driving forward or reverse inside of the one working location or to move to another location. Begins when the base machine starts to move and ends when the machine stops moving to start another work element.

  • Clearing: cutting the undergrowth and unmerchantable trees.

  • Miscellaneous time: harvesting work that is not included in the mentioned elements (e.g., arranging the cutting residues on the strip road).

  • Delays: time that is not related to PW time—e.g. phone calls.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Liepiņš, K., Lazdiņš, A., Liepiņš, J. et al. Productivity and Cost-Effectiveness of Mechanized and Motor-Manual Harvesting of Grey Alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench): A Case Study in Latvia. Small-scale Forestry 14, 493–506 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-015-9302-1

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-015-9302-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation