Efficiency comparison of Timber Jack 450C skidder in planned and unplanned logging system (Case study: second district of Nave-Asalem)

In this study, wood extract production and costs were assessed in the planned and unplanned (conventional) logging system. The research was carried out in compartments No. 23 and 25 of second district of Nave-Asalem forest. Work study technique based on IUFRO guideline was used to calculate system hourly production. Based on guideline of Forest, Range and Watershed Organization (FRWO) of Iran, system hourly cost was calculated. Results showed that planning skid trails and landings before tree felling as well as using directional felling technique increased hourly skidder production from 12.72m3 to 18.8m3. Increase of production, reduced the extraction cost from 103015 to 69372 Rials per cubic meter. These extraction costs include landing construction costs in planned harvesting and road maintenance costs in unplanned logging system.