Production and cost analysis of a feller-buncher in central Appalachian hardwood forest

Abstract

A time study was conducted to evaluate the productivity and cost of a feller-buncher operating in a Central Appalachian hardwood forest. The sites harvested during observation consisted of primarily red maple and black cherry. Trees felled in the study had an average diameter at breast height (DBH) of 16.1 in. and a total merchantable height of 16 ft. A Timbco 445C Hydro-buncher was used in conjunction with manual topping and delimbing with a Husqvarna 55 chain saw. Hourly productivity ranged from 428.9 to 2267.7 ft3 per productive machine hour (PMH) for the feller-buncher and 178 to 2186 ft3/PMH for the top/delimber. Hourly costs were estimated to be $99.68/PMH for the feller-buncher and $28.23/PMH for the top/delimber. Estimated average costs of$0.08/ft3 for the feller-buncher and $0.04/ft3 for the top/delimber were derived, based on these production estimates.