Replacement of steel cable with synthetic rope in mountain logging operations in Castanea sativa Mill. coppice stands

Abstract

Aim of the study: The objective of this study was to evaluate skidding from stump area to roadside with a tracked skidder (Caterpillar 3DG XL) using two different types of cable (steel or synthetic).Area of study: NW of Spain. Material and methods:A time study was performed to calculate productivity for the two types of cable and two regression models were fitted to predict the productive and cycle time of the tracked skidder.Research highlights: An increase of 12.53% in productivity (m 3 /SMH) and improvements in working conditions using synthetic rope were found.

Preliminary Tests of a Hybrid Cable Splice (Synthetic–Metal) to Innovate Timber Harvesting in the Mediterranean Forestry Sector

“…Similar resistance as steel cables, depending on the diameter and composition (EIPS or Swaged), and a much lower weight, about eight or nine times less [25]. • Thanks to the lower weight, they reduce the physical effort and strain for forest operators during timber hauling tasks [33,34].…”

“…Safer work conditions due to the loss of strength of the whiplash effect compared to wire cables [27,29]. • The decreased worker's fatigue leads to higher productivity, particularly in outhauling tasks [25], and to a decrease in the damage to the remaining trees [34].…”