Fuelwood harvesting in mountain hardwood stands: tests of a cable skidder and a small skyline yarder

A case study of fuelwood harvesting in mountain hardwood stands was made by using a small skidder and a skyline yarder. Times for each harvesting element and the full cycle of activity were recorded for each machine in the field. Regression equations for the time per activity were estimated, which were then used with the tree and stand data to estimate average skidding and yarding costs. Both machines were underutilized when observed, leading to large average costs. Increased machine utilization or increased prices for fuelwood would improve the economic feasibility of using the equipment for fuelwood harvests.