COMPARISON OF ERGONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR A SKIDDER OPERATOR USING STEEL WIRE AND SYNTHETIC ROPE WINCH LINE

The use of a synthetic fiber (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, UHMWPE) rope as a replacement for steel wire rope winch line on a rubber-tired skidder for logging operations is presented. Past and ongoing research shows ergonomic gains and other operational effectiveness. Paper presents research results on work effort required for operators setting their own chokers. Differences in heart rates, and task times are compared. Increased productivity with the synthetic winch line is estimated. Subjective evaluations by trial users are summarized. Potential social and environmental benefits are discussed. Benefits include tradeoffs from improved technology to reduce operational restrictions and operational costs. The research is funded by Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration grant to