Performance, Capability and Costs of Small-Scale Cable Yarding Technology

The authors tested two mini-yarders, one for uphill and the other for downhill extraction. The two machines were modern commercial models, offering state-of-the-art yarding technology on a miniature scale and at a much lower cost than required for purchasing a full-size tower yarder. The two units must not be regarded as alternative, but rather as complementary, since they offer different capabilities and advantages. Both machines were tested while harvesting firewood from the thinning of young beech stands in Central Italy. The tests indicated that both units can reach a productivity between 1.5 and 2.4 m3 SMH−1, including all delays, as well as set-up and dismantle time. Calculated extraction cost ranged between 24 and over 30€ m−3. The authors calculated a set of regression equations for estimating machine productivity as a function of the main work conditions. The performance of the studied mini-yarders does not seem much inferior to that achieved by professional light tower yarder under the same work conditions, but the lighter construction of the small-scale units may result in a lower resistance to wear and abuse. In any case, mini-yarders seem ideal for deployment under the typical conditions of small-scale forestry, offering a good solution to wood extraction on steep terrain, competitive with animal and winch logging in terms of productivity, cost and operator comfort.