The Productivity and Cost of Partial and Clear Cutting with Two Cable Yarding Systems in Second-growth Forests of Coastal British Columbia

Describes field trials at two British Columbia sites to investigate alternative timber harvesting systems and their costs. Sites were selected from among those employing partial cutting and cable yarding systems. One site selected used a swing yarder and the other used a stationary yarder. Descriptions of the sites, equipment layouts, and yarding procedures are provided. A detailed time study was designed for the two harvesting systems using a computer-based system and the time study data were analyzed statistically to estimate harvest system productivity. Hourly costs for each harvest system were also calculated. The advantages and drawbacks of each system are discussed.