Using Computer Simulation to Evaluate Mechanized Harvest Systems

摘要

Using computer simulation, machine and system productivity of two feller-bunchers, each operating and two identical grapple skidders and a whole-tree chipper, were compared for several diameter and basal area conditions, machine availabilities, shear capacities, and decision rules. This report also shows how operators of rubber-tired fixed-shear feller-bunchers can increase system productivity and lower cost by choosing optimum harvest strip widths as well as optimum bunching distance limits.