Analyze technical and economic of two subsystems of forest harvesting of cut to length

Abstract

The objective of this study was carry out a technical and economic analysis of two subsystems of forest harvesting of cut to length. The subsystem 1 consisted of harvester and forwarder, since the subsystem 2 was formed by the machines feller-buncher, harvester and forwarder. From the technical analysis it was determined the performance of the machinery, operational efficiency and mechanical availability. The economic analysis was based on the determination of the operating cost, production cost and internal rate of return. The subsystem 2 has a higher yield per effective hour of work. The mechanical values availability and operational efficiency were not affected by the subsystem composition, and the same satisfactory. The subsystem 2 showed the highest values of operating cost (US$ 254.02 he-1) and production cost (US$ 5.16 m-3). The subsystem 1 proved to be more efficient, both technically and economically, in wood harvesting, but the module consists of feller-buncher, harvester and forwarder presented high performance, cost competitive production and high internal rate of return, indices that indicate the same as an alternative to be used in forest harvesting cut to lenght system.