Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

In this project a study was made on how the cutting diameter of the top log of the tree in thinning affects the forest owner's economy. This was done in cooperation with Mellanskog's district southern Värmland. The study includes both first and second thinnings.
The study included two harvesters whose owners are contractors for Mellanskog's district south Värmland. The two harvester are of the type John Deere Model 1070. The sample included 25 objects corresponding to 7 213 m3fub. The variation of the average stem in the sample was 0,06 to 0,26 m3fub with a average of 0,1609 m3fub. Volume per object varied between 50 to 1 496 m3fub. The 25 objects were compiled to a result, because the purpose of the study was not to compare the contractors but not evaluating the situation in the district.
The result showed that in addition to the 7 213 m3fub that was harvested, 238 m3fub remained in tops of trees that were more than 50 mm under bark. This corresponds to 3,3 percent of the volume produced. Had all the merchantable wood been taken care of the average stem had become 0,1654 m3fub which is a difference of 2,81 percent. The difference between the average stem outcome and the possible average stem corresponds to 1,07 SEK/m3fub difference in harvesting cost. The study concerned spruce and pine so an average pulp price is 262,50 SEK/m3fub. The merchantable that was not used is worth SEK 62,53 which corresponds to 8,67 SEK/m3fub. The total savings that could be made if all merchantable in the top of the trees were taken care of would be 9,74 SEK/m3fub in this case.