Assessment of Animal Skidding and Ground Machine Skidding Under Mountain Conditions
Authors
Lihai Wang
Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
Abstract
The proportion of animal skidding in forest operations in Heilongjiang Forest Region has increased significantly in recent years. First, the development of animal skidding and machine skidding was demonstrated and analyzed. Then, two methods of ground skidding currently used in this region were evaluated both individually and comprehensively using the following criteria: operation efficiency or operation cost, degree of damage on soil and on residual stands, accident rate, and natural regeneration. Finally, according to the results of synthetic assessments, classification of operational conditions suitable to each skidding method were recommended quantitatively with considerations of multiple evaluation criteria.
