The objective of this study was to evaluate technical log extraction activities using a skidder with tires and a skidder with tracks over the tires. Technical evaluation consisted in determining log extraction productivity indexes based on motion and time study, in which the extraction activities were grouped into work cycle phases. Machine productivity was determined in different extraction distances and slope degree situations. The results showed that the operational cycle average time of the tire skidder was 7.1% smaller that the skidder with tracks over the tires, explained by the efficiency of the tires over terrain surface. In slopes above 20.0%, the skidder with tracks over the tires performed the log extraction activities normally, while the tire skidder was unable to operate due to high tire skid and traction capacity decrease.
Timber harvesting; wood extraction; skidder
