Modern harvesters are technologically sophisticated and, since the 1990s, have been able to automatically measure stem diameters and lengths in real time to improve cutting optimisation and wood supply management.
The data on the position of the harvester head relative to the machine, however, has generally not recorded during harvesting. The routine acquisition and analysis of such data could offer several opportunities to improve forestry operations and related processes in the future.
Swedish researchers have analysed the possible benefits of having this information, as well as the steps required to collect and process it. Results show that the improved scope for mapping and controlling machine movement is the main benefit that is directly related to the conduct of forestry operations. There are also important indirect benefits relating to ecological mapping.
Productivity gains can be achieved by installing sensors to measure the angles of crane joints, or the locations of crane segments, and use the resulting information to compute the head’s position.
Click here for source (CROJFE)
Image Credit: Heikki Valve via Wikimedia
