This study aims to determine the carbon balance of South African plantations by assessing the emissions associated with mechanised CTL harvesting and comparing these to the carbon stored in the logs harvested. The objectives are as follows: Estimate diesel and...
A time study of a mechanised cut-to-length system was conducted in Pinus elliottii sawtimber plantations in the Southern Cape forestry region of South Africa. A harvester and a forwarder were studied with the objectives of finding average productivity across the work...
This study sets out to see if the slope can affect mechanized cut-to-length harvester operations’ productivity and harvesting cost. To test this assumption, two different harvesters were applied to the study: an excavator-based machine (EBM) (Volvo EC210BF) and a...
The study was commissioned to test the durability, productivity and fuel consumption of different nylons used on brush cutters. Two nylons were identified, paired (by diameter) and tested in one trial (per nylon diameter) fitted randomly to two brush cutters. The...
This document contains summaries of three student projects (two Masters and one intern) recently completed or in progress under the supervision of Prof. Pierre Ackerman and Simon Ackerman. These project form part of the Forest Operations Project at Stellenbosch...
A short-course on time studies was held at the SAFCOL facility in Swartfontein from the 9th and 10th of May 2019. The course was very successful hosting 20 attendees over the two days. Big thanks to all attendees and to the organizers of the event!
