Assessment of operator effect on machine performance of "Ponsse Buffalo Dual" harwarder

Abstract

The analysis of the “Ponsse Buffalo Dual” harwarder operating results has timely and relevant given the ever-decreasing supply of labour which encourages the use of harvesters both among the State Forest Enterprises and contractors. The study examines the operating results (average length of work cycle, time needed for machine transformation from harvester to forwarder and vice versa) of the “Ponsse Buffalo Dual” harwarder while under the control of different operators; presents the estimates of the operating indicators of the machine (average fuel consumption for harvesting and forwarding per m3 overbark standing, average repair and maintenance costs)