Cost factors and large scale procurement of logging residues

The scale of energy wood procurement effects on productivity and costs of harvesting. As the harvested amounts become greater, forest fuels must be re-covered on larger geographic area. Hauling distaces become longer and residues must be gathered on less favorable areas from harvesting cost point of view. Knowledge on cost factors are needed in order to direct the harvesting to right logging sites and also in planning of operations. Selection of suitable harvesting method calls for information on the effect of conditions at the logging sites on productivity and costs. In this study, effect of cost factors on different harvesting systems are compiled. In addition to existing studies, additional time studies have been made. Harvesting systems are then compared on large geographic area