Efficiency of Biomass Harvesting in Poor Quality Stands of Eucalyptus in Western Australia

Using forest biomass to generate energy has been started in recent years in Australia. There is a pelletizing plant in Western Australia which utilizes some of the forest biomass as source of energy. In this project, a poor quality stand of Eucalyptus with small tree size was harvested with a tracked Tigercat feller buncher. Then the whole trees where extracted by grapple skidder. A chipper was used to chip whole trees into containers of the trucks. Time study method was applied to collect the data to evaluate the production rates for the machines of biomass system. Working delays were recorded in three categories; personal, mechanical and operational delays. Using the multiple regression approach a productivity predicting model was developed. Skidding distance and load weight were significant parameters affecting the productivity of grapple skidder. The results of analysing productive and non-productive time of the equipments indicated that the percentage of the working delays are relatively high which requires more appropriate logistic management. Finally the biomass yield per area and per ha was evaluated which can be used for biomass supply chain management