Abstract
Using tracked processors over knuckle–boom loaders to increase total value per tree when merchandizing timber on the landing has become a topic of interest in the southeastern region of the United States. This study compared merchantability values, product classes, and product weights of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) for both machines to determine if there was a significant difference between machines when processing the same tree. In order to process the same tree twice, the chains from the tracked processor had to be removed from the bottom saw bar. This allowed the processor to simulate the merchandising process without actually marking or cutting the tree for a more realistic comparison. Data were analyzed using paired t–tests and two–way ANOVA models. Results depicted that when diameter and total lengths are visually estimated by the knuckle–boom loader. A significant difference in value occurs, however, once diameter and total length are modified to match the tracked processors for more accurate measurements, no difference in value was seen. These results demonstrate that until mill specifications become more stringent, there is little incentive for loggers to purchase a tracked processor if their only motivation is to increase merchantability values.
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Claims 3
Claim · model-written summary
With diameter and total length visually estimated, the knuckle–boom loader gave a significant difference in total stem value compared with the tracked processor.
- Taxon
- Pinus taeda
Pinus taedae1 - Treatment
- knuckle–boom loadert0
- Outcome
- total stem valuet0
- Qualifier
- visually estimatede2
- Comparator
- tracked processort0
Not reportedDirection
Organisms pictured · Representative pictures of the matched species, not figures from the paper.
Verbatim
t0“Differences in total stem value when merchandizing with a tracked processor versus a knuckle–boom loader in Pinus taeda”
e1“loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) for both machines”
e2“when diameter and total lengths are visually estimated by the knuckle–boom loader. A significant difference in value occurs”
Claim · model-written summary
Once diameter and total length were modified to match the tracked processor, the knuckle–boom loader showed no difference in stem value.
- Taxon
- Pinus taedaPinus taedae1
- Treatment
- diameter and total length are modified to match the tracked processorse3
- Outcome
- difference in valuee3
- Direction
- no differencee3
- Qualifier
- for more accurate measurementse3
- Comparator
- visually estimated by the knuckle–boom loadere2
Organisms pictured · Representative pictures of the matched species, not figures from the paper.
Verbatim
e1“loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) for both machines”
e2“when diameter and total lengths are visually estimated by the knuckle–boom loader”
e3“once diameter and total length are modified to match the tracked processors for more accurate measurements, no difference in value was seen”
Claim · model-written summary
Until mill specifications become more stringent, there is little incentive for loggers to buy a tracked processor if their only motivation is higher merchantability values.
- Taxon
- Pinus taedaPinus taedae1
- Outcome
- incentive for loggers to purchase a tracked processore4
Organisms pictured · Representative pictures of the matched species, not figures from the paper.
Verbatim
e1“loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) for both machines”
e4“until mill specifications become more stringent, there is little incentive for loggers to purchase a tracked processor if their only motivation is to increase merchantability values”