A Decade of Benchmarking Harvesting Cost and Productivity
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The FGR harvesting cost and productivity benchmarking database was expanded by 97 new entries from harvesting operations in 2018. The average ground-based logging rate increased to $28.35/t, up $1.55 compared to 2017 data. Ground-based logging rates ranged from $17.60/tonne for a highly mechanised grapple skidder operation, through to $49.50/t for a mechanised felling/forwarder combination working in a difficult windthrow setting. For cable logging the average rate was $41.25/t, which was $1.85/t higher than the previous year. The level of mechanised felling has continued to increase for cable logging operations, now used in 40% of operations. An additional 17 entries were recorded where felling was supported by winch-assist, with all but four in cable yarder operations. Based on 2018 data the average logging rate for the winch-assist operations was $1.25/t lower than other mechanised felling cable operations. This might in part reflect the increased productivity of winch-assist operations as the industry becomes more experienced with its implementation.