Análise de rendimento em operações de arraste simples e arraste duplo na colheita florestal

Abstract

Forest harvesting is a critical operation in forestry production, which has a strong impact on productivity and production costs. One of the widely used equipment in forest harvesting operations is the tire skidder, known for its ability to drag logs and timber in terrains of varied characteristics. However, despite the recognized operational suitability of the skidder, its productivity can vary due to various factors, including the manner of log arrangement in the stand. In this context, aiming for greater efficiency and productivity in drag operations during planted forest harvesting, this study aims to analyze the productivity of the skidder in two dragging: single and double dragging, and, concurrently, the impact generated in the subsequent processing operation with the grapple. Single dragging involves accumulating bundles of wood in a single pile, while double dragging accumulates the bundles in two distinct piles. The objective is to evaluate the pros and cons of each technique, aiming to improve operational efficiency in harvesting. Data were collected in the field and processed using statistical methods to identify significant differences in productivity between dragging methods and assess the impact generated in the operation following draging, the grapple processing operation. The results indicate that, for skidder operation, the single dragging method tends to provide slightly higher yields compared to double dragging. The t-test confirmed a statistically significant difference in yields between single and double dragging for the skidder. However, further analysis focused on grapple operations revealed that there is no statistically significant difference in grapple yields between the methods. The operations showed close averages, with similar standard deviations and sampling errors among the groups. Therefore, while a significant difference in yields was observed between single and double dragging for skidder operations, this disparity was not evident in grapple operations.