Fastest way to get 1st thin of Sitka down!

[iainarkle]

Diameter at Breast Height- the diameter about 1.5m from ground level

 

Ah! generally 8" or so. Pretty wee.

[Big J]

The trees are probably averaging 6 to a maximum of 12 inches at breast height. To compound the issue, there are areas that are very steep and other areas where the ground is like a rabbit warren.

 

I found the going in there brutal, with tonnage rates at about a quarter of what you could get in a similarly sized hardwood stand.

[slasherscot]

The trees are probably averaging 6 to a maximum of 12 inches at breast height. To compound the issue, there are areas that are very steep and other areas where the ground is like a rabbit warren.

 

I found the going in there brutal, with tonnage rates at about a quarter of what you could get in a similarly sized hardwood stand.

 

 

take the spray can off simon....he couldnt mark a kiddies spelling test.

 

I dont know which particular compartments u r in at Balmerino, but in general the trees are now too large and close together to hand thin now, u will spend too much time pulling them down, if indeed they will come down.

[iainarkle]

take the spray can off simon....he couldnt mark a kiddies spelling test.

 

I dont know which particular compartments u r in at Balmerino, but in general the trees are now too large and close together to hand thin now, u will spend too much time pulling them down, if indeed they will come down.

 

I'll be doing the marking tomorrow...let me think...line skip-a-few... fancy coming up for a shot?

[Brushcutter]

Without seeing some pics of the site it would be hard to say. Have you cut some extraction racks in? I use 1 in 5. You short wooding in the wood to 4m or skidding out the poles and processing on a landing if its a steep site?

[Highland Forestry]

Sounds to me like you need to cut racks into the wood and thin into the racks, much easier for all concerned, more timber on the deck and far easier for the next thinning.

 

Failing that, how are you extracting the timber??!

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

I find this method useful. The Clydesdale weighs 1000KG and is voice trained as well:thumbup: unlike the machine.

 

This was tree lengths spruce going for stakes/fencing panels/christmas trees. Ground was boggy and someone had tried with an ATV but turned it over and stuck in all the brash.

[iainarkle]

Thanks for all the comments / suggestions. Will let you know how it goes and hope the next stand is a little more straight forward!

The horse would be great and I know someone who uses them although not convinced about speed. I think I need to convince a mate called 'Bash' to get off his tractor and come into the woods...he would just see it as one big competition!!!

Extraction - Alstor - great little machine.

Thanks again for the help.

Iain

[iainarkle]

Hi guys, well the last thing in my mind this morning was pictures...sorry. First stand - done. Was a complete nightmare, owner turned up etc etc. He was very happy though. Afternoon - magic!!! It was awesome, bottom line in this sort of stand get yourself a 'butt plate', there isn't a quicker way to get the sticks to the floor. I recon, like for like, it double even tripled production. Happy days.

On to the next one tomorrow, taller trees (16m) and not quite as tight and armed with the plate.

Thanks again for all the help.

cheers

Iain

 

PS, could do with 2 - 4 more cutters for about 8+ wks work in sunny Scotland if anyone is interested PM me.

[slasherscot]

easy 10 tonnes then

 

ur better working as u r, keeping an eye on 2-4 cutters would be a nightmare. trust me not that 1.