Timber harvester: a microcomputer-based system for automatic selection of timber harvesting equipment
1992
Randhawa, S.U. | Scott, T.M. | Olsen, E.D.
The potential gains that could be realized from mechanization and automation of timber harvesting are significant. Mechanization increases production output and efficiency, and product quality. However, selecting an appropriate degree of mechanization to avoid under-utilization of expensive resources is a critical decision, and requires that the product mix, and environmental and user constraints be matched against the available technology and required performance criteria. This article describes a microcomputer-based system which queries a user on the logging and market conditions. The system then matches these user's needs to a level of mechanization that would maximize the efficiency of the production operation. The computer accomplishes this by searching a set of data bases containing information on available technology and its impact on production efficiency, economics, and the environment. The level of mechanization is determined by specific combinations of existing machines. The alternatives generated using this methodology may then be analyzed using a simulation model. This tool is intended to aid long-term, strategic level planning by both public agency engineers and private industry managers and owners. It could also be used for short term tactical planning by contractors.
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