Value Recovery from Two Mechanized Bucking Operations in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

The value recovered from two mechanized bucking operations in the southeastern United States was compared with the optimal value computed using an individual-stem log optimization program, AVIS. The first operation recovered 94% of the optimal value. The main cause for the value loss was a failure to capture potential sawlog volume; logs were bucked to a larger average small end diameter than necessary. The result was that a portion of the stem with potential sawlog volume was being converted into lower value pulpwood. Although the value loss was relatively small, the length measurements were outside of the acceptable range and the machine needed to be recalibrated. The second operation recovered only 58% of the optimal value. The main cause of loss was poor length measurement, producing a number of short logs that would have been rejected as chip-and-saw logs. Statistical quality control charts from both operations show that logs were being cut too long for the first operation studied and too short for the second operation. These low cost control methods should be required for monitoring mechanized bucking operations. We believe they will help to reduce the value lost from inconsistent measurements.