Large-scale harvesting operations now routinely use winch-assist or traction-assist systems to increase productivity and safety on steep slopes. The costs associated with incorporating specialist machinery such as these winch-assist or traction-assistmachines can be difficult to justify in woodlot harvesting where productivity is relatively low.Northland contractor Peter Davies-Colley is using a small, versatile and low cost traction-assist machine, aT-winch 10.2, as part of his mechanised woodlot harvesting system. Forme Consulting Group Ltd recently monitored this in action and came to some favourable conclusions about its suitability for mechanised small-scale harvesting crews. This article is the fourth in a series reviewing small-scale harvesting equipment.
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