How stem size variations in forest stands influence harvester productivity and the use of productivity models

Stem size has the greatest effect on harvester productivity, and stem sizes vary in a forest stand. How these within-stand variations influence harvester productivity is normally not considered in studies or predictions of productivity. This study suggests reasons as to why the current production and/or application of productivity models are prone to bias from stem size variations in a stand, irrespective of whether models were developed from tree-based or stand-based studies. Moreover, it also provides empirical data on the stand stem size variation's influence on stand-based modeling of harvester productivity. Data from 11 harvesters in 347 final fellings and four harvesters in 80 thinnings were used. The mean productivity was 26.7 and 11.0 m3/PMh5 in final felling and thinning, respectively, and the mean stem size explained most of the observed variation. The productivity in final felling decreased with increased levels of stand stem size variation, as well as with increases in the proportion of broadleaf trees in the stand. For thinnings, productivity increased with increases in the proportion of pine trees in the stand, but there was no significant effect of stand stem size variation or other tested factors. The results show that stand stem size variation is a relevant factor to consider when modeling and predicting harvester productivity.