Modeling as a tool for predicting the productive capacity of wood harvesting: Approach of Feller-Buncher and Harvester

Carrying out an assertive planning in logistics and forest harvesting is essential to reduce the operational costs, as well as guaranteeing a constant supply of wood for the manufacturing unit, without compromising the integrity of the fleet of machinery in the field. This study addressed the analysis of the productive capacity of two important wood harvesting machines, the Feller-Buncher, and the Harvester, with an objective to propose a technical modeling to optimize the logistics associated with these machines. Eight machines were analyzed in planted forests with different productivity (0.08 to 0.58 m³/tree). Machinery productivity was also evaluated for each forest condition. Regression analysis, means tests, and statistical inferences were carried out to present the results. The relationship between machinery productivity and forest productivity obtained through regression analysis was explained with up to 97% accuracy. The productivity curves indicated stabilization with the increase of the mean individual volume per tree (MIV). The forest being harvesting machines evaluated showed a reduction in cost per cubic meter harvested, as forest productivity increased. The productive capacity of the harvester dedicated exclusively to processing, although superior, presents a disadvantage in practical terms, mainly due to the requirement for a new machine in the felling process, therefore increasing the production cost.