Effect of Log Length on Forestry Loading and Unloading

ABSTRACT This study aimed to technically evaluate loading and unloading with different wood lengths . Data used were obtained from log harvesting areas of a forestry company in southern Brazil, on operations with loblolly pine logs. The study addressed the analysis of time and motion, being divided into loading, unloading, mooring and unmooring. Four treatments with different log lengths, number of safety straps and number of sampled vehicles were analyzed. Analysis of variance and Tukey test were used to evaluate differences among treatments. Loading and unloading productivity increase of 114% and 92% was observed, respectively, when log length increased from 2.4 m to 7 m. When log length increased, productivity and yield of hours/work also increased. Loading was negatively influenced by the environment where the activity was carried out.