Mechanical processing of Pinus radiata D. Don in Sardinia

Abstract

The Authors analysed the mechanical processing of Radiata pine in Italy. The work was carried out in Sardinia, on a 28 year-old plantation thinned to the final density of 250 trees/ha. The machine consisted of a Fiat-Hitachi 330.3 excavator, equipped with a AFM Magnum harvesting head. Despite heavy branching and poor stem form, the harvester reached a very high productivity, ranging between 10 and 30 m³/net hour. Processing cost stays within 10 €/m³ if average tree size does not drop below 0,20 - 0,25 m³, depending on stem form. At any rate, it is interesting to note that also in Italy one may find those working conditions that justify resorting to advanced mechanization - namely the availability of large wood harvests over comparably small areas.