Productivity and Cost Analysis of Three Timber Extraction Methods on Steep Terrain in Thailand

Sa？etak Steep terrain harvesting in Thailand has low productivity because of the shortage of suitable logging extraction methods. Common methods involve extraction using manpower on steep slopes where machines cannot operate. This study compared the utilization of log chutes against manpower and mule methods with regard to productivity and cost-efficiency in the same logging compartment in Northern Thailand. The extraction methods were divided into work elements and data were collected based on described work cycles. The log chutes clearly had the highest productivity (2.29 m3/h) compared to the other methods. The hourly cost was lowest using manpower and the highest cost was using the log chute. However, the unit cost indicated the most economic method was the log chute (THB 72.40/m3) and the least was using mule extraction. From a logging contractor point of view, the log chute method helps reduce the number of working days during the harvesting season and provides a higher profit for business