Cost, productivity, and profitability of a thinned-log hauling system using smaller machines in a dense network of narrow forest roads

Abstract

This study examined the cost, labor productivity, and profitability of a thinned-log hauling system using smaller machines in a dense network of narrow forest roads at a private forest in Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture. By introducing this hauling system, road construction could be carried out at a low cost and higher productivity; in addition, cost of log production was expected to be low. Furthermore, the profitability could be secured with the current subsidy system; however, without subsidy, the thinned-log hauling operation would generate loss. Further research is required to clarify the limitations of this system and formulate strategies to improve profitability, such as providing good-quality logs through meticulous management, which could be accomplished by the dense network of forest roads.