ABSTRACT
The objective in the primary transport[1] phase of timber
harvesting systems is to move either the tree or segments of
the tree from the stump location to a collection point (i.e.,
the landing). Three general approaches have been used to
accomplish this objective. In ground-based systems, a
machine moves to the stump area, the cut trees are attached
to the machine, and then the combination of the machine
and cut trees moves to the landing while the machine
remains in contact with the ground. In cable systems, the
machine is stationary (usually at the landing) and a series
of cables are used to transport the cut trees from the stump
area to the landing. The aerial systems approach is very
similar to ground-based systems with the exception that the
machine does not remain in contact with the ground and the
cut trees remain fully suspended in the air.
