| Abstract |
- Steel wire rope is used for many logging applications. This material has served the
logging industry well in terms of strength, durability, and longevity; Steel wire rope is
difficult to use because of properties that make it stiff, heavy; and unyielding. These same
properties cause fatigue, exhaustion, and may contribute to worker injuries.
Our research placed synthetic rope samples in the hands of selected loggers to try out
alternatives to steel wire rope. Few studies have addressed the use of synthetic rope for
logging applications. Initial trials with cooperating logging contractors showed positive
ergonomics and logging productivity efficiencies. The logging industry is slow to change;
so, not all of these initial trials were accepted. Designed research of synthetic rope in
logging is needed to determine when synthetic rope is a suitable replacement for steel
wire rope.
Synthetic rope has the potential to replace steel wire rope for many logging applications.
In our trials, we assessed static line applications (guylines, intermediate support lines, tree
AN ABS1RACf OF THE PAPER OF
Jared M. Leonard for the degree of Master of Forestry in Forest Operations presented
on September 8th.2003
Title: Applications for Synthetic Rope in Logging
Steel wire rope is used for many logging applications. This material has served the
logging industry well in terms of strength, durability, and longevity. Steel wire rope is
difficult to use because of properties that make it stiff, heavy, and unyielding. These same
properties cause fatigue, exhaustion, and may contribute to worker injuries.
Our research placed synthetic rope samples in the hands of selected loggers to try out
alternatives to steel wire rope. Few studies have addressed the use of synthetic rope for
logging applications. Initial trials with cooperating logging contractors showed positive
ergonomics and logging productivity efficiencies. The logging industry is slow to change;
so, not all of these initial trials were accepted. Designed research of synthetic rope in
logging is needed to determine when synthetic rope is a suitable replacement for steel
Vllfe rope.
replace In our trials, we assessed static line applications (guylines, intermediate support lines, tree
straps, and snap guylines) and running line applications for yarding and ground-based
logging systems. Our running line applications using synthetic rope included two skidder
/ crawler tractor winching trials, a Boman Mark IV carriage trial, and a Koller K300
mainline trial.
Static line applications such as guylines, intermediate support lines, tree straps, and snap
guylines are acceptable replacements of steel wire rope with synthetic rope. Loggers were
more likely to try additional applications once they used synthetic rope as tree straps and
were confident of its strength. Cost was an initial drawback for most logging contractors.
Additional research is needed to determine damage, replacement, and wear criteria for
synthetic rope in logging applications.
Running line applications showed positive results in the skidder / crawler winching trials
with faster cycle times and increased efficiencies for using synthetic rope. The Koller
K300 mainline trials also produced positive results as a running line. The Boman Mark
IV internal drum carriage trial showed no significant differences between steel wire rope
and synthetic rope. We believe designed research is necessary to evaluate carriage
applications with synthetic rope.
Future studies for static line applications should include guyline taglines, skyline taglines,
haywire (rigging line) replacement, and various other applications. Putting synthetic rope
into the hands of users will help identify valuable applications where synthetic rope has
merit. Future studies for running lines should focus on designed trials to adequately
observe the effects of synthetic rope in specific applications such as side-hill lateral
yarding, uphill lateral pulling in winching trials, and other difficult logging conditions.
Preliminary results show synthetic rope is a good candidate for the replacement of steel
wire rope in selected logging applications. More research is needed to determine damage,
replacement, and wear criteria for all applications of synthetic rope in logging.
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