Skidding of large-sized logs requires special machinery such as skidders, clambunks, forwarders or farm tractors with a winch or hydraulic tongs. The precise choice of which skidding machine to use depends largely on the desired efficiency and economic factors. The aim of this research was to evaluate the suitability of three different machines (LKT 81 skidder, John Deere 1110D forwarder and Pronar 1221A agricultural tractor with hydraulic tongs) for wood skidding based on technical and economic indicators. The practical work for this research was carried out in the Mirosławiec Forest Division in areas with fresh mixed coniferous forest habitats where the dominant species in the stands was pine and strip-like clear cutting was the preferred management practice. The best machinery performance values were obtained for skidding using the John Deere forwarder.

This study provides an operational-scale assessment of internal decay caused by Porodaedalea pini in managed Scots pine stands based on data collected during harvesting operations. Unlike previous studies relying on indirect indicators such as fruiting bodies, this work quantifies the actual proportion of logs affected by decay under real-world production conditions. Although the mean decay share was relatively low (3.29%), substantial variability among stands was observed. A moderate relationship between stand age and decay occurrence was detected; however, statistical models showed limited explanatory power, highlighting the influence of additional stand-level factors. A potential threshold around 110 years may indicate an increased risk of decay in overmature stands. These findings underline the importance of incorporating decay risk into forest management decisions while acknowledging the uncertainty associated with predicting internal decay under operational conditions. These results may support forest management decisions regarding rotation age and timber quality risk assessment.