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Traditional coppice stands represent a sizable proportion of the Mediterranean forests and are generally geared to the production of firewood, which is eventually fed to traditional stoves for residential heat generation. In recent years, an alternative use has developed whereby trees are chipped whole and chips are fed to centralized heating plants. This latter system allows full mechanization of all supply chain steps and is considered more suited to modern living habits; at the same time, its introduction has raised concerns about possible new impacts on sustainability. This study presents a sustainability impact analysis (SIA) of the two systems, conducted with the Tool for Sustainability Impact Assessment (ToSIA). The results indicate that the new system is generally preferable. All indicators point at the superiority of the new system over the traditional one, except for employment potential. Compared with traditional firewood systems, the innovative system requires fewer workers, but it pays better and offers much safer workplaces. While the energy efficiency of a district heating system is not much higher than that of modern firewood stoves, the larger centralized plant can be fitted with better filters and emits much less particulate matter, which makes it especially suited to support development at a local level. Even if mechanized cutting caused a 20% reduction of coppice yields – which has yet to be proven – the new system would still prove more sustainable than the traditional one.
Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Diana Tuomasjukka. Rationalization of coppice management in Mediterranean Europe: the sustainability effects of changing product strategy and technology level. International Journal of Forest Engineering 2021, 1 -10.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Diana Tuomasjukka. Rationalization of coppice management in Mediterranean Europe: the sustainability effects of changing product strategy and technology level. International Journal of Forest Engineering. 2021; ():1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Diana Tuomasjukka. 2021. "Rationalization of coppice management in Mediterranean Europe: the sustainability effects of changing product strategy and technology level." International Journal of Forest Engineering , no. : 1-10.
Wire rope used in cable logging, where a series of cables facilitate the extraction of timber on steep terrain, experiences high tensions that must be managed to ensure safety. Innovations change practices over time and double-hitch carriages, which allow trees to be extracted horizontally, are a recent example. This makes it feasible to harvest across terrain with limited deflection, increases the recovery of biomass, and potentially reduces high-dynamic load events associated with ground contact. In this study, a standard single-hitch carriage was compared against a new double-hitch carriage under controlled conditions. Tension was measured continuously and specific elements, such as tension when the carriage was at midspan, maximum tension at breakout and inhaul, and magnitude of cyclic tension during inhaul were identified, measured and compared against payload. While payload was similar in the treatments, the additional weight of the double-hitch carriage resulted in higher skyline tensions. In both treatments, payload and skyline tension when the carriage was at midspan were strongly correlated. Cyclic tension was reduced by the double-hitch carriage system. While a number of unique high-dynamic loads were identified that were not part of the normal extraction, they represented only 6% of the cycles and the maximum tension was similar to that experienced during break-out and inhaul. This study increased the understanding of skyline tension during logging operations and the effect of carriage type. It showed that, though tension often exceeds the safe working load of the cable, it does not exceed the endurance limit for a well-designed and operated system.
Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Giulio Cosola; Stefano Grigolato; Luca Marchi; Andrea Rosario Proto; Eric R. Labelle; Rien Visser; Gernot Erber. Skyline tension and dynamic loading for cable yarding comparing conventional single-hitch versus horizontal double-hitch suspension carriages. International Journal of Forest Engineering 2021, 1 -11.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Giulio Cosola, Stefano Grigolato, Luca Marchi, Andrea Rosario Proto, Eric R. Labelle, Rien Visser, Gernot Erber. Skyline tension and dynamic loading for cable yarding comparing conventional single-hitch versus horizontal double-hitch suspension carriages. International Journal of Forest Engineering. 2021; ():1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Giulio Cosola; Stefano Grigolato; Luca Marchi; Andrea Rosario Proto; Eric R. Labelle; Rien Visser; Gernot Erber. 2021. "Skyline tension and dynamic loading for cable yarding comparing conventional single-hitch versus horizontal double-hitch suspension carriages." International Journal of Forest Engineering , no. : 1-11.
Simulators are used worldwide for various applications in different industries (e.g. aviation and medicine), generally to train prospective operators for actual work situations. The forest industry is no exception, with numerous studies – mostly in countries such as Finland, Norway, Switzerland and the United States of America – showing that simulator-based training has many advantages, especially for fast and inexpensive learning. Little information is available, however, relating to the pre-selection of harvesting operators prior to simulator-based training. The aim of this study was to determine whether harvesting simulators could be used in conjunction with the Vienna Test System to identify potential harvesting operators. A mixed methods approach (quantitative work study data and qualitative questionnaire data) was used to determine differences among 14 volunteer participants, each of which spent a total of ten hours using the simulator. After completing demographic questionnaires, participants used the Vienna Test System. The test is designed to measure hand–eye coordination, the ability to concentrate for long periods, and the participant’s cognitrone, and it is used in the mining industry as a pre-selection tool for heavy machine operators. Preliminary results show that the Vienna Test System was able to pre-identify individuals who are fast and productive. Many studies have indicated that effective and efficient operators require these abilities and more. Learning improved at different rates among participants over the ten hours spent on the simulator.
K. Schwegman; R. Spinelli; N. Magagnotti; M. Ramantswana; A. McEwan. Selecting successful harvester operators through aptitude tests and demographics. Australian Forestry 2021, 84, 25 -32.
AMA StyleK. Schwegman, R. Spinelli, N. Magagnotti, M. Ramantswana, A. McEwan. Selecting successful harvester operators through aptitude tests and demographics. Australian Forestry. 2021; 84 (1):25-32.
Chicago/Turabian StyleK. Schwegman; R. Spinelli; N. Magagnotti; M. Ramantswana; A. McEwan. 2021. "Selecting successful harvester operators through aptitude tests and demographics." Australian Forestry 84, no. 1: 25-32.
Reaction surveys were collected during over 300 logger training courses issued between 2007 and 2015 in Piemonte (north western Italy). In the reaction surveys, trainees were asked to rate several course attributes, which were grouped under the following items: utility, outcome, teaching, content, and amenities. Reaction scores were intersected with participant demographics and course type, and the relationships were tested through a general model and path analysis. Results indicated a general level of satisfaction, as well as stratification of results for different participant groups. In particular, employees seemed more interested in course outcome (qualification), while logging managers placed a stronger emphasis on utility (acquiring new skills). Managers and consultants were more critical about course content, compared with employees. Consultants – generally holding a university education – were especially appreciative of teaching quality. These findings pointed to opportunities for improving course design, which may be specifically adapted to participant group. Reaction surveys can offer a good proxy for training transfer, in the absence of dedicated pre- and post-training field evaluations. Future surveys should also include a clear description of participant expectations, for a more accurate interpretation of the reaction survey.
Natascia Magagnotti; Mathew Smidt; Raffaele Spinelli. Trainee’s reactions to logger training course characteristics: data from 300 courses held in Italy. International Journal of Forest Engineering 2021, 32, 67 -76.
AMA StyleNatascia Magagnotti, Mathew Smidt, Raffaele Spinelli. Trainee’s reactions to logger training course characteristics: data from 300 courses held in Italy. International Journal of Forest Engineering. 2021; 32 (1):67-76.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatascia Magagnotti; Mathew Smidt; Raffaele Spinelli. 2021. "Trainee’s reactions to logger training course characteristics: data from 300 courses held in Italy." International Journal of Forest Engineering 32, no. 1: 67-76.
Small tree size represents the main challenge when designing a cost-effective harvesting system for European short-rotation plantations. This challenge is further complicated by the need to obtain 4-m logs for high-end products, which rules out the possibility of deploying whole-tree chipping. Both challenges can be met through mass or multi-tree handling (MTH), which must begin at the time of felling and continue uninterrupted along the whole supply chain. The objective was to: (1) gauge the productivity and the cost of CTL harvesting applied to these plantations; (2) assess log yield and capacity to match dimensional specifications; (3) determine if MTH applied to CTL technology offers a real benefit compared with conventional single-tree handling. The authors conducted a time study using a block design with a two-machine cut-to-length harvesting system (i.e. harvester and forwarder) in single- and multi-tree handling operations on the clear cutting of a hybrid poplar plantation in Poland, as well as we manually measured the produced volumes of the study. Higher productivity (+ 8%) was achieved under the multi-stem handling mode. The MTH system proved capable of containing harvesting costs below € 15 per green ton, while fulfilling set timber quality requirements in terms of value recovery and log quality specifications. A new, software-based, MTH system is recommended to be used in short-rotation poplar plantation for logs and biomass harvesting. When the coppicing season is over, the system can be deployed for the conventional thinning operations.
Natascia Magagnotti; Raffaele Spinelli; Kalle Kärhä; Piotr S. Mederski. Multi-tree cut-to-length harvesting of short-rotation poplar plantations. European Journal of Forest Research 2020, 1 -10.
AMA StyleNatascia Magagnotti, Raffaele Spinelli, Kalle Kärhä, Piotr S. Mederski. Multi-tree cut-to-length harvesting of short-rotation poplar plantations. European Journal of Forest Research. 2020; ():1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatascia Magagnotti; Raffaele Spinelli; Kalle Kärhä; Piotr S. Mederski. 2020. "Multi-tree cut-to-length harvesting of short-rotation poplar plantations." European Journal of Forest Research , no. : 1-10.
Cable yarding is an inherently expensive extraction technology, but the mainstay for mountain forest management. Fuel cost represents a considerable share of total harvesting costs. Energy-recuperating, electrical slack-pulling carriages (EC), which recuperate energy during lateral yarding and store it as electrical energy in super-capacitors for powering slack-pulling during the subsequent yarding cycle have emerged only recently. Fuel consumption of cable yarding is expected to be lower when ECs are employed compared to working with conventional, diesel engine-powered slack-pulling drive (DC) carriages. To determine if reality matched expectations, a time and motion study was conductedduring which fuel consumption was extracted from the engine control systems using custom-made dataloggers for an uphill whole tree yarding operation in Austria. Average productivity was 21.9 m3 per productive system hour excluding delays (m3 PSH0 −1) at 0.89 m3 average tree volume and 58.4 m average yarding distance. Productivity was modeled as a function of average tree volume, yarding distance and lateral yarding distance. Average fuel consumption was 1.27 ± 0.97 l m−3 (DC) and 0.88 ± 0.56 l m−3 (EC). In the DC treatment, the carriage engine accounted for 9% of the total fuel consumption. Modeling revealed that fuel consumption depended on average tree volume, yarding distance, lateral yarding distance and carriage type as originally postulated. The latter effect interacted with that of average tree volume and EC’s advantage in fuel consumption was limited by a break-even average tree volume. In conclusion, the EC has the potential to improve profit margins in small-tree operations through lower fuel consumption.
Thomas Varch; Gernot Erber; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Karl Stampfer. Productivity, fuel consumption and cost in whole tree cable yarding: conventional diesel carriage versus electrical energy-recuperating carriage. International Journal of Forest Engineering 2020, 1 -11.
AMA StyleThomas Varch, Gernot Erber, Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Karl Stampfer. Productivity, fuel consumption and cost in whole tree cable yarding: conventional diesel carriage versus electrical energy-recuperating carriage. International Journal of Forest Engineering. 2020; ():1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleThomas Varch; Gernot Erber; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Karl Stampfer. 2020. "Productivity, fuel consumption and cost in whole tree cable yarding: conventional diesel carriage versus electrical energy-recuperating carriage." International Journal of Forest Engineering , no. : 1-11.
Close-to-nature (CTN) forestry offers many advantages, but makes management more complex and generally results in lower harvesting productivity and higher harvesting cost. While the higher harvesting cost of CTN is widely acknowledged, few ever consider the potential impact on operator workload, as the harvesting task becomes more complex. This study aimed to determine the mental workload of harvester operators under two silvicultural regimes: »pure conifer« stand and »mixwood« stand. In total, 13 harvester operators with varying experience levels were monitored for work performance and mental workload when operating a harvester simulator in two virtual stands designed according to the above-mentioned silvicultural regimes. Mental workload was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) interview method and heart rate variability measurements, during two 30-minute test sessions performed in the »pure conifer« and the »mixwood« stand, respectively. As expected, operating in a more diversified »mixwood« stand resulted in a marked productivity loss, estimated between 40 and 57%. The study also confirmed the increased aggravation of mental demand, effort and frustration experienced by the operators when passing from the »pure conifer« stand to the »mixwood« stand. Such increase in mental workload was independent of the age and experience of the operators. Results can be used to paint a more holistic picture of CTN forestry and its implications for harvester operators. Besides increasing the number of subjects being monitored, future studies should focus on live forest operations.
Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Eric R. Labelle. The Effect of New Silvicultural Trends on Mental Workload of Harvester Operators. Croatian journal of forest engineering 2020, 41, 177 -190.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Eric R. Labelle. The Effect of New Silvicultural Trends on Mental Workload of Harvester Operators. Croatian journal of forest engineering. 2020; 41 (2):177-190.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Eric R. Labelle. 2020. "The Effect of New Silvicultural Trends on Mental Workload of Harvester Operators." Croatian journal of forest engineering 41, no. 2: 177-190.
A chain-flail delimber-debarker-chipper (CFDDC) was adapted for treating smaller trees than normal by replacing the standard flails with lighter ones, and by reducing flail drum rotation speed. The machine produced 16 full containers (24 t each) for the standard configuration and 24 full containers for the innovative one. For each container the researchers measured: original tree mass, chip mass, time consumption and fuel use. Results indicated that the innovative setting accrued a 12% improvement on fiber recovery compared with the standard setting (control). At the same time, productivity increased by 20% and fuel consumption was reduced by 30%. Product quality was largely unaffected, with bark content remaining below the 1% threshold specification. If at all, product quality was improved through the reduction of fine particles, possibly derived from less diffused fraying. These results have triggered the real scale adoption of the new setting by contractors who participated in the study. The success of the innovative treatment is likely explained by its better alignment with the weaker structure of small trees from low-yielding stands.
Raffaele Spinelli; Rick Mitchell; Mark Brown; Natascia Magagnotti; Andrew McEwan. Manipulating Chain Type and Flail Drum Speed for Better Fibre Recovery in Chain-Flail Delimber-Debarker-Chipper Operations. Croatian journal of forest engineering 2019, 41, 137 -147.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Rick Mitchell, Mark Brown, Natascia Magagnotti, Andrew McEwan. Manipulating Chain Type and Flail Drum Speed for Better Fibre Recovery in Chain-Flail Delimber-Debarker-Chipper Operations. Croatian journal of forest engineering. 2019; 41 (1):137-147.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Rick Mitchell; Mark Brown; Natascia Magagnotti; Andrew McEwan. 2019. "Manipulating Chain Type and Flail Drum Speed for Better Fibre Recovery in Chain-Flail Delimber-Debarker-Chipper Operations." Croatian journal of forest engineering 41, no. 1: 137-147.
One of the challenges of forest operations is to consider the consequences of different management strategies and to estimate the economic, environmental and social performance of different processes, products, or services. From the methods available to quantify the impact of alternative forest management, we selected the method of Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA), an iterative process that includes the analysis of the societal, environmental, and economic sustainability pillars and offers a wider assessment framework, which is useful for stakeholders and policy makers. The purpose of this review is to identify the state of the art and trends of SIA in forest operations. There are few studies including all pillars of sustainability and most of the studies consider different aspects of environmental or economic impacts. It is important to determine the system boundaries and select the appropriate indicators in order to have a comprehensive SIA. Different harvesting technologies and their deployment can influence costs, productivity, environment, and safety risk. Some indicators, such as cost and productivity, can vary between countries and different scenarios. Efficient machines, appropriate technical systems, innovative products, and up-to date training of operators can have a positive impact on sustainability. Economic factors can change at a rapid pace, and new machines can play a positive role in forest operations (e.g., lower fuel consumption, higher level of safety and comfort for operators). The inclusion of indicators measuring the extra value of the forest should be considered. We suggest adopting sensitivity analysis during the assessment of key processes to observe the effect on the hot spots.
Janine Schweier; Natascia Magagnotti; Eric R. Labelle; Dimitris Athanassiadis. Sustainability Impact Assessment of Forest Operations: a Review. Current Forestry Reports 2019, 5, 101 -113.
AMA StyleJanine Schweier, Natascia Magagnotti, Eric R. Labelle, Dimitris Athanassiadis. Sustainability Impact Assessment of Forest Operations: a Review. Current Forestry Reports. 2019; 5 (3):101-113.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJanine Schweier; Natascia Magagnotti; Eric R. Labelle; Dimitris Athanassiadis. 2019. "Sustainability Impact Assessment of Forest Operations: a Review." Current Forestry Reports 5, no. 3: 101-113.
Chipping weighs heavily on the total delivered cost of wood fuel, which calls for accurate chipping cost estimates. Chipper repair and maintenance cost is perhaps the most obscure among the figures required for a reliable estimate of chipping cost. To clarify this issue, the authors examined the long-term repair and maintenance records for 51 wood chippers operated by 48 chipping service contractors. Repair and maintenance represented between 1.5% and 29% of total chipping cost, inclusive of fuel and labour (mean = 14%). The ratio between total accumulated repair (TAR) cost and machine price averaged 32% and varied with total use. The relationship between total use and TAR to price ratio was explored through regression analysis, which produced a very strong model (R2 = 0.8). This model predicts a TAR to price ratio of 0.64 at 10000 h, with no significant differences between tractor-driven and independent-engine machines. While the coefficients are different, the structure of this model offers a good match with the repair and maintenance cost models developed for farm tractors and other agricultural machinery. A second model was developed for estimating repair and maintenance cost as a function of fuel consumption. The study also provides reference figures for the contribution of labour cost to total maintenance cost. Farm tractors incur more repairs than preventive maintenance, contrary to the other dedicated components of the chipping operation, where preventive maintenance represents most of maintenance cost. Forestry users should make allowance for the lower structural strength of tractors and select large models.
Raffaele Spinelli; Lars Eliasson; Natascia Magagnotti. Determining the repair and maintenance cost of wood chippers. Biomass and Bioenergy 2019, 122, 202 -210.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Lars Eliasson, Natascia Magagnotti. Determining the repair and maintenance cost of wood chippers. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2019; 122 ():202-210.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Lars Eliasson; Natascia Magagnotti. 2019. "Determining the repair and maintenance cost of wood chippers." Biomass and Bioenergy 122, no. : 202-210.
A comparative study was conducted in the second commercial thinning of a 12-year-old slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) plantation in South Africa. The goal of the study was to compare semi-mechanized tree-length harvesting with fully mechanized cut-to-length (CTL harvesting) in terms of: compliance with silvicultural prescriptions, value and volume recovery, productivity, cost and residual stand damage. The two systems were tested on 32 adjacent plots with a mean surface of 4000 m2 each. Plots were randomly allocated to the two treatments, so that each treatment was replicated 16 times. The experiment consisted of a classic time study, followed by the visual inspection of all plots for determining damage frequency and severity. While mechanization allowed a dramatic (tenfold) increase in worker productivity, it also resulted in a proportional increase in team cost, which offset the large efficiency benefit and ended up with both methods incurring similar production cost (180–200 ZAR m3). However, mechanized CTL harvesting resulted in a significant reduction in residual stand damage frequency (from 5.2 to 2.9%) and severity (28% smaller wounds). Mechanized CTL is preferable, because it can reduce the frequency and severity of residual stand damage. In social terms, however, mechanization reduces employment potential but promotes job quality, while conventional harvesting solutions can employ many more people, but offer low-paid, tiresome and potentially hazardous jobs.
Tigere Pasca Dembure; Andrew McEwan; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Muedanyi Ramantswana. A comparison between two alternative harvesting systems in the thinning of fast-growing pine plantations under the conditions of low labour cost. European Journal of Forest Research 2018, 138, 43 -52.
AMA StyleTigere Pasca Dembure, Andrew McEwan, Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Muedanyi Ramantswana. A comparison between two alternative harvesting systems in the thinning of fast-growing pine plantations under the conditions of low labour cost. European Journal of Forest Research. 2018; 138 (1):43-52.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTigere Pasca Dembure; Andrew McEwan; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Muedanyi Ramantswana. 2018. "A comparison between two alternative harvesting systems in the thinning of fast-growing pine plantations under the conditions of low labour cost." European Journal of Forest Research 138, no. 1: 43-52.
The objectives of this study were to examine the possibility of reducing the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of harvesters during cut-to-length operations by applying various technical settings to the machine through the machine´s own software package. The adjustment of machine settings had an effect on the fuel consumption per unit product (l m-3) and can reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in cut-to-length harvesting operations. The main factor significantly affecting both fuel consumption and productivity was stem size. The study involved three cut-to-length machines operating in thinning with comparable stand environment and silvicultural prescriptions. The novelty of this work is in exploring the fuel saving potential of simple adjustments of machine settings in cut-to-length harvesting machines. Such adjustments have an impact on fuel efficiency and may reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in cut-to-length harvesting operations. This work may result in a reduction of energy consumption and environmental pollution, thereby contributing to cleaner production. This study bridges the gaps between research, development and implementation: it offers practical solutions that may affect manufacturers as well as practitioners and entrepreneurs in the field. The outcome of this study may result in innovative technology development with less impact on the environment.
Robert Prinz; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Johanna Routa; Antti Asikainen. Modifying the settings of CTL timber harvesting machines to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Journal of Cleaner Production 2018, 197, 208 -217.
AMA StyleRobert Prinz, Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Johanna Routa, Antti Asikainen. Modifying the settings of CTL timber harvesting machines to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018; 197 ():208-217.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRobert Prinz; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Johanna Routa; Antti Asikainen. 2018. "Modifying the settings of CTL timber harvesting machines to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions." Journal of Cleaner Production 197, no. : 208-217.
Afforestation of marginal farmland with fast-growing tree species is a cost-effective way to produce wood fiber for industrial and energy use. The final harvest is often performed with terrain chipping, in order achieve high productivity and minimum-cost supply. Several machine manufacturers have developed new chipper models, specifically designed for this practice in agroforestry plantations. Soil impacts, particularly soil compaction, represent a concern in such practice. This study evaluated the impact of terrain chipping work on soil compaction in agroforestry plantations. This study tested two different options for the chipper, and namely: a new all-road chipper specifically designed for agroforestry plantations (evaluated under two tire-pressure configurations) and capable of both cross-country and road traffic, and a high-mobility chipper truck. In contrast, one option was tested for the chip shuttle, which consisted in a farm tractor equipped with a two-axle trailer. The four treatments were tested on three different sites, representing the most common soil conditions encountered in the new agroforestry plantations. Soil texture ranged from loam to sandy loam. The occurrence of soil compaction in the upper 30 cm of the soil was evaluated with two different methods: bulk density determination and penetration resistance sampling. Measurements were conducted in the machine tracks after a single pass. The two methods seemed to give contradictory results, especially in two of the three test sites. In general bulk density seemed more sensitive to changes than penetration resistance after a single passage. Bulk density measurements showed that the all-road chipper at low tire pressure and the chipper truck caused soil compaction at almost all sites. In contrast, the all-road chipper at standard tire pressure and the chip shuttle were much gentler on the soil. The limited increments found in this study are likely dependant on a relatively high soil density before traffic. The higher impact of the all-road chipper after reducing tire pressure is contrary to expectations, probably due to the use of relatively stiff tires that may deny the benefits of deflation. This study indicates that wellorganized terrain chipping may not cause such high soil compaction levels as to jeopardize tree root development and growth, despite the heavy weight of the equipment used for this task. In that regard, the specially-designed all-road chipper performs better than the chipper truck.
Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Eugenio Cavallo; Giorgio Capello; Marcella Biddoccu. Reducing soil compaction after thinning work in agroforestry plantations. Agroforestry Systems 2018, 93, 1765 -1779.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Eugenio Cavallo, Giorgio Capello, Marcella Biddoccu. Reducing soil compaction after thinning work in agroforestry plantations. Agroforestry Systems. 2018; 93 (5):1765-1779.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Eugenio Cavallo; Giorgio Capello; Marcella Biddoccu. 2018. "Reducing soil compaction after thinning work in agroforestry plantations." Agroforestry Systems 93, no. 5: 1765-1779.
The study surveyed eight small-scale operations designed to produce wood pellets and microchips, the latter intended as a low-price pellet surrogate. Surveyed operations were equally spread between the two product types, and they all targeted residential users. They were all run by forest owners or forest contractors, driven to the new business by the need to increase the value of low quality wood and to fill the gap created by a dwindling firewood demand. Production cost averaged 228 € t−1 for pellets (9% water mass fraction) and 134 € t−1 for microchips (water mass fraction between 11 and 18%). For each process type, three entrepreneurs out of four accrued meaningful profits, estimated at 10% and 6% for pellets and microchips, respectively. However, profitability differences between the two production chains were deprived of statistical significance. Raw material cost accounted for 28% and 50% of total cost respectively for pellets and microchips, and it was significantly lower for forest owners. Product drying was always obtained with renewable energy sources, such as wood or solar radiation. The most important success factor reported by all entrepreneurs was direct sale to final users, without intermediation. Additional success factors were: self-construction, use of unutilized resources at marginal cost, control of raw material supply and capture of opportunity wood. Entrepreneurs who ceased operation attributed their decision to the lower cost of imports, the absence of a receptive market and the higher profitability of alternative products.
Raffaele Spinelli; Luigi Pari; Natascia Magagnotti. New biomass products, small-scale plants and vertical integration as opportunities for rural development. Biomass and Bioenergy 2018, 115, 244 -252.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Luigi Pari, Natascia Magagnotti. New biomass products, small-scale plants and vertical integration as opportunities for rural development. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2018; 115 ():244-252.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Luigi Pari; Natascia Magagnotti. 2018. "New biomass products, small-scale plants and vertical integration as opportunities for rural development." Biomass and Bioenergy 115, no. : 244-252.
Mediterranean pines account for 14,000 ha in Tuscany alone, where they form large and homogeneous stands and represent an important resource for the forest economy. Among the harvesting systems applied to thinning operations, the most popular are whole-tree and cut-to-length harvestings. Both systems can be deployed with different levels of mechanization. The decision about which system might be the best option in a specific case possibly leads to conflicts due to different management goals, for instance when the shift from cut-to-length to whole-tree harvesting systems results in a decrease of costs and an increase of environmental burdens. Thus, an accurate determination of economic, environmental and social indicators is crucial to make balanced decisions. With that in mind, we carried out a sustainability impact assessment of typical forest-wood chain alternatives applied to young Mediterranean pine plantations and made a comparative evaluation by means of multi-criteria analyses. Trials were carried out in umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.) plantations in Tuscany. The analyzed cases considered four thinning operations and included the processes of harvesting, extraction and chipping. In the analysis, 12 indicators were considered (e.g., global warming potential, fatal accidents). Results of the investigation allow quantifying possible sustainability impacts and, thus, supporting management decisions.
Janine Schweier; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Bernhard Wolfslehner; Manfred J. Lexer. Sustainability Assessment of Alternative Thinning Operations in Mediterranean Softwood Plantations. Forests 2018, 9, 375 .
AMA StyleJanine Schweier, Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Bernhard Wolfslehner, Manfred J. Lexer. Sustainability Assessment of Alternative Thinning Operations in Mediterranean Softwood Plantations. Forests. 2018; 9 (7):375.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJanine Schweier; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Bernhard Wolfslehner; Manfred J. Lexer. 2018. "Sustainability Assessment of Alternative Thinning Operations in Mediterranean Softwood Plantations." Forests 9, no. 7: 375.
A new shredder was designed for comminuting small‐size rootstocks from the termination of orchards and short‐rotation plantations. The new shredder is lighter than any similar models available on the market and is fitted with an integral star screen: these innovative characteristics allow the machine to work in‐field, leaving dirt on site and packing denser loads. The preliminary test conducted in this study lasted 13.2 h and produced 15 full containers, or 123 t of fresh chunks. Researchers measured the time required to fill each container, and associated it with its net weight. Samples were collected from each load in order to determine product moisture and dirt content. Productivity ranged most commonly between 8 and 10 t of fresh chunks (or 38 and 50 m3 of loose chunks) per scheduled hour, inclusive of all delays. Net shredding productivity was much higher and peaked at 17 t of fresh chunks or 80 m3 of loose chunks per hour, excluding delays. The shredding cost varied between 24 and 30 € t−1 of fresh chunks, including transportation to the plant yard. Prolonged storage at the field edge and effective screening resulted in a dramatic reduction of water and soil content, which were measured at 23% and 1% respectively. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Raffaele Spinelli; Giovanni Aminti; Fabio De Francesco; Natascia Magagnotti; Luigi Pari. Test of a new mobile machine for comminuting and cleaning rootstock waste. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining 2018, 12, 949 -957.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Giovanni Aminti, Fabio De Francesco, Natascia Magagnotti, Luigi Pari. Test of a new mobile machine for comminuting and cleaning rootstock waste. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. 2018; 12 (6):949-957.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Giovanni Aminti; Fabio De Francesco; Natascia Magagnotti; Luigi Pari. 2018. "Test of a new mobile machine for comminuting and cleaning rootstock waste." Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining 12, no. 6: 949-957.
The study sampled six representative work sites in Northern and Central Italy, in order to assess the risk for developing musculo-skeletal disease due to poor work posture (postural risk) among the operators engaged in semi-mechanized post debarking operations. Assessment was conducted with the Ovako Working posture Analysis System (OWAS) on 1200 still frames randomly extracted from videotaped work samples. The postural risk associated with post debarking was relatively low, and varied with individual operations based on their specific set up. Postural risk was higher for the loading station compared with the unloading station, which makes a strong argument for job rotation. The study suggested that the infeed chute of small-scale debarkers might be too basic and should be further developed, in order to reduce postural risk. Obviously, better machine design should be part of an articulate strategy aimed at decreasing the postural risk and based on proper worksite organization and specific worker training.
Raffaele Spinelli; Giovanni Aminti; Natascia Magagnotti; Fabio De Francesco. Postural Risk Assessment of Small-Scale Debarkers for Wooden Post Production. Forests 2018, 9, 111 .
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Giovanni Aminti, Natascia Magagnotti, Fabio De Francesco. Postural Risk Assessment of Small-Scale Debarkers for Wooden Post Production. Forests. 2018; 9 (3):111.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Giovanni Aminti; Natascia Magagnotti; Fabio De Francesco. 2018. "Postural Risk Assessment of Small-Scale Debarkers for Wooden Post Production." Forests 9, no. 3: 111.
Operators may significantly increase the value of small logs by selling them as posts for fencing and horticulture, after proper sorting and debarking. Effective debarking can be performed with simple technology, within the reach of small-scale operators (investment ≤ 30,000 €). Based on a careful analysis of seven representative operations conducted in Italy, this study offers a first general productivity benchmark for small-scale debarking operations. Depending on log characteristics and operation layout, the productivity of a two-workers team varies between 70 and 200 posts h−1, including delays. Delay time accounts for 1/3 of the total worksite time, and of this 60% was due to organizational issues, included with the “operational delay” time. However, reducing organizational delays may result in increased rest time. Introduction of a loading deck may relieve worker effort and is indispensible when dealing with heavy posts (weight > 20 kg). Debarked posts are then piled in stacks right near the machine outfeed, often on pallets for easier transfer to the storage yards. Although most small-scale debarkers are designed for use with farm tractors and are highly mobile, all operators in the survey had installed their operation at a permanent wood yard. Six debarkers out of seven were powered by an electric motor, and only one used the tractor power take-off. In fact, the need for mobility in debarking operations might be overrated.
Raffaele Spinelli; Carolina Lombardini; Giovanni Aminti; Natascia Magagnotti. Efficient Debarking to Increase Value Recovery in Small-Scale Forestry Operations. Small-scale Forestry 2018, 17, 377 -392.
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Carolina Lombardini, Giovanni Aminti, Natascia Magagnotti. Efficient Debarking to Increase Value Recovery in Small-Scale Forestry Operations. Small-scale Forestry. 2018; 17 (3):377-392.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Carolina Lombardini; Giovanni Aminti; Natascia Magagnotti. 2018. "Efficient Debarking to Increase Value Recovery in Small-Scale Forestry Operations." Small-scale Forestry 17, no. 3: 377-392.
Poje Anton; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Matevz Mihelic. The effect of feedstock, knife wear and work station on the exposure to noise and vibrations in wood chipping operations. Silva Fennica 2018, 52, 1 .
AMA StylePoje Anton, Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Matevz Mihelic. The effect of feedstock, knife wear and work station on the exposure to noise and vibrations in wood chipping operations. Silva Fennica. 2018; 52 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StylePoje Anton; Raffaele Spinelli; Natascia Magagnotti; Matevz Mihelic. 2018. "The effect of feedstock, knife wear and work station on the exposure to noise and vibrations in wood chipping operations." Silva Fennica 52, no. 1: 1.
Acknowledging the absence of up-to-date empirical data on the value retention, service life and annual use of chipping machinery, in 2017 the authors surveyed the records kept by 50 contractors offering biomass chipping services. The machine fleet and operations in this survey could be taken as representative for most of Europe, where the biomass sector is well established and is facing further expansion. Data collection included the whole chipping unit, comprised of chipper, carrier and loader. Manually-fed units were excluded from the survey. The data pointed at a service life up to and exceeding 10,000 h and 10 years, which relieved any concerns about poor durability. Value retention was good, and may exceed that of other mainstream forestry equipment. Engine power was the main explanatory variable in any models to predict purchase price and productivity. The effect of this variable could explain most of the variability (>80%) in the purchase price and productivity data. Results also pointed at the essential equivalence in price and productivity between PTO-driven (i.e., tractor powered) and independent-engine chippers, once differences in engine power are accounted for. However, the distribution of purchase price between different components of the chipping unit was different between the two unit types, with the chipper accounting for a larger proportion of the total investment in independent-engine units. Machine power was also different, with most PTO-driven units being significantly smaller than independent-engine units, due to the limitations of existing tractors. Furthermore, half of the carriers assigned to a PTO-driven unit were subject to flexible use, i.e., they were not solely used for chipping work.
Raffaele Spinelli; Lars Eliasson; Natascia Magagnotti. Value Retention, Service Life, Use Intensity and Long-Term Productivity of Wood Chippers as Obtained from Contractor Records. Forests 2017, 8, 503 .
AMA StyleRaffaele Spinelli, Lars Eliasson, Natascia Magagnotti. Value Retention, Service Life, Use Intensity and Long-Term Productivity of Wood Chippers as Obtained from Contractor Records. Forests. 2017; 8 (12):503.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaele Spinelli; Lars Eliasson; Natascia Magagnotti. 2017. "Value Retention, Service Life, Use Intensity and Long-Term Productivity of Wood Chippers as Obtained from Contractor Records." Forests 8, no. 12: 503.