Clearing of non native conifers in Glenmore - south side of Loch Morlich
The images are courtesy of Brain Duff, Glenmore Forest, who was handed the photographs taken in 1992.
The photograph lacks detail but the machine is believed to be a Chapelhall Workshop built skyline assembly comprising Leyland tractor, Igland double drum winch and Chapelhall built tower. It seems that a range of felling, extraction and conversion techniques were used on this site possibly at the request of Work Study Branch who would have carried out timings and output studies for wider publication.
Brian comments “A whole variety of techniques were tried before the short wood system was extensively used and one of the early ideas was to winch out the timber presumably to try and not damage the existing standing pines as the ground is not “normal” winching ground. After this area was completed, it was never considered again”.
This photograph answers the question in Picture No 5993 and confirms that a skyline system was trialled. The main spar tree at the other end of the skyline is at some considerable height above the tractor tower. Note the strop that is tying down the skyline next to the top pulley to prevent the pulley from lifting out. The site looks as though it has been cleared of felled trees but there is no indication of how they were processed once hauled to the winch.
It is believed that this team came from Loch Awe but any information on this would be very welcome.
The follow on image shows a cable crane in high lead mode allowing the carriage assembly to drop down easily into the deep gulley and the choker man to attach the felled whole trees lying there. Some remnant Scots pine can be seen on the gully sides and the hope would be to retain them undamaged.
More information would be very welcome.
Download Large Version (374kB)
Groups: Forestry Areas, Glenmore Forestry, Timber harvesters, processors, forwarders and cable cranes