Conceptual Specification of Forest Utility Balers for Wody Biomass

Abstract. A new class of modular woody biomass baler is designed to maximize recovery of forest residuals from small/remote/stranded landings, scattered roadside windrows and piles, thinnings from hand crews, and forest management prunings. The baler module is designed to be incorporated onto a wide range of undercarriages and prime movers. The baler module can be mounted on and powered by a forestry log forwarder when in-woods mobility is needed. Such configuration takes advantage of the forwarder‘s mobility, onboard log crane, and hydraulic power capacity. Balers may also be mounted on highway or forestry trailers, with self-contained power and loading. The bale size for the utility baler was established to be easily lifted by small-log loaders, skid-steer loaders with forks, and the like.