The mission of the Forest Operations Research Work Unit is to provide the science and technology integrating ecological and engineering disciplines to achieve economically and ecologically viable forest operations that are necessary for sustainable and socially acceptable forest resource management. Learn more about us →
News & Events
Site Prep Tractors and Their Potential for Prescribed Fire
Site preparation (site prep) tractors are large-wheeled machines with mulcher head attachments. These machines can turn shrubs and small trees into wood chips and chunks. They are often used to control vegetation before a prescribed fire, improve wildlife habitat, or as a replacement for fire where the risk is too high. If site prep tractors could also be used to install fire breaks, they could provide managers a more versatile and responsive tool to manage risks associated with prescribed burning.
Latest Publications
- Productivity and cost estimates for incorporating tracked processors into conventional loblolly pine harvesting regimes in the Southeastern United States
Daniel, Marissa “Jo”; Gallagher, Tom ; Mitchell, Dana ; McDonald, Timothy ; Via, Brian - Development of a small-scale harvester for biomass operations
da Rocha, K.D. ; Gallagher, Tom ; McDonald, Tim ; Mitchell, Dana - Evaluating forest biomass recovery in south central Alabama pine plantations
Grace III , J. McFero; Klepac, J. F.; Taylor, Steve E. - Analysis of processing head measurements in merchandizing southern yellow pine
Sitanggang, Marisa ; Gallagher, Thomas ; McDonald, Timothy ; Mitchell, Dana - Large site prep tractors for fire line establishment in southern pine stands in Alabama
Smidt, Mathew F.; Mitchell, Dana ; Baker, Hunter