Mechanised cleaning of young forest : The strain on the operator

• The aim of the paper is to map out how the operator limits the productivity in mechanised spacing and cleaning of young stands of trees. The work elements in this forestry machine work are analysed simultaneously with the measuring of the operator's workload. Proposals for technical developments are given. The design of the study follows a model which secures control of important occurring factors.Operating a forestry cleaning and spacing machine is probably the most intensive forestry machine work. The low heart rate variability indicates a high mental workload. The intense operation of the crane causes few pauses (EMG-gaps) in the trapezius muscle. Managing the machine occupies the operator's attention while biological assessments of the stand are needed. Neck and shoulder complaints are still a major problem.To keep mechanised cleaning profitable, machine, crane and cleaning head must be easier to handle. A partly robotized crane and cleaning head and better sight can help the operator to perform faster and more reliable cleaning. A self-levelling cab with a pivoting ability will give the operator a more relaxed working environment. In the future perhaps a cleaning and spacing robot might be a choice.

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