Harvesting of pine and eucalypt in South Africa

South Africa’s geography, the forest resources and typical management practices are discussed. Most recent supply and demand prognosis data are cited to demonstrate the rapid growth rates and to indicate the growing importance of well designed and balanced harvesting operations. The evolution of harvesting in South African pine and eucalypt plantations is outlined before current operations are introduced and production levels and costs indicated. The major problems in the harvesting sphere as well as new development trends are identified. The improvement ideas in the developing, testing or introduction phase are stressed with special emphasis on successful, locally designed equipment.