Tether Assisted Logging Demonstration

A new technology is being adopted in logging called tether-assist logging.  Although it's more expensive since you need more and stronger pieces of equipment that require more maintenance, it's safer which has cost benefits of its own.  Basically, typical ground-based timber harvesting equipment is tied to a remote-controlled anchor point.  The operator controls everything from his piece of equipment down the slope.  The operator is always level due to a gyroscope of sorts which keeps him and his equipment level and the primary force vectors directly down.

My interest in the technology is from a soil impacts standpoint.  Although the equipment is heavier and potentially more impactive to the soils, initial monitoring shows that impacts are within acceptable limits and that erosion and runoff are minimal.  And there's the safety thing.  All very optimistic.  All these pictures are taken on a USFS timber sale southeast of Eugene.