Cut-and-skid business plan for the Ottawa Valley

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to perform a feasibility analysis for starting a cut and skid harvesting operation in the Ottawa Valley. This is done using time studies and harvesting costing. It is proposed that a cut-and-skid operation can feasibly function in the Ottawa Valley with proper management and planning. The modelling tool built predicts net revenue by looking at cable skidder and chainsaw production values, hauling and machine costs, as well as mill revenues. By use of the models built in this study, it is proven that a conventional cut-and-skid crew can operate profitably in the Ottawa Valley.