(or Hoe Chucking as Canadian Loggers like to call it)
Shovel logging is not new. It has been used more widely in coastal Washington and British Columbia than in other parts of North America. In the last few years, Oregon operators have been adopting this method. All operators are moving to lighter, more versatile equipment and alternative logging methods that are less destructive to the environment and more cost effective on the balance sheet. Hoe-chucking continues to find converts in areas with suitable ground conditions (roughly defined as up to 40% slope).
Shovel logging is cost effective because it is less capital intensive and requires fewer people. It also has environmental advantages in adhering to the Forest Practices Codes. On most West Coast logging shows, working around water courses and gullies is a major concern. You have to be careful of streamside management zones, and gullies - even dry ones -have to be kept clear of debris. With conventional cable yarding, you can certainly have your share of difficulties avoiding reserve areas, and there is little, if any, control over debris pile-ups in gullies.
A shovel can work around reserve zones and along stream courses without difficulty and it can lift stray logs and debris out of the gullies as it goes along. If you are logging with conventional cable equipment, you have to clean up this material afterwards. By doing it in conjunction with the regular logging operation, you are more efficient and more cost effective Another advantage is reduced ground disturbance and better log quality.
A typical pattern on flat to moderately sloping ground ( up to 30%) is the serpentine pattern shown below. The shovel methodically traverses the area, systematically swinging logs closer to the road.
On steeper slopes, the shovel has to adapt to the terrain, precluding a systematic serpentine pattern. Normally on steeper slopes, the shovel will work directly up and down the slope for maximum stability and minimum soil distrubance. Starting nearest the road, the shovel will clear a path and swing all logs within reach toward the road as it progresses away from the road. Upon reaching the back of the setting the operator will return on the cleared path, swinging all logs on either side towards the road as he progresses.
For a good overview of Shovel Logging, see:
http://www.forestnet.com/log&saw/mar97/hoechuck.html
Another viewpoint of shovel logging can be found at: