l88 TIMBER VALUATION 



The main factor in determining the cost of skidding is the 

 distance skidded. This in turn depends upon the stand per acre 

 because it is naturally easier to get a reasonable sized pile where 

 the stand is heavy than where the stand is thin and the logs have 

 to be hauled long distances. Second in importance to the time 

 required to skid the log is the time taken on the return trip. This 

 may exceed the time consumed on the way to the skidway when 

 logs are hauled off a steep hillside where the horses have to toil 

 slowly back up again. Fastening onto the log and unfastening 

 are items of minor importance. 



Since then the factors which determine the cost of skidding are 

 primarily the time consumed going and coming the lowest costs 

 must be where these times make up the smallest per cent of the 

 total time. Heavy stands of large logs are the first prerequisite 

 and fast motive power the second. Consequently the types in 

 which the lowest cost of skidding is found are the dense stands of 

 conifers — redwood, Douglas fir, western red cedar — in the 

 Pacific northwest and the cypress of the southern bottomlands 

 where steam skidders are used. Costs have run in such stands 

 from 50 cents to $2 per M. 



With the other softwoods $2 per M has been the standard 

 price. Even variation in the number of logs per M and different 

 methods, bare ground, bobsleds, skoots, or big wheels, have pro- 

 duced little deviation. 



Hardwoods on the other hand cost considerably more. They 

 are heavier and more crooked. Costs have ranged from $2.50 to 

 $3.50 per M. 



Summarizing skidding costs, the forest types fall into three 

 main groups as follows: 



I. Costs ranging from 50 cents to $2 per M or about three man 

 hours per M plus interest and depreciation charges on the 

 machinery. 



Steam skidders used. Large logs. Soft, light woods. 

 Redwood. 

 Douglas fir. 

 Western red cedar. 

 Sugar pine. 



