Statistical evaluation of cycle time in the loading of Pinus maestrensis Bisse wood

Abstract

Forest loading operations on mountainous terrain face challenges that affect their efficiency; however, in the eastern region of Cuba, there is a lack of quantitative studies that integrate the factors influencing cycle time. The objective of this article is to evaluate, using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), the impact of terrain slope, loading distance, and log volume on cycle time in Pinus maestrensis Bisse plantations. The study was conducted in the "Los Números" area, Guisa municipality, with 189 observations equally distributed across three slope categories (0–25%, 25–50%, and >50%). Cycle times, loading distances, and volumes were recorded, and tests for normality, homoscedasticity, Pearson correlation, simple linear regression, and ANCOVA were applied. The results confirmed that slope significantly influences cycle time (p < 0.001), with adjusted means of 2.52 min (low slope), 3.02 min (medium slope), and 3.30 min (high slope). Loading distance acted as a positive predictor (B = 0.021; p < 0.001) and volume as a negative predictor (B = –0.870; p < 0.001). It is concluded that slope, distance, and volume determine forest loading efficiency and should therefore be considered in operational planning to optimize cycle times in mountainous conditions.