Hybrid harvesters as a potential pathway towards fuel-efficient and productive forest operations

Forest management and production of solid wood products are effective means of carbon storage; however, forest harvesting remains a fossil fuel-consuming activity. As regulatory pressures to reduce emissions increase, manufacturers are exploring alternatives to conventional diesel engines. Technological advancements, such as hybrid harvesters, offer a potential solution to improve productivity while reducing environmental impacts. This study evaluated fuel consumption and productivity of hybrid harvesters under operational conditions in Quebec, Canada. The experimental design involved three hybrid harvesters operating across a range of stand types, including hardwood, softwood, and mixed forests. Field data were collected during summer, autumn, and winter using three complementary approaches: continuous monitoring through the manufacturer’s online portal, daily operator logbooks, and targeted field campaigns that included time and motion studies, onboard computer data, and container-based fuel measurements. Hybrid harvesters consumed, on average, 1.26 l/m 3 (22.48 l/h), compared with 1.59 l/m 3 (25.19 l/h) for conventional diesel machines, corresponding to an overall fuel savings of approximately 20% under typical stand conditions. Hybrid harvester productivity varied with stand type and tree size, averaging 20.62 m 3 /PMH 15 across all campaigns. In comparison, non-hybrid machines averaged approximately 16.3 m 3 /PMH 15 , with peak values between 20 and 22 m 3 /PMH 15 for larger units. These findings demonstrate the capacity of hybrid systems to maintain high operational performance while reducing energy consumption, providing valuable insights for advancing the efficiency and sustainability of mechanized forest operations. • Hybrid harvesters were assessed in terms of productivity and fuel consumption. • Fuel savings of 20% were achieved compared to conventional diesel harvesters. • Productivity increased by 18% in hybrid systems relative to conventional diesel harvesters. • Hybrid harvester performance was robust across a range of operating conditions. • Hybrid harvesters represent a promising pathway toward cleaner and more efficient forest operations.