The extraction of loose material that is not chipped and which weighs less per load than solid wood is less damaging to the site than infield chipping and extraction of heavier loads on the same site (Stupak et al. 2008). This is due to the lower mass and bulk density of the material and reduced impact of the total mass on the soil surface. It also results in inefficiency; however, as less tonnage is extracted due to the loads being volume-restricted. Residual biomass harvesting system selection decisions therefore need to match biomass type with specific machines to result in optimally productive and cost efficient harvesting systems (Stupak et al. 2008). Conventional harvesting systems, which are presently in use form the basis of residual biomass harvesting systems selection, and are dependent on the location of comminution:

• Terrain chipping

• Chipping at roadside or landing

• Terminal chipping

• Chipping at processing plant

However, conventional forwarders or agricultural tractor/trailer units fitted with forestry trailers (i. e., with crane and bogie axle), encompassing CTL, TL and FT systems remain the preferred means of extracting small trees, bundles, tree parts or harvesting residues. This is due to their design and availability to the sector.

These come in various adaptations, all of which aim to maximize the payload of a bulky, low mass product and selection remains specific to particular situations. A FT system incorporating cable and/or grapple skidders is an option as an integrated roundwood/biomass harvesting system provided sufficient space is available on the landing to cater for storage of the resultant biomass. From this point decisions can be made to either comminute at roadside or transport the loose biomass further towards the final consumption point.