Abstract: The article considers the impact of forestry machines on the soil of the cutting areas and presents the results of the impact of harvesters of different classes (middle-small, middle and heavy) and configurations of wheeled equipment and additional equipment on the soil of the cutting areas in the conditions of Kronoberg County (South of Sweden). Methods to reduce negative impact of wheeled harvesters on the soil of forests are proposed. The aim of the research is to assess the effect of the structural parameters of the wheel harvesters of different class on the soil of the cutting areas. Wheeled harvesters were loaded with 60 kN force. The results of experimental studies of the impact of wheeled harvesters on the forest soil are presented. Recommendations on the possibility of testing the results of research in the conditions of the rental base of the Western part of the North-Western Federal District of the Russian Federation are given.

Key words: Wheel harvester, Ground pressure, Cutting operations, Soil consolidation, Anti-skid tracks, Cut-to length technology, Variance analysis · Cutting area