Forest Machine Contractors in Swedish Industrial Forestry: Significance andConditions during 1986-1993

摘要

The aim of this review was to come to a general understanding of the phenomenonof contracting in forestry as an occupation and a life-style. This has been accomplished by studies on machine ownership, working conditions, and attrition from forestry, using quantitative methods in combination with qualitative ones, during the period 1986 to 1993. The studies pertained to industrial forestry in Sweden. In 1992/93 70% of all machines used in industrial forestry in Sweden were owned by contractors. Together these machines harvested 59% of the total quantity during the 1992/93 harvesting season. Three categories of contractors were recognized; the single contractor, the partner contractor, and the contractor with employees. It was concluded that being a contractor is more a life-style than an occupation. Very often the whole family is involved in the business. The contractors' willingness to work hard and to do a good job is an asset for forestry.