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It was assumed that there was a fifty kilogram tree every two metres <strong>of</strong> row and there are two rows per<br />

belt. High, medium and low planting densities were modelled by using a belt spacing <strong>of</strong> 75, 150 and<br />

225 metres respectively. Time spent moving from field to field was modelled as 3%, 6% and 9%<br />

respectively to represent increasing time spent moving as the planting density decreases.<br />

7.3.2 Capital Assumptions<br />

Three scenarios were derived, each using different capital equipment. All scenarios used:<br />

• A harvester with a new value <strong>of</strong> $750,000 depreciated to $10,000 over 10,000 engine hours.<br />

• A machinery shed valued at $150,000 and depreciated to zero over 50,000 hours <strong>of</strong> operation.<br />

• A service vehicle with a fuel trailer and tools at a value <strong>of</strong> $50,000, depreciated to $5,000 over<br />

10,000 engine hours.<br />

Scenario One: Rear-tip trailers<br />

Scenario one is a low cost solution and assumes that 25 tonne capacity road-haul trailers are taken into<br />

the field and are filled directly from the harvester. These bins, represented in Figure 7.1 are hauled in<br />

field behind a tractor and, once full, are hauled to and uncoupled at the nearest trafficable road. It is<br />

assumed that the uncoupling would take fifteen minutes.<br />

The capital value <strong>of</strong> the haul trailers are assumed to be accounted for in the road transport cost. Total<br />

system cost is $1,377,600.00 and is detailed in Table 7.1<br />

Figure 7.1 Rear-tip trailer<br />

Table 7.1 Scenario one capital equipment.<br />

Equipment description<br />

capital<br />

value<br />

salvage<br />

value<br />

equity<br />

anticipated<br />

use<br />

$ $ % hours<br />

160

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