HCR Estimator 2.0: Software to Calculate Cost
and Revenue Thresholds for Harvesting Small-Diameter Ponderosa
Pine
Becker, Dennis R.; Larson, Debra; Lowell, Eini C.; Rummer,
Robert, B. 2007. User guide HCR Estimator 2.0: software
to calculate cost and revenue thresholds for harvesting small-diameter
ponderosa
pine. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-748. Portland, OR: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest
Research Station.
The HCR (Harvest Cost-Revenue) Estimator is engineering
and financial analysis software used to evaluate stand-level financial
thresholds for harvesting small-diameter ponderosa pine (Pinus
ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws) in the Southwest United States. The Windows-based
program helps contractors and planners to identify cost associated
with tree selection, residual handling, transportation of raw materials,
and equipment used. Costs are compared against total financial
return for regionally based market opportunities to arrive at potential
net profit. Information is used to identify per-acre cost thresholds,
for contract appraisal , and for prioritizing project planning
for wildfire fuel reduction treatments and forest restoration efforts.
System requirements |
Installation
instructions | User guide | Software disclaimer
(1.55
MB zip file)
System
requirements
The HCR Estimator has been programmed using Visual
Basic® software
allowing for use on most Windows-based operating systems. System
requirements include 12 MB of hard-drive space and installation
of an updated .NET Framework, which exists on most new computers.
An updated version of the .NET Framework is available upon installation
of the program.
Installation instructions
To install the latest version
of the software, download program files in the companion zip
file. Once all program files have
been downloaded to a desired location, unzip the file to
locate the following three files:
- Install HCR Estimator.msi
- Setup.exe
- Sample Data Input.hcr
To install the program on your computer, open “Install
HCR Estimator.msi” to initiate Windows Installer and installation
Wizard. Follow the instructions in the Wizard. In some cases,
it may be necessary to first update your operating system to
the latest .NET Framework, which you will be prompted to do in
the event you have an older version. To begin using the HCR Estimator,
open from the Start menu or HCR Estimator icon on your desktop.
Please
send all questions and comments to: HCR Estimator Technical
Assistance
Software Disclaimer
The HCR Estimator software is in the public
domain. The recipient may neither assert propriety rights thereto
nor represent them
to anyone as other than government-produced programs. The
use of trade or firm names in this publication and in the software
is for the information of the reader. Such use does not constitute
an official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
of any product or service to the exclusion of others that
may
be suitable.
The software was developed for ponderosa pine in the southwest
United States. Application for other tree species is not valid.
In other regions of the country, ponderosa pine may be subject
to different growing conditions, which may influence equipment
productivity and volume recovery of solid wood and biomass material
from individual trees.
The HCR Estimator is a decision-support tool to assist users
in making choices regarding in-woods tree selection, equipment
optimization, and market selection. Because it is not possible
to include the full range of harvesting options and market scenarios
available, users must exercise discretion when comparing outputs
and evaluating project costs. The HCR Estimator is not to be
used in lieu of sound business planning and a thorough financial
analysis.
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Dowloand and Install HCR Estimator 2.0