> But no matter how buff and bearded the chopper, there’s no chance of out-logging one of these things.
As long as there's plenty of oil, that is.
Then it's back to the axe.

I have seen these operating here a few years ago. As forestry is historically one of the most dangerous industries here in New Zealand, a lot on money has gone into making it safer. They have now made these log harvesters that are run by remote control, the operator can be working in a building miles away from the harvesting equipment.
As for sustainability, our trees are grown in pretty large plantation forests, new trees are planted after the previous stock is harvested.

But, does it sleep all night and work all day?

Paul and Babe are still weeping.

most people miss the fact that these are generally used in managed forests - in other words, forests that are on flat land, with fast-growing trees specifically bred (selective breeding) and grown as a crop. These things can't take down old-growth timber - the trunks are far too large and the trees far too tall. These are akin to a combine-harvester.

It still takes many years to grow back impressive, once done does the equipment have any other use?

"Murdering and dismembering, denuding, executes trees with extreme prejudice."
The writer of the article must be an environmental wacko. He makes tree cutting sound like an evil force that must be stopped.
The fact is this machine does dangerous work that has injured and killed many people over the years. And why the all the irrational concern about cutting trees in a sustainable way? Trees grow back like weeds, including old growth trees.

Great, more global warming and more people out of a job. This is progress??

Bob - It likes to press wild flowers.

Doesn't seem all that 'sportsmanlike'...pity the poor trees. Like hunting sitting ducks with a machinegun.