The objective of this study was to assess the potential for downsizing skidder requirements on soft ground through the use of high-flotation tires. The test was designed to compare the relative performance of a 90-kw skidder with conventional tires and chains to that of a 67-kw skidder equipped with high-flotation tires. The comparison criteria were short-and long-term productivity, fuel consumption, ground disturbance and operating costs. The trial was performed in the Abitibi region of Quebec under contract to the Ministère de l'Énergie et des ressources du Québec.