Theres plenty of steep short ground in the smokies and Appalachians. They are similar to the west coast mtns, but everything is smaller. Thanks to father time... yeah, its not difficult to powerbuck poplar & white pine on the east coast. The foremost concern is getting forks to hit together. Ive cut black walnut that would slab in two even with the forks landing proper. Trees back east are shorter, so they fall alot faster. Not really an issue, but it can present problems. Its kind of like racing your car @ one track, then racing somewhere different. Changes will need to be made, but its still the same deal.. one thing ill say, if a guy can work with much efficiency, hes gonna get more done on a daily basis out west. A proficient cutter in hardwood country has to put forth more effort for less yeild, Smaller trees.... I dont know how they do it with their 20" bars.... slowly, & about 19" at a time i guess...