Evaluating Productivity and Cycle Time of Skidding Method with Farm Tractors in Bigadic Forest Enterprise Directorate in Turkey

Abstract

In Turkey, mechanized harvesting methods have started to be used depending on the recent developments in forest industry, but advanced harvesting machines could not be used in national wide due to high operating cost and terrain conditions. The most common harvesting method is skidding with farm tractors since they are easily accessible and cost efficient. In this study, skidding method by a farm tractor in Bigadic Forest Enterprise Directorate was examined in terms of productivity and cycle time. The factors that affect the machine performance were also evaluated. It was found that the average time measurement of a cycle was 30.75 minute and the average productivity of tractor was found to be 4.75 m3/hour. The average volume and amount of skidded timber per cycle was about 1.80 m3 and 2 pieces, respectively. Among the factors evaluated in the study area, it was found that skidding distance had a maximum effect on the total cycle time and productivity. Unlike previous time studies, it was found that volume was relatively less effective on the total cycle time. This study revealed that the examination of the total time and productivity in terms of selecting and utilizing the appropriate harvesting technique can yield the best performance of the method.