Productivity Analysis of Chute System integrated with Portable Winch and Synthetic Rope for Uphill Logging Operation

Abstract

Timber extraction activities are generally conducted by using traditional logging methods that involve little or no mechanization. In recent decade, plastic chute systems have been employed as alternative method during timber extraction. There is an increasing interest in implementing chute system because this alternative method reduces the value and volume loss of timber and minimize the total time of logging operation. Even though chute system had been used to extract small size timber in the early times, it has been employed to transport large size logs in recent years. In previous studies, chute system was analyzed during downhill transportation of wood products by gravity force. In this study, chute system integrated with portable winch was developed to haul large logs uphill direction. Besides, synthetic rope was used instead of steel rope in order to reduce weight of the system. The chute system was tested in a harvesting operation take place in Çınarpınar Forest Enterprise Chief in the border of Kahramanmaraş Forest Regional Directorate in Turkey. Productivity of the uphill logging operation was examined for three chute distances (36 m, 48 m, 60 m) at three ground slope classes (30%, 50%, 70%). The results indicated that the highest productivity $(7.00m^3/hr)$ was reached at the shortest chute system with 30% slope. The main factors that affect productivity was total time of winching logs uphill within chute system. It was found that chute system integrated with portable winch was more economic, practical, and efficient method comparing with traditional logging methods.