Productivity and work safety evaluation of Tigercat 635D skidder used in logging operations

Extraction of wood-based forest products is mostly conducted by man and animal power based traditional methods in Turkey. Logging operations which does not involve sufficient usage of mechanized harvesting systems and adequate planning may reduce productivity and cause important work safety problems. Thus, optimum logging methods which not only maximize productivity but also minimize work safety risks should be implemented in extraction of wood-based forest products. This study aims to analyze capability of Tigercat 635D skidder which was used in logging operations for first time in Turkey. In the study, logging operations conducted by utilizing Tigercat 635D were evaluated in terms of productivity and work safety issues during clear cut operations in Brutian pine stands of Forest Enterprise Chief of Çanakkale Forest Enterprise Directorate. İn the field studies, productivity was computed based on time studies and then main factors that affect productivity were evaluated. These factors include skidding distance, ground slope, timber volume, and number of logs per turn. Besides, the effects of volume classes of logs on productivity were investigated. For assessment of work safety, work environment of skidder operator and other forestry workers who are working simultaneously around skidder were investigated. For this purpose, a survey study was conducted with forestry workers considering working conditions, work safety, and workers health. The various statistical analysis (One-way ANOVA, Correlation, Linear Regression) was performed on the data collected during productivity analysis and survey study by using SPSS 22 software.