Determining the Appropriate Tool for In-Stand Debarking with Analytical Hierarchy Process

Abstract

The bark of logs from coniferous trees is mostly debarked in the stand or roadside. In recent time chainsaw mounted debarking apparatus (C-debarker), axe, and a new tool that is brushcutter mounted debarking apparatus (B-debarker) have been used for peeling barks in-stand. At the terminal points, storages, and mills industrial debarking machines have been operated for debarking of timber, as well. Debarking treatments is very time-consuming work phase within total time for unit of wood procurement. In order to save operation time and to minimize unit costs, the logging operators have difficulty deciding on suitable tools for debarking. The purpose of this study is to determine a procedure to help select the appropriate tool in-stand debarking of timber logs. In addition to the axe and C-debarker, which are traditionally used in debarking; the recently developed peeling tool B-debarker has been determined as the tools to be compared in terms of various criteria. In multi-criteria analysis, in order to enable the description of the appropriate tool, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has been used. The criteria set are based on technically appropriate, economically viable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable debarking tool and operation. While the application potential of C-debarker is high level in terms of operational efficiency, the advantages of B-debarker in terms of ergonomics stand out, on the other hand, it has been determined that the axe is a preferable tool in terms of ease of use and accessibility.