Title: Work efficiency of winch in skidding operation in seri-I of Ezdarak Forestry Plan in Lajim area in the north of Iran

Authors: Vahid Ghari; Mohammad S. Lazerjan; Khan Rubayet Rahaman

Addresses: Morovatjo Gonbad Olive Cultivation Co, No. 24, Razi St, Gonbadekavoos City, Golestan, 49719-54514, Iran ' Cold Region Research Center, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Laurier Institute for Water Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75, University Avenue, Waterloo, N2L 2C5, Ontario, Canada ' Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: This project was carried out at parcel 26 in series-1 of Ezdarak Forestry Plan in the northern part of Iran to determine the work efficiency of a ranger skidder as well as to introduce a better management methods on obtaining a higher work efficiency in a shorter duration by employing forest harvesting techniques such as selection cutting and shelter wood cutting in order to reduce the cutting waste and also forest soil disturbances. In this study, contemporary time method was used in combination by care control through using chronometer 1:100. Although, the gradient between the distances, and length of timbers were measured by sunto and ordinary measuring tape respectively. The results of this study suggest that the work efficiency of winch decreases as the volume of timbers and gradient between the distances increase. However, some delays in the operation processes including operational, technical, and personal issues were found, consequently, by focusing on them, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the winch. Finally, the paper concludes with significant findings that management decisions are very much important before heading towards cutting the trees and designing the winches in an environmental friendly way to minimise costs in a country with transitional economy.

Keywords: environmental impact; forestry planning; Iran; forestry management; operations management; winch design; work efficiency; ranger skidders; forest harvesting techniques; selection cutting; shelter wood cutting; tree cutting; cutting waste; forest soil disturbance; timber lengths; transitional economies.

DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2015.069007

Middle East Journal of Management, 2015 Vol.2 No.1, pp.21 - 35

Received: 05 Mar 2014
Accepted: 23 May 2014
Published online: 24 Apr 2015 *

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