Efficient Debarking to Increase Value Recovery in Small-Scale Forestry Operations

Operators may significantly increase the value of small logs by selling them as posts for fencing and horticulture, after proper sorting and debarking. Effective debarking can be performed with simple technology, within the reach of small-scale operators (investment ≤ 30,000 €). Based on a careful analysis of seven representative operations conducted in Italy, this study offers a first general productivity benchmark for small-scale debarking operations. Depending on log characteristics and operation layout, the productivity of a two-workers team varies between 70 and 200 posts h−1, including delays. Delay time accounts for 1/3 of the total worksite time, and of this 60% was due to organizational issues, included with the “operational delay” time. However, reducing organizational delays may result in increased rest time. Introduction of a loading deck may relieve worker effort and is indispensible when dealing with heavy posts (weight > 20 kg). Debarked posts are then piled in stacks right near the machine outfeed, often on pallets for easier transfer to the storage yards. Although most small-scale debarkers are designed for use with farm tractors and are highly mobile, all operators in the survey had installed their operation at a permanent wood yard. Six debarkers out of seven were powered by an electric motor, and only one used the tractor power take-off. In fact, the need for mobility in debarking operations might be overrated.