LOG HAULING PRODUCTIVITY IN TIMBER HARVESTING OPERATION IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA FOREST

Abstract

The study continuously recorded working elements and log hauling activities of log trucks. The variables measured were travel distance, number of logs and logvolume which were regressed with hauling time and productive machine hour (m³ PMH^-1) using stepwise method via data analysis in Excel. Travel distance and the number of logs hauled per truck were found to be significantly corelated with hauling time, while all the three variables were significantly corelated with productivity. The equation models for both hauling time and productivity were developed using significantly tested variables. On average, productivity of free delay time of log hauling at the study area was 8.36 ± 2.49 m³ PMH^-1 and the operation cost of log truck was RM25.08. Thus, the unit cost of log hauling
activities was estimated at RM3.80 m^-3. The developed prediction model of hauling time, productivity and cost analysis could be used to plan timber harvesting activities with improved productivity and decreased cost.