The development of technology and the means of labour in the technological
process of forest harvesting in FBiH mainly depends on the factors related to
the specific manner of forest management. The dominant share of mixed tall
forests with natural regeneration, the selective manner of management and
rather difficult natural conditions have resulted in the application of the
cut-to-length method and to a lesser extent, the tree-length and
semi-tree-length methods. On the basis of expert classification of the
development phases in forest harvesting, it can be noted that wood assortment
production in FBiH is currently partially mechanised. With the aim of
defining measures for increasing productivity, lowering the costs and a
greater humanisation of work, there has been an analysis of the current state
of the means of work in all three phases of forest harvesting. The analysis
included the following parameters: number of means in different phases, the
type, the average age, ownership and technical planned obsolescence. All the
data were collected through a survey which included all stakeholders
(cantonal forest companies and private contractors). The results showed a
satisfactory state only when chainsaws are concerned, i.e. the rather cheap
tools. Other equipment (adapted tractors, skidders, trucks, etc.) has largely
reached planned obsolescence. Their old age results in a low level of
utilisation, i.e. an insufficient amount of working hours per year which
eventually leads to a decrease in productivity and increase in expenses.
Based on the data, it can be concluded that it is necessary to begin the
process of new mechanisation procurement and the replacement of existing,
time-worn and technologically obsolete machines with new ones. At the same
time, it is clear that, in the conditions of low availability of investment
capital and cheap labour force, this has to be a gradual process. In relation
with this, the process should start in the most expensive phase - timber
extraction, i.e. the phase in which the economic efficiency is
unquestionable.
Reputation or warranty, what is more effective against planned obsolescence?
