One of the main challenges in forestry is removing bark from freshly cut logs. For many decades, the standard method involved loading logs into a hopper with a conveyor belt that moves the logs into a ribbed drum. There, the logs are rotated and tossed to produce abrasion that removes the bark, which is released through slots in the drum shell.
In recent decades, however, rotary debarking has become increasingly popular. This process involves using a stationary bin with protruding rotating shafts along the bottom or sides. As the shafts turn, external tooling creates cuts, fissures or weak points in the bark. Continued action of the shafts and tooling, along with stem-to-stem contact, removes the bark from the wood.