Modelling of forwarding distance to maximize the utilization of medium and high-power harvester technology

Abstract

Every technologist aims to maximize the performance and capacity of vehicles, particularly when deployed in technological lines. To maximize the utilization of harvester technology, particularly of forwarders following the work of harvesters, it is useful to determine the maximum forwarding distance for consequent transport of timber, which was the aim of this study. The analysis presented in this study was conducted in medium and high-power vehicles which are dominantly deployed in the Czech Republic. The same performance of harvesters and forwarders is achieved by the calculation of the maximum forwarding distance. Other variables are constant for the time models (average load volume of forwarders is 12.1 m3 and the mean-tree volume is constant for every logged stem). Our conclusions suggested a maximum forwarding distance ranging from 116 to 1,052 m, depending on the decreasing mean-tree volume which ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 m3 per tree in the monitored logged stand.

Keywords

• forwarder
• performance standards
• work productivity
• time consumption
• timber transport