To further the industry's understanding of the relationship between off-road travel and machine operator well-being, FERIC evaluated the motion induced vibration levels generated by wheeled skidders working in a variety of operating conditions. Ride-induced vibration was measured for a sample of grapple and cable skidders, both with and without suspension seats, during actual operations in Ontario and Quebec. The whole-body vibration (WBV) recorded was analysed in terms of RMS, peak, and crest factor levels. The operator's daily vibration exposure was found to equal or exceed the "acceptable" limits as defined by the ISO 2631 standard in all cases. In addition, the report presents a discussion of WBV theory and issues of potential interest.
With the appropriate mainline attachment, chain chokers are a viable alternative to conventional wire rope chokers, particularly for small-scale operations. This report provides users of tractor-mounted winches and cable skidders with technical information on chain chokers. The report covers type of steels, chain specifications and grades, and how to inspect chains for wear elongation. The various components (e.g. sliding hooks, rings) used to assemble chain chokers are also discussed.
The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) undertook a study to investigate the feasibility of using a grapple skidder to complement a loader-forwarding operation in a second-growth cutblock on northern Vancouver Island. This report presents productivity and cost results of the skidding operation, identifies the factors that influence performance of the grapple skidder, and describes the soil disturbance resulting from skidding.
FERIC studied the use of a Falard RC008 remote control on a single-drum cable skidder to determine its potential for improving the ergonomics and productivity of extraction during a hardwood partial-cutting operation. Productivity increases of 15 and 26% were obtained at two locations, and the operator was sufficiently pleased with the improved ergonomics that he purchased the remote control at the end of the study period.
The Morgan SX-706 SB skidder differs from most conventional grapple skidders: it has bogie wheels in the rear and a pivoting, boom-mounted grapple. The pivoting boom allows the skidder to load bunches without leaving the trail and to unload without climbing onto roadside piles. This potentially offers improved protection of regeneration and decreased stem breakage. FERIC studied this skidder working in Témiscamingue (QC) to evaluate its productivity and its ability to protect regeneration and reduce stem breakage.
