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.
Breakage and damage caused during construction harvest by whole trees on harvested stems have has always been a concern for the sawmill industry. The financial impact of these breakage cannot be overlooked. (document in French)
Abstract
Les bris et les dommages causés lors des travaux de récolte par arbres entiers sur les tiges récoltées ont toujours été une préoccupation pour les industriels du sciage. L’incidence financière de ces bris ne peut être négligée.
Breakage and other forms of stem damage are often commonplace during felling, harvesting, skidding and delimbing. However, you don't have to take it for granted: why not reduce your losses and increase your income instead? (article in French)
Abstract
Les bris et autres formes de dommages aux tiges sont souvent monnaie courante lors des opérations d’abattage, de débardage et d’ébranchage. Cependant, vous n’avez pas à les prendre pour acquis : pourquoi ne pas plutôt réduire vos pertes et augmenter vos revenus?
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.
