Methodology for Assessing and Managing the Environmental Performance of Skidding and Feller Buncher Tractors

Abstract

Systematic assessments on the effects of skidding systems on features of forest blueberry pine soil were conducted as part of this study. Assessing the ecological efficiency of forest skidding machines showed that the most significant impact (by 2.0–2.2 times) on soil compaction was observed at loading sites rather than during transportation. Lightweight loam density and sand density increased by 25% and 2%, respectively, after more than two passages of the skidding system. Pressure in 33L-32 tires of forestry machinery in operation on a solid surface varied from 46.5 kPa to 196 kPa at maximum load. Studying the impact of tires on soil compaction showed that the environmental efficiency of forestry equipment can be enhanced if the optimal tire pressure at average loads does not exceed 70 kPa for tracked vehicles and 150 kPa for wheeled vehicles in summer seasons. When ground grips were fully immersed, the pressure of forwarders on soil was reduced. These study results can be used to establish organizational and technological measures in order to manage the negative impact of skidding systems and to increase the environmental effects of their performance.

Fatigue Analysis of Spike Segment of Special Tractor Wheels in Terms of Design Improvement for Chernozem Soil

“…An effective tractor operation is characterized by the maximum traction output of the tires interacting with the soil [16]. The main tire parameters influencing the performance of the wheels are the tire diameter, tire width, dual tire, tire shape, rubber segments shape, height, angle, spacing, tread material, inflation pressure, tire deflection rim width, and carcass construction [7,17,18]. A decrease in tire inflation pressure extends the tire contact area [19][20][21] to reduce wheel slip and minimize the fuel consumption of the tractor [22,23].…”

Predicting the Passability of Wheeled Tractors

“…Given the current technology and machine development level, new types can be designed that will be more efficient for use in specific forestry and rural conditions [14]. Evaluation of tractor component parameters, particularly tires (wheel pressure, geometric dimensions, tread expression, and configuration), can be a fundamental part of developing improved forwarder models [15,16].…”

Technical Inspections of Agricultural Machinery and Their Influence on Environmental Impact

“…One of the most widespread methodologies used to assess the environmental impact of any product, process, or service is life cycle assessment [13][14][15]. Life cycle assessment has been used to study everything from products in the agricultural sector [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] to generation systems in the energy sector [25][26][27][28], including products in the construction sector [29][30][31][32].…”