Use of Small-Scale Mechanization to Remove Thinning Waste in Parks

Complete text of the article:

Download article (pdf, 0.7MB )

UDС

630*24:65.011.54

DOI:

Abstract

Mid-twentieth century saw an active development of mechanization aiming to improve the level of productivity in forestry. This process has been going on to the present day, affecting greater numbers of mechanized technological processes. Previously, only labour-intensive operations, such as hauling and rolling, were mechanized, while today even electric pruning shears have been serialized. The paper dwells on small-scale mechanization of thinning in parks and focuses, in particular, on the mini-skidder for removing waste after thinning. In order to determine the optimal characteristics of skidder chassis, we carried out experimental thinning in an overgrown park zone with the area of 0.3 ha. As a result, we obtained data on specific fuel consumption for a skidder driving on a logway with discrete obstacles such as tree stumps, roots and stones. Timing of all major operations was done; forest inventory measurements for the stand were performed. The results of thinning in the park area are as follows: the total volume of timber harvested is 4.9 solid m3, including 3.4 solid m3 of firewood. Specific fuel consumption per 1 m3 of harvested and removed timber is 1.48 kg/m3, labour constant 5.33 people per h/m3, including 1.5 people per h/m3 for timber hauling. The tests in situ for 2K2 mini-tractor with articulated trailer showed the possibility of using it to remove waste from thinning in recreational parks. In areas with soil having low bearing capacity, one needs to take extra steps to improve trafficability of tractors, e.g. by choosing appropriate type and size of tires, using snow chains and installing additional bearing axle on the trailer. For a more rational use of trailer’s carrying capacity, its sides can be enlarged to minimize fuel consumption. The data collected can help optimize the driver.

Authors

D.G. Myasishchev, Doctor of Engineering, Professor D.E. Makoveev, Postgraduate Student

Affiliation

Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov

Keywords

mini-skidder, motor cultivator, thinning.

References

1. Bartenev I.M., Drapalyuk M.V. Snizhenie vrednogo vozdeystviya lesnykh traktorov i lesosechnykh mashin na pochvu i nasazhdeniya [Reducing the Harmful Effects of Forest Harvesting Machines and Tractors on the Soil and Plantations]. Lesotekhnicheskiy zhurnal, 2012, no. 1, pp. 61–66. 2. GOST 3243–88. Drova. Tekhnicheskie usloviya [State Standard 3243-88. Firewood. Specifications]. Moscow, 2005. 8 p. 3. Groshev B.I., Sinitsyn S.G., Moroz P.I., Saperovich I.P. Lesotaksatsionnyy spravochnik [Forest Inventory Guide]. Moscow, 1980. 288 p. 4. Zagreev V.V., Sukhikh V.I., Shvidenko A.Z., Gusev N.N., Moshkalev A.G. Obshchesoyuznye normativy dlya taksatsii lesov [Union-Wide Standards for Forest Inventory]. Moscow, 1992. 495 p. 5. Sennikov M.A., Myasishchev D.G. Motoblok [Motor Cultivator]. Patent RF, no. 1724025, 1992. 6. Pitukhin A.V., Syunev V.S. Minimizatsiya tekhnogennogo vozdeystviya na lesnuyu sredu v protsesse lesozagotovok [Minimization of Anthropogenic Impact on Forests in the Process of Logging]. Fundamental'nye issledovaniya, 2005, no. 9, pp. 116–120. 7. Sennikov M.A., Myasishchev D.G., Koryakovtsev N.A. Motoblok «Siverko» [Motor Cultivator “Siverko”]. Informatsionnyy listok [Release Bulletin]. Arkhangelsk, 1991, no. 66–91.