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

Igor Grigorev,Anna Khakhina,Artem Zhuk,Ol’Ga Kunickaya,Olga Burmistrova,Natalia Sukhomlinova,Edward Hertz,Evgeniy Tikhonov

doi:10.3390/f12121723

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.

Highlights

Over the last decade, the forestry sector’s leading and most important task has been the development of sustainable forest management [1], while considering environmental aspects related to forest operations
MFataecrtioarlssiannfldueMnceitnhgodthse environmental efficiency of skidding tractors can be grouped a2s.1f.oSllyoswtems: cMheatnhgodesofinStpuhdyysinicgatlhaenOdpmereactihoannoifcFalorpersot pMeartciheisneosf soils in the felling area, the impaFctaoctnorusnidneflrugeronwcinthg, tahnedeennvviriroonnmmeenntatallepffoiclliuenticoyno(Ff isgkuidredi3n).g tractors can be grouped as foTllhoewasf:ocrheamnegnestioinnepdhyfascictoalrsanaldlomweecdhasoniilcadlepnrsoitpyeirnticerseaosfesroeislsuilntinthgefrfoemllinthgeairmeap, athcte oimf fpoarcetstonmuanchdienregsr,oiwncthlu, danindgesnkvidirdoinnmgetnratacltoprosl,lutotiobnea.s the primary indicator of environmental friendliness
Soil compaction in theoretical and experimental studies was assumed to be influenced by tracked wood packaging parameters, engine mode, and potential tractor properties

Summary

Introduction

The forestry sector’s leading and most important task has been the development of sustainable forest management [1], while considering environmental aspects related to forest operations. Elaborating new methods and technologies for sustainable development and wise use of forest resources can aid in minimizing harmful environmental impacts that are mainly caused by heavy forestry vehicles [2]. It is crucial to consider economic and environmental factors that influence productivity and to reduce the negative impact on the forest biosphere [3]. Two of the most harmful and expensive logging operations include timber extraction and forest product transportation. Since soil is highly susceptible to logging [4], prolonged exposure to soil can reduce forest productivity and environmental efficiency [5].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion