Operational Analysis of Forestry Transportation Using Self-loading Trucks in a Mountainous Region

Edson Lachini,Flávio Carmo,Christiano Pinheiro,Nilton Fiedler,Gilson Silva

doi:10.1590/2179-8087.006015

Edson Lachini, Flávio Carmo + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-8087.006015

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Abstract

This research was conducted in wood harvesting and transportation areas in the mountainous region of Espírito Santo, Brazil, aiming to analyze the road transportation of forestry wood operations with self-loading trucks. The study identified and evaluated the times, average speed, mechanical availability, level of use and operating efficiency of three different designs of self-loading trucks. According to the results, there was no statistical difference between the vehicles regarding average speed. The highest mechanical availability was found in truck A (93.2%), followed by B (84.3%) and C (79.8%). The greater degree of utilization was found in truck B (91.8%), with little variation between vehicles C (90.0%) and A (89.9%). The highest operating efficiency was observed in truck A (83.9%), followed by B (77.4%) and C (71.8%). We concluded that self-loading truck A was the most efficient.

Highlights

Loading transportation in Brazil is mainly done by road due to its history and national trends
This research was conducted in wood harvesting and transportation areas in the mountainous region of Espírito Santo, Brazil, aiming to analyze the road transportation of forestry wood operations with self-loading trucks
There was no statistical difference between the vehicles regarding average speed

Summary

Introduction

Loading transportation in Brazil is mainly done by road due to its history and national trends. In 2013, the Brazilian transportation system was represented by the following proportions: roads (61%), railway (21%) and waterway (14%). Other transportation means represented 4% of the national transportation matrix (CNT, 2013). The roads in Brazil have a high acceptance rate due to diverse factors such as an extensive highway network, high offering of different vehicles and low-cost installation when compared to other kinds of transportation (Machado et al, 2009). The transportation cost in the lumber industry represents 60% of logistics expenses on average and varies from 4% to 25% of gross billing, in many cases, exceeding operating profits. In the forestry sector, roads are more emphasized because they are flexible, and fast wood transportation is necessary (Rodrigues, 2010)

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