Analysis of Skidder Fuel Consumption by Work Operations During Timber Extraction in Thinning of Even-Aged Forest on Mountainous Terrain: A Case Study

Marijan Šušnjar, Zdravko Pandur (), Marin Bačić, Velid Halilović, Hrvoje Nevečerel, Kruno Lepoglavec and Hrvoje Kopseak
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Marijan Šušnjar: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Zdravko Pandur: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Marin Bačić: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Velid Halilović: Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hrvoje Nevečerel: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Kruno Lepoglavec: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Hrvoje Kopseak: Forest Administration Bjelovar, Croatian Forests Ltd. Zagreb, 43000 Bjelovar, Croatia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-9

Abstract: The paper deals with the analysis of the fuel consumption of skidders during timber extraction from thinning of even-aged beech forest on mountain terrain. Fuel consumption research was conducted on the Ecotrac 140V cable skidder over 8 working days at the same worksite during real timber extraction work. The worksite was organized so that the empty skidder traveled uphill, and when loaded, it moved downhill. The skidder was equipped with measuring devices for collecting data from sensors, the motor, and data transfer. The key parameters measured include total fuel consumption (mL) and skidder GPS position, while slopes of skid trails and load volumes were measured directly on terrain. Fuel consumption (L, L/m 3 ) was determined per work cycle and work cycle elements. The highest fuel consumption occurred while driving the unloaded skidder, accounting for 38% of the total. This is primarily because fuel usage during skidder movement is significantly affected by factors such as skidding distance, slope, and skid trail conditions, especially since the unloaded skidder was moving uphill. Guidelines for better and more efficient organization of work and reduction in fuel costs are presented, and the suitability of the skidder and harvesting system are considered based on the results of fuel consumption.

Keywords: skidder; fuel consumption; differential flowmeter; working cycles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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