FPInnovations’ researchers provide areas of potential improvements in fuel use.
Some work habits and operational factors have an impact on fuel consumption. Recent tests conducted by FPInnovations’ researchers have made it possible to explore certain potential improvements in energy intensity (litres of fuel burned to produce one cubic metre of wood) and measure the savings. The following tips are provided per logging machine type, with the original source of information from FPInnovations provided in brackets.
- Feller-buncher: Maintenance on feller buncher hydraulics is important. Hydraulic tune-up tests have helped increase productivity and reduce energy intensity from 0.54 litres per m3 to 0.43 litres per m3, which corresponds to an improvement of approximately 20%. The return on investment in carrying out maintenance has been evaluated at less than 200 hours (Info Note 2017, no. 16).
- Feller-buncher: Sharpening saw teeth can reduce fuel consumption and boost productivity by increasing energy intensity by 13%. A daily inspection of the saw teeth is recommended to check whether they are still very sharp and safe (Info Note 2017, no. 10).
- Feller buncher: A change in engine operating speed may have a negative impact on fuel consumption. A 100 rpm engine speed drop test reduced productivity and increased fuel consumption and energy intensity by 6.5% (Info Note 2017, no. 17).
- Excavator: Excavators and machines mounted on a similar chassis are often equipped with an economy mode. Tests have shown that this mode, when used in the right conditions, can reduce fuel consumption by 20%, while having a negligible effect on productivity (Info Note 2017, no. 11).
- Danglehead processor: One should change the chain on the head of a danglehead processor as soon as it shows signs of losing its sharpness. A used chain reduces productivity and increases operating costs. Using a well-sharpened new chain may reduce energy intensity by 15% (Info Note 2017, no. 12).
- Danglehead processor: Tests performed with a swing machine with three different power level settings (economy, power, and high performance) and equipped with a danglehead processor showed a linear increase in both productivity and energy intensity. The high-performance setting had 15% more production than the economy mode but consumed more fuel, with a 12% increase in energy intensity. Power mode struck a balance between productivity and economy (Info Note 2018, no. 2).
- Grapple skidder: The position of a skidder’s grapple can have a large impact on the resistance force of the trunks on the ground and therefore on fuel consumption. Pulling the trunks from a high position reduces their resistance, resulting in lower fuel consumption. A difference of 25% in consumption was noted between the high and low position on a favourable slope. Tests on a 5% gradient showed that the grapple position had less impact on consumption (a difference of 3% between the high and low position) (Info Note 2017, no. 7).
For more information, please contact FPInnovations (Cameron Rittich). Source