In 1999, FERIC (a division of FP Innovations) initiated a research project to demonstrate how better log truck specifications, using existing technologies, can optimise log transport operations, reduce fuel consumption and improve the mechanical availability of their equipment.
The truck with higher specifications (Star Truck) was compared against a control over a period of two years. The research was carried out in collaboration with Tembec, a forest products company. At the time of the research, the typical log truck used by Tembec was a tandem and four axle semi-trailer with a combined tare weight of approximately 22 000 kg (48 500 lb). The specifications placed on the research truck considered the local operating conditions and included the following:
- Severe-service aluminium rims (weight saving)
- Smaller fuel tank (weight saving but correct size for fuel for one shift)
- Aluminium cab protector (weight savings)
- Central tyre inflation (CTI) (traction, driver comfort and tyre life)
- On-board weighing (maximum payload without overloading)
- In-cab auxiliary heater (reduce engine idling to operate heater during delays)
- On-board computer (information collection for monitoring)
- Road maintenance management system (guide where road maintenance should take place)
- Single tractor frame rail (weight saving)
- Lightweight, multi product semi-trailer.
This resulted in a combined tare weight of 19 000 kg (41 900 lb), 3 000 kg (6 600 lb) less than the existing fleet. Addressing some structural problems on the trailer and cab increased this slightly. After the first year of the study, some of the key results were as follows:
- The Start Truck carried 9.8% more payload, but only consumed 1% more fuel.
- The Star Truck transported 8.6% more product per litre of fuel.
- The Star Trucks fuel cost per tonne was 8% less than the control truck.
- Tyre wear was 40% less on the Start truck due to CTI.
The differences between the Star Truck and the control reduced during the second year. This was due to Tembec’s contractors seeing the benefits and making modifications to their trucks during this period.
The Star Truck operating in this research faced very hilly, rough and difficult conditions. This resulted in the higher tare mass truck. The research was repeated in flatter, easier operating conditions. This enabled the Star Truck to have an even lower tare mass (17 000 kg/37 500 lb) compared to the control in those conditions (19 000 kg/41 900 lb). The results were very similar to the first study.
Even though these results are slightly dated, they emphasise the need to use existing technology according to operating conditions to drive operating costs down.
Source: www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/business/documents/case-studies/forestry