Forestry equipment is powerful machinery responsible for the harvesting of logs in the woods. This general classification is subdivided into three different process types: cutting equipment, harvesting equipment and transporting vehicles. All of these devices are designed to cut, clean and transport logs from one location to another. Mechanical engineers have designed and developed machines for this type of application that are versatile, efficient and durable in cutting, loading and transporting applications. They have been designed and constructed to withstand the excessive rigors of forestry activities.
TYPES:
Cutting
The most common piece of equipment that is currently used in cutting down trees is the portable chainsaw. This is the most ideal machine that is employed for felling, cutting trees into logs, removing branches from the trunks and pruning.
While using this device, the operator must have protective gear to prevent fatal injuries occurring. Kickback is the most common accident working at cutting up the raw timber. OSHA safety standards state that operators must wear protective equipment such as head, eyes, face and hearing protection, protective footwear and protective pants.
Today, another type of cutting apparatus that shows versatility is the grapple saw. This is a heavy-duty piece of machinery that enables operators to optimize their operations. This apparatus replaces the manual chainsaw operation and increases productivity.
Harvesting
There are powerful machines used to cut down trees by means of gripping them and cutting through the trunk base with an automatic chainsaw. This may include feller bunchers and harvesters. A feller buncher is a utility vehicle that can rapidly cut and remove branches before downing individual trees. This type of vehicle works closely to the tree trunk and grabs them before they are taken down.
On the other hand, the harvester is another heavy-duty apparatus that is currently utilized in the logging industry. This is essential in "cutting to length" logging. The apparatus has a measurement device that measures the trunk of the trees that will be cut down into the desired lengths. This technically advanced machine can also be used for removing branches and bucking trees.
Transporting
This type of machine includes log trucks, loaders, tractors, and trailers. This heavy apparatus is utilized to transport freshly cut timbers from the harvesting site to the lumber yard or sawmill. This type of utility vehicle has vertical bars that will secure or prevent the slippage of the timber off of the truck.
These are some of the machines that are utilized to help the logging industry become extremely productive. They are machines that are equipped with high-performance engines with a structure that can be customized to do many activities, all of which surely enhances the logging process. Just like any other piece of equipment, the use of this equipment requires awareness and a good knowledge of workplace hazards that could lead to fatal injuries. The forestry industry relies upon these useful pieces of equipment to cut, harvest and transport trees from the forest to the lumberyard - keep up the good work!
