Poster Session #2: UC Ballroom
An Improved Configuration for Logging Trucks in Montana
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Beth Dodson
Faculty Mentor’s Department
College of Forestry and Conservation
Abstract / Artist's Statement
My goal is to increase the versatilty of the logging truck on a daily basis while maintaining revenue and reducing possible injuries for the owner(s)/operator of the truck. Historically in Montana logging trucks hauled larger diameter logs, shorter distances than they do today.The current conventional logging truck is a 5-axle stinger-steer truck and trailer system that has some limitations. Todays markets are more varied,with the size and sometimes length of logs varying from job to job. This research looks into a different configuration of a logging truck. My proposed configuration utilizes fixed bunks with increased area compared to current bunk designs on the stinger-steer systems. The concept also involves a long straight truck chassis with 7-axles and no trailer.
Increased bunk area for the proposed design is calculated by geometric sums. Long vehicle tail swing is analyzed by an equation developed by Physics Forums and displayed graphically for this project proposal. Revenue analysis is based on haul rates established for the industry with the increased revenue possibilities displayed for consideration. Furthermore, eliminating stake extensions and the logging trailer of the common stinger-steer configuration should eliminate slipping and falling injuries from climbing up on logging truck rigging. The possible injury reductions will be displayed in charts for comparison. Finally, improved highway operating safety for this vehicle proposal can be demonstrated from data compiled of vehicle accidents for the Federal Highway Administration. When all parameters for the transport of logs on logging trucks are considered this proposed design should demonstrate improvements over the stinger-steer logging truck system.
An Improved Configuration for Logging Trucks in Montana
UC Ballroom
My goal is to increase the versatilty of the logging truck on a daily basis while maintaining revenue and reducing possible injuries for the owner(s)/operator of the truck. Historically in Montana logging trucks hauled larger diameter logs, shorter distances than they do today.The current conventional logging truck is a 5-axle stinger-steer truck and trailer system that has some limitations. Todays markets are more varied,with the size and sometimes length of logs varying from job to job. This research looks into a different configuration of a logging truck. My proposed configuration utilizes fixed bunks with increased area compared to current bunk designs on the stinger-steer systems. The concept also involves a long straight truck chassis with 7-axles and no trailer.
Increased bunk area for the proposed design is calculated by geometric sums. Long vehicle tail swing is analyzed by an equation developed by Physics Forums and displayed graphically for this project proposal. Revenue analysis is based on haul rates established for the industry with the increased revenue possibilities displayed for consideration. Furthermore, eliminating stake extensions and the logging trailer of the common stinger-steer configuration should eliminate slipping and falling injuries from climbing up on logging truck rigging. The possible injury reductions will be displayed in charts for comparison. Finally, improved highway operating safety for this vehicle proposal can be demonstrated from data compiled of vehicle accidents for the Federal Highway Administration. When all parameters for the transport of logs on logging trucks are considered this proposed design should demonstrate improvements over the stinger-steer logging truck system.