Measuring and evaluating log truck performance in a variety of operating conditions

Abstract

Studies of log truck speeds and fuel consumption were made at four location in the southeastern United States. Execution of the study necessitated the development and testing of a microprocessor based data logger capable of withstanding the harsh operating environment found in forest harvesting and transport equipment.

The first study investigated the normal operating pattern for a truck in a logging contractors flect. The truck was found to be highly utilized and to incur considerable distances of unloaded running to service the contractor's widely separated operations. A second study highlighted the fucl and speed penalties associated with operations on sand and gravel roads.

The third study documented significant performance differences between routes delivering to one location even where road surface differences were minimal. A fourth, detailed study illustrated speed and fuel consumption differences between urban and mural operations. Tests on a group of five experienced drivers demonstrated considerable differences in speed and fuel usage. Some drivers appeared to have a driving style which delivered higher speed with low fuel consumption. A detailed analysis of individual speed profiles indicated that as much as 1/3 to 1/2 of the recorded fuel consumption on one section was associated with air resistance.

In conclusion the studies noted that for the trucks and conditions evaluated: (1) there are significant performance losses and increased costs associated with operations on low standard road sections. Road roughness was a significant factor determining speed. (2) performance and cost differences between routes were demonstrated even for roads of comparable road surface type. This indicated that inter-route costs differences may be pervasive. These differences would require acknowledgement and evaluation if equitable route payment schedules were to be constructed. (3) All the trucks studied operated for at least part of the time at high speeds and may be incurring unnecessary fuel and maintenance expenses. Application of aerodynamic deflectors might be beneficial and their applicability should be tested. (4) Some driving styles appear more efficient and deserve further investigation and documentation. Changing driver behavior might present the most cost effective means of improvement in fleet performance.