Alternative trailer configurations for maximizing payloads

Download
(PDF; 699.0 KB)
Cite
Feedback

Abstract

In order for harvesting contractors to stay ahead of increasing costs, it is imperative that they employ all options to maximize productivity and efficiency. Transportation can account for half the cost to deliver wood to a mill. Contractors seek to maximize truck payload to increase productivity. The Forest Operations Research Unit, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service located in Auburn, AL has accumulated data from various research projects on alternative trailers and loading techniques that allow harvesting contractors to increase payload. This paper presents the results of the evaluation of two alternative trailer designs and two alternative loading techniques used in the Southern United States.

  • Citation: Thompson, Jason D., Dana Mitchell, and John Klepac. 2017. Alternative trailer configurations for maximizing payloads. In: Proceedings of the 2017 Council on Forest Engineering meeting, “Forest engineering, from where we’ve been, to where we’re going”. Bangor, ME. 7/30 – 8/2/17. 8p.
  • Keywords: payload, trailers, transport, loading
  • Posted Date: October 4, 2017
  • Modified Date: October 5, 2017

    • Print Publications Are No Longer Available

    In an ongoing effort to be fiscally responsible, the Southern Research Station (SRS) will no longer produce and distribute hard copies of our publications. Many SRS publications are available at cost via the Government Printing Office (GPO). Electronic versions of publications may be downloaded, printed, and distributed.

    Publication Notes

    • This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.
    • Our online publications are scanned and captured using Adobe Acrobat. During the capture process some typographical errors may occur. Please contact the SRS webmaster if you notice any errors which make this publication unusable.
    • To view this article, download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.