There's the constant challenge of dealing with unpaved roads, trekking through dangerous rough terrain, and of course the present danger of working with massive towering trees. However, despite the risks that are related with the job, the forestry industry has still managed to become a lot safer all with the help of forestry trucks.
Brute Strength
Before the advent of forestry trucks, logging relied mainly on brute strength. Trees had to be cut down manually with cross saws. The logs were then tied to a team of oxen, horses or mules to be dragged down to a nearby mill. Other means of transporting downed logs was by letting them drift in rivers going to mills located downstream.
Skidders and Railroad Carts
The crude methods of harvesting and transporting logs eventually changed after the introduction of mechanical logging equipment in the form of steam-powered skidders and railroad carts. These two set the trend for transporting logs from the late 1800's up until the early 1900's. Although traditional skidders and railroad carts seemed to be the most ideal equipment for transporting logs during its time, putting up overhead lines for skidders or laying miles of railroad track was too expensive for small logging operators to handle.
Internal Combustion Engine
The introduction of vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine became the alternative of small logging operations for transporting logs. Although trucks didn't have the same load capacity as railroad cars or skidders, they were better in terms of operating cost since they could operate on any road surface, therefore eliminating the need for expensive railway tracks or complicated pulley systems.
Unlike today's standards, the first vehicles used for logging were simple flatbed ones, not specifically designed for that particular function. They were underpowered and lacked basic safety features essential for this unique capability. Because of this shortcoming, the adaptation of trucks for the logging industry was slow and only small companies utilized them for their operation.
Source : www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/how-did-forestry-trucks-evolve-4473600.html