The wide spread use of trucks for logging only began right after World War I and World War II. After the war, there were many surplus military vehicles available. The military vehicles offered more power and reliability than the earlier designs. Added to its low operating cost, the truck became the most suitable equipment for logging.
Forestry Vehicles Today
Today, the scope of forestry has already expanded. It no longer just involves cutting trees but also replanting and managing the forest. Along with it, the role of the forestry truck has also expanded. From a simple flat-bed vehicle for transporting logs, the forestry vehicle has evolved into various designs, each produced for a specific role.
- Forestry Bucket Truck- This vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic boom and a reinforced bucket attached on one end. It is used for getting workers at heights that are impossible for the reach of conventional ladders. It is useful for trimming tall trees as well as for harvesting.
- Grapple Truck- This vehicle is another type of specialized forestry vehicle. It is equipped with a hydraulically powered boom with a mechanical claw on one end. The claw is used for clutching the timber and loading it into the bed of the vehicle.
- Tree Spade Truck- This vehicle is equipped with a huge mechanical spade on the back end. The spade is used for unearthing small trees. Once the tree is out, it is then moved to the bed to be ready for transport.
- Log truck- Here's the direct descendant of the first vehicles that pioneered logging. Like early logging versions, its only role is to transport logs from logging sites to mills. Most of them today are trailers built with adjustable beds to accommodate different log sizes.
Forestry trucks have indeed come a long way. From the simplest design, it has evolved into various vehicle designs, each one aimed to make the task of managing the forest simpler and safer!
Source : www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/how-did-forestry-trucks-evolve-4473600.html