Connecting the MultiDAT datalogger to cable skidders

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Evan Bridges
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1 Connecting the MultiDAT datalogger to cable skidders Ismo Makkonen Introduction This document provides general guidelines for connecting the MultiDAT datalogger to typical models of cable skidders so as to permit tracking of the machine s work and travel time. Warning: Because many manufacturers modify their equipment midway through a product s manufacturing run, sometimes without changing the model number, not all machines in the field will match the descriptions in this guide. Moreover, because it is not possible to anticipate all possible situations in this guide, we urge you to carefully consider the implications associated with modifying your machine, particularly because these may affect the manufacturer s warranty. Only individuals with appropriate training in hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems should perform any of work described in this guide. Because we cannot be present during these modifications, FERIC accepts no responsibility for any damage to equipment or individuals that results from this work. When in doubt, we strongly urge you to verify any modifications with the equipment manufacturer before proceeding. Typical connection considerations The trend in design is towards computer control of machine functions, though computers typically only control transmission shifting in current skidders. In future models, computers will likely control more functions and the datalogger will be able to record signals from proportional solenoids in any computer-controlled machine function using a current sensor. In current and future models, the datalogger can generally interpret the signals from computer-controlled on-off solenoids (e.g., the brake solenoid). Unfortunately, signals from typical proportional joysticks cannot be monitored. Electro-hydraulic systems may be used to operate winch functions, thereby permitting direct connection of the datalogger to the wire that leads to the control valve s solenoid. If the function is operated purely hydraulically, a pressure switch may be installed in the hose that activates the machine function. Working time For a cable skidder, working time may include winch use, travel between the landing and the loading area, travel between loading stations, and use of the dozer blade; however, travel time is sometimes recorded separately, particularly when investigating the effect of extraction distance on skidder productivity. The datalogger can record these various work elements in different ways. For example, to record winching times, connect a sensor channel on the datalogger to the solenoid wire of the valve of the winch brake or to a pressure switch installed in the hydraulic line of the winch brake. Do not calculate working time by deducting travel time from motion sensor time. There are two main types of winches. In one, the brake is always released while the winch drum turns. In the other, the brake is only released when the operator pulls out the wire rope and the clutch is engaged only when the load is hauled in. In the latter design, consider monitoring both circuits to detect work. Some skidders are also equipped with

2 radio-controlled winches. In these designs, solenoid valves or solenoids control the winch, and you can connect the datalogger to the wires of these solenoids. Travel time Travel time may include either all travel or you may wish to monitor only travel between work sites, so separating the types of travel time can be complicated. If you choose not to monitor travel time directly, you can often estimate travel time (excluding travel during work) by deducting the total working time (described in the previous section) from the total active machine time (recorded using the vibration sensor) when you prepare a report. We recommend this approach, but if travel time between the landing and the loading site becomes long under unusual working conditions, it would be worthwhile monitoring travel times more directly using one sensor channel. To measure travel time more directly, consider an approach based on monitoring machine components that are involved in travel. For example, engaging a gear in the transmission clearly indicates travel. Most skidders use power-shift transmissions, so connecting a datalogger sensor channel to some component of this system will work well. In electrically controlled power-shift transmissions, connect the sensor to the wires of the key solenoids. To monitor several solenoids using a single sensor channel, install a diode in each wire leading to a solenoid and connect the sensor channel to these diodes. Monitoring computer-controlled transmissions may require the installation of an electric current sensor or pressure switch if there is no wire to which you can directly connect the datalogger. If the transmission has a mechanical control lever, you can install a pressure switch in the clutch s hydraulic line or at the brake-pressure measuring point. If you have equipped the datalogger with the GPS option, the easiest way to monitor travel is by recording GPS positions and travel speeds; set these options in the Configuration section of the MultiDAT software. This approach also lets you monitor the time during which the GPS speed was above a given threshold, which provides a simple way of distinguishing between on-site and on-road travel (at low and high speeds, respectively). Clark skidders incorporate a "neutral" switch in the direction selector lever. Connecting a sensor channel to this switch lets you detect each time when the gearshift is moved out of neutral (i.e., whenever the skidder begins to travel). Skidders with manual transmissions may have a switch in the clutch pedal that prevents the operator from starting the machine without depressing the clutch pedal. Monitoring the state of this switch would indicate the gear shifting that must occur before the machine can travel. High-speed travel Many skidders use the high gear in their power-shift transmission only when driving long distances along a road. Monitor the use of this gear by connecting one sensor channel directly to the solenoid valve for this gear (in electrically controlled transmissions) or to a pressure switch or current sensor (with computer-controlled shifting). Using the GPS option mentioned above is another simple solution if you can ensure good reception of satellite signals.

3 Suggested connections for various machine types Because machine control systems have changed over the years and many options have become available, some machines with identical model numbers may use different controllers. For this reason, always verify the connection points proposed below with a representative of the manufacturer to confirm that the installation will pose no problems. The table includes suggested connections based on the controls that are generally present in each model. Very few of connections proposed in the table have been implemented at the time this report was written, and the list is not comprehensive; we re eager to receive feedback from readers about other alternatives and successful implementations. FERIC contacted suppliers several times to obtain information about potential connection points for their machines, and we have suggested some connection points for machines that use the same controllers. Warning: Because FERIC cannot be present to supervise the installation of the datalogger, readers should ensure that they have the necessary mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical skills required for a safe and correct installation. Wherever possible, consult with the machine s manufacturer to confirm that your plans are safe and will not void the machine s warranty. In no case should you drill into or weld components onto a machine s FOPS or ROPS without the supervision of an engineer licensed to approve such operations. Table 1. Connections suitable for monitoring work and travel times in cable skidders Make & Description of connections Model Caterpillar Work: Install a pressure switch in the winch s free-spool line, 515, 525B, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching 535B pressure to 0.9 MPa. and 3 to monitor forward travel, then connect one sensor channel to both switches. Alternatively, use current sensors in the solenoid wires and connect current sensors to one sensor channel. To monitor reverse travel, connect a sensor channel to the reverse alarm or to solenoid 2 using a current sensor or Caterpillar 528, 530 install a pressure switch in the test port. Work: Install a pressure switch in the winch s free-spool line and connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 MPa. Travel: Install a pressure switch in the steering pump and connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 5 MPa. and 3 and connect one sensor channel to both switches. Alternatively, install current sensors in the solenoid wires and connect both To monitor reverse travel, connect a sensor channel to the reverse alarm or to solenoid 2 s wire using a current sensor or

4 Clark 664, 665, 666 Franklin Q 70, Q80, Q90 (newest series) Franklin 405 S2, 170 S2, 185 S2 install a pressure switch in the test port and connect it to a sensor channel. Work: Install a pressure switch in one or both of the hydraulic lines for the winch s clutch (free spool and line in), then connect a sensor channel to both switches. Set switching pressure to 1.2MPa. Travel: Connect a sensor to the neutral start switch. Travel (steering) and work with the dozer blade: Install a pressure switch in the hydraulic pump s output line, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 5 MPa. Work: Connect a sensor channel to the winch brake s solenoid wire. Travel: If the unit is equipped with the optional joystick for steering, install a pressure switch in one or both of the steering pilot lines and connect one sensor channel to the switch or switches. Travel: For machines with an electric transmission controller, connect one sensor channel to the wires for the transmission solenoids, as needed, at the shifter using diodes. Travel: For machines with an electronic transmission controller, install current sensors to the wires of the solenoids of the transmission s clutches and brakes, as needed. Connect the Parking: Connect a sensor to the parking brake s warning light. Note, however, that the operator controls the parking brake, and may not always use it. Work: For machines with hydraulic winch controls, install a pressure switch in the winch s brake line and connect a sensor channel to the pressure switch. Work: For machines with electric controls, connect a sensor channel to the wire of the solenoid of the winch brake. Work: These skidders usually have two pumps. Install a pressure switch in the pump that powers the winch and the dozer blade, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 3 MPa. Travel: For machines with an electric transmission controller, connect a sensor channel to the wires for the transmission s solenoids, as needed, at the shifter using diodes. Travel: For machines with an electronic transmission controller, install current sensors to the wires of solenoids of the transmission s clutches and brakes, as needed. Connect the

5 John Deere 540G, 640G, 740G Direct-drive transmissions Ranger H67C, F68C Ranger F65C, H66C 360D, 460D, 560D parking brake and may not always use it. Work: Install a pressure switch in the test port of the winch s brake pressure line, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. The test port is located above the control valve closest to the side of the winch. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 MPa. and 2 (for forward driving), then connect a sensor channel to both switches. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 MPa. Alternatively, install current sensors in the solenoid wires and connect them to one sensor channel. High-speed travel: Install a pressure switch in the test port of solenoid D (which is under pressure when gears 7 and 8 are engaged), then connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 MPa. Alternatively, install a current sensor in the solenoid wire and connect it to a sensor channel. solenoid wire. Note, however, that the operator controls the brake and may not always use it. Work: Install a pressure switch in the free spool port of the winch s control valve. Installing a second pressure switch in the winch s line-in port will provide more frequent indications of winch use. Connect one sensor channel to both pressure switches. Set the switching pressure to 1.2 MPa. Travel: Connect a sensor channel to the transmission s neutral signal. Work with the blade and travel: Install a pressure switch in the hydraulic pump s outlet and connect a sensor channel to the pressure switch. Set the switching pressure to 5 MPa. Work: The winch has its own integrated hydraulic system, so install a pressure switch in the pump s outlet, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. (Space may be limited, so work carefully.) Travel: Connect a sensor channel to the transmission s neutral signal. Work: Install a pressure switch in the test port of the winch s brake pressure line, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. The test port is located above the control valve closest to the side of the winch. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 MPa. and 2 (forward driving), then connect one sensor channel to the switches. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 MPa. Alternatively, install current sensors in the solenoid wires and connect the High-speed travel: Install a pressure switch in the test port of solenoid D (which is under pressure when gears 7 and 8 are

6 225A, 230A, 240A, 240B, 240C; manual transmission 240 series, power-shift 380C, 450C, 480C engaged), then connect a sensor channel to the switch. Alternatively, install a current sensor in the solenoid wire and connect the current sensor to a sensor channel. solenoid wire. Note, however, that the operator controls the brake and may not always use it. Work: In all models except the 240C, install a pressure switch in the winch s brake line, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 3 MPa. Work: In the 240C model, install a pressure switch in the test port of the winch s brake pressure line, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. The test port is located above the control valve closest to the side of the winch. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 Mpa. light. Note, however, that the operator controls the parking brake, and may not always use it. Work and travel: Install a pressure switch in the hydraulic pump s output line and connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 3 MPa. This approach will record use of the winch, dozer blade, and steering. However, the winch function is not recorded in the 240C model. Work: In all models except the 240C, install a pressure switch in the winch s brake line, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 3 MPa. Work: In the 240C model, install a pressure switch in the test port of the winch s brake pressure line, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. The test port is located above the control valve closest to the side of the winch. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 MPa. Travel: Connect a sensor channel to the wires of the transmission solenoids, as needed, at the electric gear shifter using diodes. light. Note, however, that the operator controls the parking brake, and may not always use it. Work: Install a pressure switch in the test port of the winch s brake pressure line. The test port is located above the control valve closest to the side of the winch. Connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 0.9 MPa. Travel: Connect a sensor channel to the wires of the transmission solenoids, as needed, at the electric gear shifter using diodes. parking brake, and may not always use it.

7 Tree Farmer models with power-shift transmission Tree Farmer skidders, old models, direct drive and two hydraulic pumps. Work: In machines with hydraulic controls, install a pressure switch in the hydraulic line to the winch s brake, then connect a sensor channel to the switch. Work: In machines with electric controls, connect a sensor channel to the solenoid of the winch brake. Work: These skidders usually have two pumps. Install a pressure switch in the implement s pump output line and connect a sensor channel to the switch. Set the switching pressure to 3 MPa. This approach will record use of the winch and the dozer blade. Travel: For machines with an electric transmission controller, connect a sensor channel to the wires of the transmission s solenoids, as needed, at the shifter using diodes. Travel: For machines with an electronic transmission controller, install current sensors to the solenoid wires of the transmission s clutches and brakes as needed. Connect the parking brake and may not always use it. Work: Install a pressure switch in the winch s brake line and connect a sensor channel to the switch. Work: Install a pressure switch in the outlet line of the implement pump and connect a sensor channel to the switch. This approach will record use of the winch and the dozer blade. Travel: Install a pressure switch in the steering pump and connect a sensor channel to the switch. parking brake and may not always use it.

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