Focus on Forest Engineering 2011 Traction Aids Tracks, tyres, band tracks and wheel chains: What should we use where, for which machines are they suitable and what other factors need to be considered? Gary Olsen International Sales Manager November 2011
Table of Content A brief history of traction aids and devices Tyre selections for traction devices The use of chains The use of bogie and individual tyre tracks The drawbacks of traction devices
A brief history of traction aids and devices First forged chain production was in Sweden in 1912 Chain was largely used for the lashing of logs when being floated on the rivers With the improving standards of road more wood was being transported by truck and in the forest by agricultural tractors To increase the flotation of forest tractors, they were often equipped with an extra pair of wheels and a caterpillar track
A brief history of traction aids and devices First full production facility for tracks was established in the late 1950 s They were designed with two objectives: 1. For flotation in the wet thawing out period during spring and early summer 2. For traction during the frozen winter There are numerous brand names available today like Olofsfors, Pedno and Clark Tracks.
Tyre selections for traction devices Multiple tyre sizes and appropriately designed bogie tracks for traditional forwarder tyre tread patterns TRS Pattern ELS Pattern
Tyre selections for traction devices Traditionally on forwarders and bogie skidders with non-aggressive style tread pattern meant for flotation
Tyre selections for traction devices Typical aggressive skidder tyre tread pattern Suitable for chains Suitable for individual tyre tracks Susceptible to damage if there is slippage inside the traction device
The use of chains SUPER GRIP RING CHAIN
The use of chains DOUBLE MULTI-RING CHAIN
The use of chains DOUBLE-DIAMOND SPECIAL CHAIN
The use of chains
The use of bogie tracks The physical effect of bogie tracks:
The use of bogie tracks The advantages of using the right tracks: Gives the soil added protection Reduces ground pressure and increases flotation less ground compaction Increases traction reduced slippage Can reduce wear to the drive train Improves stability when loading and unloading
The use of bogie tracks The advantages of using the right tracks: Can improve the life of your tyres considerably Reduced damage to superficial root systems compaction Reduces the amount of rutting that can occur just with bare tyres Gives improved stability when driving
The use of bogie tracks
The use of bogie tracks
The use of bogie tracks
The use of bogie tracks
The use of individual tyre tracks The advantages of using the right tyre tracks: Gives the soil added protection Reduces ground pressure and increases flotation less ground compaction Increases traction reduced slippage Can reduce wear to the drive train Adds ballast in a front tyre only application Improves machine slope climbing ability
The use of chains
The drawbacks of traction devices Can cause damage to road surface Additional weight means increased payload with greater fuel consumption - trade off In some cases where they are used together with constant and excessive use of differential locks they can cause drive line and axle damage If used incorrectly or not maintained they can cause instant and severe tyre damage
The drawbacks of traction devices
There are always limits to machine capabilities and operators will find them Questions or comments