Originally witten for a client considering the purchase of an excavator with the intended purpose of doing Deactivation work, but yet wanted a machine that remained versatile by being able to do other work in both the Forestry and Civil sector.
General
The choice of an excavator in the mid-size range (60-70,000lb class) gives the versatility to tackle the most wide variety of jobs in the Forestry and Civic fields. However to assist in justifying the Costing, Budget and Equipment selection, I have listed a number of concerns and considerations that will have to be taken into account in selecting the right machine and attachments to optimize performance. To comment fully I would require further information to properly assist in the financial considerations and for specifying the correct equipment for the intended jobs. The inclusion of a field trip to the operating site to examine the ground that the machine will be working in and the size of the timber and material it will be required to handle in order to put the right machine in the right place with primary consideration for operator safety.
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New versus Used?
A new machine will be relatively free of large repairs for the first 2 years. The main requirements will be for regular servicing, 1000hr inspections, and minor repairs.
A used machine requires an experienced competent heavy duty mechanic with a well equipped service truck to be available at a moments notice to diagnose symptoms and make lengthy repairs. Eg To replace a hydraulic pump could be $30,000.00+. Along with repair costs go machine down time and loss of revenue while expenses continue march along at their regular pace.
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Size and Type of Machine
In Deactivation a larger machine of the 100,000lb class can be hamstrung. Its large weight places it in a position of safety hazard in unstable terrain which can too often be the characteristic of Logging Road construction techniques of past years. (One of the exact reasons for the requirements and needs of deactivation, which after the first priority of water control is slope stability, with the third being to create receptive planting sites) Its requirement for a large swing area can hamper its maneuverability in tight places and could place it in an unsafe position on a narrow grade, especially one that is all-ready experiencing outside slope failure (a very common occurrence on aged logging roads).
A smaller machine in the 40,000 lb class has the advantage of agility, low ground pressure, less weight on an unstable slope, able to work in a confined area, and the decided advantage in cycle times. (the speed that it can pick up a scoop of material, raise it, swing and dump) One large contractor on the coast that has had considerable experience and success with the smaller machine is Pat Carson Bulldozing. It would not be of adequate size in production loading of logging trucks in the considered operating area of West Coast of Vancouver Island. It has prowess as an efficient machine in deactivation. From the viewpoint of worker safety its light weight and agility make it a very desirable machine with an excellent production record. It must be kept in mind that if the deactivation project calls for the side cast retrieval of large boulders such as can be predominantly found in hard granite country (Coastal Mainland) as a by product of earlier generation blasting techniques) Vancouver Island Rock is Mainly easy to handle from a machine standpoint as it is relatively "soft" and some times can be dug out by machine. (The John Deer 690/Hitachi EX200 are excellent digging machines in this regard)
A prime consideration of machine size is the diameter and weight of the timber that the machine is required to handle. (E.g. pick up and place) In the proposed operating area of the West Coast of Vancouver Island, a Mid-size machine will adequately handle most of the timber properly bucked (cut to length) for market values. The only other consideration is if the machine is to build logging grade that is located thru an area strewn with large boulders that could be handled with a Large machine and so reduce the need for blasting.
Machine transportation from job to job is a prime consideration. A large machine requires the largest of lowbeds to move it and has a number of highway restrictions. The Small machine can be moved around with simple versatility by a gravel truck with a tilt deck trailer. The mid size machine can be transported in one piece for highway legal transport with relative ease.
Civic services installations usually call for a small machine but the mid size machine can most often perform these duties in terms of access size and versatility but at the penalty of a higher cost per hour for the same work performed.
Machine Operator Safety features will need to be addressed in a Guarding package. (To prevent a log from entering the cab area) The Machine will need a Forestry Guarding Package to prevent damage to the side and bottom of the machine in the forestry working environment, and rock guards on the track assembly to prevent excessive track wear. The machine should be equipped with and Environmental Spill Kit to deal with an emergency oil spill such as a broken hydraulic hose or a fuel leak.
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Machine Brand
The consideration of which make of machine to buy will have to be influenced by a number of factors such as; Financing package, Machine availability, Dealer service, Experience of the mechanics that will be available to do repairs, Do the repair mechanics have to come from the dealer and where is the dealer located?, Parts availability, Machine performance, and Machine reliability.
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Log Loading
The Mid sized machine, with modifications, makes an excellent log loader. A high-rise tilt cab is recommended for operator visibility. Having the log loading grapple detachable on a quick change makes the machine versatile in that it can be returned to digging mode very quickly. The detachable hydraulic grapple can be equipped with a "Live Heel" to assist in log handling.
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Machine attachments
The installation of a "quick-change" contributes to the versatility of the excavator and lends credence to the notion of likening it to a "Swiss Army Knife". Attachments can be changed, usually in a few minutes. Some attachments need machine modifications to supply hydraulic power and related controls. The machine usually comes equipped with a "Digging" bucket. For forestry applications this should be specified as a "Rock" bucket (a strong beefed up version of the regular digging bucket). It will have replaceable "teeth" (4 @ $40 to $100 each) that will have to be replaced as they wear (as often as every two days to once a month depending on the rock work) A "Clean up bucket" is very handy when it required to move materials in bulk, such as loading material in trucks or baling large quantities of loose material in deactivation. A hydraulic "Clamshell" bucket makes for versatility. It can still dig, and it is extremely handy for moving wood and brush in deactivation, and can even be successful in loading merchantable wood on logging trucks as long as the material is not too large to exceed handling capability. A "brush rake" is a tool that can be used successfully in site scarification in preparation for tree planting. A "Hydraulic Rock Breaker" can be used in competent rock or where drilling and blasting of the rock is not feasible. A "Hydraulic Tamper" is useful where ground compaction is required such as a large culvert installation, but usually for civic services installations. A "hydraulic drill" attachment can be used for production drilling where large quantities of rock have to be blasted. The machine can also be equipped with a "tower yarding system" for selective logging.
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Machine Spares
Bucket teeth, pins and keepers are usually carried on the machine with further spares readily available in camp. Operating in a remote location, such as the West Coast of Vancouver Island it is strongly recommended that spare hydraulic hoses be kept on hand in camp. A broken hose (a fact of life) can be changed in a few minutes on-site by the operator , but if it requires travel of an hour or two or waiting to have a hose sent in the machine is down with no revenue and that time cannot be re-gained. A quantity of Hydraulic oil will need to be stocked, as you can lose 45 gallons due to a broken hose in the time it takes you to turn the key off. Spare Fuel Filters will need to be kept on the machine. It is recommended that a pre-filter for fuel such as a "Racor" water and sediment filter be installed before taking delivery of the machine.
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A new machine will require a dealer service check usually around the 1000 hr mark. A 2hr job but remember you have to fly the mechanic in and out with travel time and full expenses and could expect a final bill in the range of $ 1 to 2,000.00 Regular inspection by a dealers mechanic is recommended preventative maintenance (every 1000 hrs) to find developing problems and deal with them before they cause further expensive damage. A program of Scheduled Oil and Fluid Sampling is an excellent preventative maintenance program.
PS don't forget that the crummy needs servicing as well (recommended once a month) and it will need its own supply of filters etc.
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Hand Tools
Fire fighting tools are a must. You will require to have mounted on each piece of equipment and vehicle, (assuming a 3 man work unit, refer to regulations for precise details in regards to the particular location and situation) the following tools; Shovel, Pulaski, and Water Pump Can. Depending on the situation you may also be required to have on hand Fire Pump(s) and hoses, extra fire tools, and even a water tanker.
A basic set of tools is usually carried on the machine or in the crummy to make on-site repairs such as changing hoses, filters and bucket teeth, tightening loose bolts.
1/4, 3/8, 1/2, & 1 inch drive socket sets; Combination box & open end wrenches up to 1 1/2 inches; 8,12,18 & 24 inch crescent wrenches; Screwdrivers; Pliers; Electrical connector repair kit; "O" Ring Kit; Electrical tape; Utility Knife; Chain saw wrench and Files and spare spark plug; plus other assorted tools (complete list available on request)
A chain saw will be required to be on hand even if only to deal with windfalls etc. Will need; Gas, Mix oil, Chain oil, Spare chains, Wrench, Spark plug, Gas and Oil jugs.
The availability of welding equipment is essential as breakage's are a fact of logging.
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Communication
For safety Radio Communication is recommended with a radio installed in each piece of equipment and vehicle. Arrangements must be made to have regular safety check-in when a crew member is working alone. Budget, $1200/Unit
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On site transportation (crummy)
Access to and from the job site will be required. (usually a 3/4 ton pick-up, possibly a crew-cab) In order to facilitate the transport of fuel to the job site the crummy is usually equipped with a 90 or 110 gal fuel (tidy) tank with a 12 volt electric pump, hose and nozzle. Note the crummy will need spare tires, plural if in a remote location with limited access.
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First Aid
First aid kits must be carried in all vehicles and equipment. The size and type depend upon the access to hospital as does the requirement for the level of first aid attendant requirements on the job site. Usually at least one member of the crew should have a survival 1st aid certificate. All First Aid requirements are laid down by the Workers Compensation Board and must be adhered to. In order to comply with the requirements you will need to consider all factors of the job location. A monthly safety meeting must be held with minutes sent to the WCB. Depending on manpower involved and proximity to a hospital you may be required to have on hand a First Aid Attendant and possibly an ambulance. An written emergency plan must be in place and posted.
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Garbage
All deleterious material must be removed from the bush and disposed of properly. Provision will need to be made for the transportation of all garbage and its proper disposal.
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Machine capital cost
Outright purchase, Rental/purchase, Lease, or straight rental are all options that should be explored. Different equipment dealers each have their own in house plans and they vary considerably and also change often.
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Operator Training
The operator will need;
A number of training courses are available from the B.C. Forestry Continuing Studies Network and I would recommend all the ones on the attached list. They are available as seminars at locations throughout B.C.; or by Distance Education (correspondence); or In-House presentation by Private Consultants such as Eric L Kay Consulting.