ClientsProducts

In 2022, Cargo Mobile SIA, in cooperation with SELF LOGISTIKA SIA, developed an innovative solution for a heavy-duty timber truck semi-trailer, installing a hydraulic manipulator at the front.

The goal was to find a technological solution that would ensure possible cooperation in the forestry and agricultural sectors. In this way, also promote more efficient use of equipment in the transportation of various cargoes and reduce the impact of seasonality on employees.

The semi-trailer solution for a heavy timber transporter was created within the framework of the project "Innovative solutions in the planning and organization of transportation of agricultural and forestry products". It is partially financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Latvian Rural Development Program 2014-2020 and is administered by the Rural Support Service (LAD) in Latvia.

During these two years, SELF LOGISTIKA has tested the first prototype, both in round timber cargo transportation, and demonstrated it to agricultural cooperatives. The experience gained and the main conclusions are shared by Guntars Reinfelds, SELF LOĢISTIKA board member.

Our experience in logistics and transportation of round timber is more than 15 years. We understand the problems of the industry and are interested in looking for solutions that would allow us to organize cargo transportation more efficiently. After testing this heavy-duty timber truck semi-trailer, there are two conclusions. First, the semi-trailer must be adaptable to individual technical specifications so that companies choose to make such an investment. Second, there is potential for effective cooperation in timber and agricultural transportation in the future, but it must be a targeted choice.

If a neighbor came to help in the hottest moments of the season

Latvia currently has more than 1,000 units of specialized wood hauling equipment, whose intensive working hours are from the period of stable frost at the end of the current year, usually until June. In the logging industry, this specificity of seasonality means two things. In winter, there is a lack of technical units to ensure all the necessary volume of transportation. On the other hand, in the summer after the Ligo festival, a large part of these equipment units will "stand by the fence" - the equipment is idle and the drivers are out of work.

The potential solution with the specialized heavy-duty timber semi-trailer with hydromanipulator:

  • In winter farmers and large farms with machinery units, which most often only have trailers for grain (agricultural products) transportation, have the opportunity to help foresters carry out transportation using a timber truck semi-trailer with a hydromanipulator. Within the framework of the cooperative, it is also an opportunity to be autonomous and serve our own forests.
  • In summer logging company machinery units are available to help farmers with grain, fertilizer, hay or other types of cargo. Therefore, they are also job opportunities for drivers throughout the year.
  • The trailer is removable and a semi-trailer (suitable for heavy-duty transport) can be attached to the truck, which can be used to transport the produced agricultural products. Then the drivers and the truck are employed, only the semi-trailer "rests".
Technological advantages, disadvantages and desires

Since the target audience of the prototype is two different industries, its potential "relevance" largely depends on the possibilities of technically adapting it to individual preferences. The existing prototype solution has pros and cons in both sectors, with potential for improvement.

FORESTRY

Advantages: possibility to load more tons of cargo; balanced load; large capacity; hydromanipulator position at the front

Flaws: it is not possible to drive everywhere (due to the infrastructure), a larger area of ​​maneuverability is required.

Desires: 3rd bridge with swivel wheels

 

AGRICULTURE

Advantages: manipulator, which can be used for various loading operations; options for various cargo assortments; large capacity; movable struts.

Flaws: if there is no purposeful plan and the desire to fully use your equipment throughout the year and manage your own forests, it will not be the primary choice.

Desires: side boards so that mineral fertilizers and hay can be transported.

Conclusion - successful in the future will be those who change

The current situation in the forestry and agricultural sectors clearly indicates that improvements in mutual heavy cargo transportation must be found. How quickly and effectively it will be largely depends on the technological capabilities and the willingness of industry representatives to introduce changes in daily work habits, as well as the ability to make investments.

From the technical side, I am sure that Cargo Mobile SIA in cooperation with METSATEK in Latvia will create the necessary semi-trailer solution, which could be developed as a full cargo platform with removable side boards, and keeping the hydromanipulator as an option.

The question is what the demand will be. Yes, the investment may be relatively large, but I believe it will pay off.