Description

ANNOTATION: This paper provides a brief description of how an Idaho logging contractor has developed an innovative collection and transportation method for gathering scattered logging slash and then processing and concentrating it into volumes more easily accessed by chip vans. Maneuverable high-sided farm trucks with modified, easily latched rear gates, collect the processed slash as the grinder moves along the road, then transport the material to a nearby road intersection or other location, where typical 53-foot quad-axle chip vans can more efficiently turn themselves around and be loaded. A front-end loader fills each van, with 8 to 12 loads usually bringing a van up to weight. ABSTRACT: Just as the housing downturn has increased pressure on securing whole log pulp chips in the West, competition for hogfuel for energy has also increased. Pellet plants, new fuels for schools programs, and increased internal use by sawmills for their own energy needs have all increased pulp mills challenge in securing sufficient hogfuel supplies. Idaho logging contractor Mick Buell has developed an innovative collection and transportation method for gathering scattered logging slash and then processing and concentrating it into volumes more easily accessed by chip vans.