RATIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO MANAGING TIMBER TREATMENT RESIDUES IN URBAN PARKS OF KHMELNYTSKYI

Abstract

The article presents the results of research on the effectiveness of using the Cedrus TR300G mini-dump truck for the removal of logging residues in city and forest parks of Khmelnytskyi. It was found that the actual carrying capacity is only partially utilized due to the uneven shape and density of the material. When transporting freshly cut maple logs with an average length of 0.8–1.0 m and a diameter of 6–12 cm, the average cargo weight was 170–190 kg (55–60% of the rated capacity), and the volumetric filling of the body was 0.25–0.28 m³. Light residues – branches, brushwood, and small shrubs – utilized only 7–8% of the carrying capacity, significantly increasing the number of trips, fuel consumption, and time required. The use of quick-detachable extension sides, which increased the body height from 0.23 to 0.9 m, nearly quadrupled the cargo volume (up to 1.0 m³), increased the load capacity utilization factor to 75–80% for logs and to 40–45% for light residues, and reduced the number of trips by almost half, resulting in 30–35% fuel savings and lower labor costs. The total harvested wood volume was 4.9 dense m³, of which 3.4 dense m³ was firewood. The technological specific fuel consumption per 1 m³ of wood was 1.48 kg, and the specific labor costs were 5.33 man-hours. Assessment of off-road performance on areas with obstacles showed a decrease in speed to 1.0–1.4 km/h when carrying 200–250 kg, whereas on flat surfaces the speed reached 3.0–3.5 km/h. Overloading beyond 300 kg caused partial skidding; however, the caterpillar track ensured uniform soil pressure (0.22–0.24 MPa), minimizing damage to vegetation. The results confirm the feasibility of using small-scale mechanization in park management and the effectiveness of design improvements. The data can be used to optimize technologies for removing logging residues in city and forest parks, increasing environmental safety and economic efficiency in the maintenance of green spaces for recreational purposes.