6/25/2002: Walking tractor

Undertoad · 06-25-2002, 12:42 PM

I had not seen this before. Deforestation opponents aren't going to be happy.

Here is a tractor that doesn't have wheels -- a logging tractor, built to WALK over the forest floor, to collect logs. Apparently it can go in any direction, turn in place, manage graded terrain.

More info, more pics, and two videos

Actually maybe the deforestation people are happy after all. A device like this would make it economically viable to only cut selected trees in a forest, rather than just clear-cutting. Also, maybe it allows them to selectively forest without having to cut down wide paths of trees for logging roads.

Griff · 06-25-2002, 02:41 PM

It looks like a huge improvement to me. The log skidders in use now can leave deep ruts, when off the actual logging roads, which cause erosion on rugged terrain. More importantly, it looks like a giant beetle, gotta have one.

Joe · 06-25-2002, 03:21 PM

A way that you could walk a machine into a forest, pick out only a few trees and walk back out is WAY more forest-friendly than your standard clearcutting with tractors and trucks.

I've seen other variations on this theme, it seems the time is right for such machines.

The western US has forests that are dangerously loaded with fuel, both from now-obvious poor fire management in the past and also because logging has a bad name because of the damage it has historically done.

If I were an environmentalist, I'd be very happy to see these things. "Take only what you will use" fits very well with nature's plan, and in a big enough forest is probably sustainable for both the forest and the management industry.

hairdog · 06-25-2002, 03:54 PM

If you look to the left behind the third large tree, there are three Ewoks planning an ambush on this monstrosity in their forest.

Joe · 06-25-2002, 04:11 PM

You know, they could keep these things on the International Space Station for use in moving heavy items around in the ship docking bay...

LordSludge · 06-25-2002, 04:16 PM

...or for fighting alien queens...

Griff · 06-25-2002, 04:47 PM

Sludge, why must you judge by sexual preference?

There is a growing amount of work around here for horse logging. Folks have small high value woodlots that they don't want torn up. Its an interesting opportunity.

Angelus · 06-25-2002, 09:30 PM

Makes me wonder how much pressure each of those legs is placing on the ground. If regular tractors leave such deep ruts, what kind of mark are those feet going to leave?

Katkeeper · 06-26-2002, 05:47 AM

As the owner of woodland, I like it. The loggers usually leave a big mess.

CharlieG · 06-26-2002, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Angelus
Makes me wonder how much pressure each of those legs is placing on the ground. If regular tractors leave such deep ruts, what kind of mark are those feet going to leave?

The reason the tractors leave deep marks is things like skid stearing (think about how a bulldozer turns), and the fact they DRAG the trees out, plus if there is something in the way, the bulldoze it down. With this, they can step over things

jaguar · 06-26-2002, 07:05 AM

I wonder how hard it is to control?

Griff · 06-26-2002, 08:01 AM

The machine's nerve center is an intelligent computer system
that controls all walking functions - including the direction of
movement, the travelling speed, the step height and gait, and the
ground clearance.

I'm betting its pretty easy. If you can carry logs out it really is an improvement.

warch · 06-26-2002, 10:27 AM

Seems like I've heard of these critters working to thin out woods that were replanted too densely, and to lessen the cycle of massive wildfire.

Joe · 06-26-2002, 10:43 AM

You know, one of these things without the logging crane wouldn't make a bad off-road recreational vehicle.

Bitman · 06-26-2002, 02:57 PM

Judging from the video, they move very slowly. Dunno what the top speed, but I'm sure 'gallop' is out of the question.

My question: How does that thing on the arm cut a tree? I can't see a blade anywhere.

06-25-2002, 12:42 PM	#1
Undertoad Radical Centrist Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Cottage of Prussia Posts: 31,423	6/25/2002: Walking tractor I had not seen this before. Deforestation opponents aren't going to be happy. Here is a tractor that doesn't have wheels -- a logging tractor, built to WALK over the forest floor, to collect logs. Apparently it can go in any direction, turn in place, manage graded terrain. More info, more pics, and two videos Actually maybe the deforestation people are happy after all. A device like this would make it economically viable to only cut selected trees in a forest, rather than just clear-cutting. Also, maybe it allows them to selectively forest without having to cut down wide paths of trees for logging roads.

06-25-2002, 02:41 PM	#2
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	It looks like a huge improvement to me. The log skidders in use now can leave deep ruts, when off the actual logging roads, which cause erosion on rugged terrain. More importantly, it looks like a giant beetle, gotta have one. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

06-25-2002, 03:21 PM	#3
Joe Master of the Domain Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: AZ Posts: 221	I agree- this is a good thing A way that you could walk a machine into a forest, pick out only a few trees and walk back out is WAY more forest-friendly than your standard clearcutting with tractors and trucks. I've seen other variations on this theme, it seems the time is right for such machines. The western US has forests that are dangerously loaded with fuel, both from now-obvious poor fire management in the past and also because logging has a bad name because of the damage it has historically done. If I were an environmentalist, I'd be very happy to see these things. "Take only what you will use" fits very well with nature's plan, and in a big enough forest is probably sustainable for both the forest and the management industry. __________________ One planet, many worlds.

06-25-2002, 04:11 PM	#5
Joe Master of the Domain Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: AZ Posts: 221	many uses You know, they could keep these things on the International Space Station for use in moving heavy items around in the ship docking bay... __________________ One planet, many worlds.

06-25-2002, 04:16 PM	#6
LordSludge Geek Join Date: May 2002 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 76	...or for fighting alien queens... __________________ "Fasten your seatbelt. I saw something in a cartoon once that I want to try."

06-25-2002, 03:54 PM	#4
hairdog Simulated Simulacrum Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 39	If you look to the left behind the third large tree, there are three Ewoks planning an ambush on this monstrosity in their forest.

06-25-2002, 04:47 PM	#7
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	Sludge, why must you judge by sexual preference? There is a growing amount of work around here for horse logging. Folks have small high value woodlots that they don't want torn up. Its an interesting opportunity. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

06-25-2002, 09:30 PM	#8
Angelus What kinda name is that? Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 16	Makes me wonder how much pressure each of those legs is placing on the ground. If regular tractors leave such deep ruts, what kind of mark are those feet going to leave?

06-26-2002, 05:47 AM	#9
Katkeeper Hoodoo Guru Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Mechanicsburg PA Posts: 296	As the owner of woodland, I like it. The loggers usually leave a big mess.

06-26-2002, 07:05 AM	#11
jaguar whig Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 5,075	I wonder how hard it is to control? __________________ Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life. - Twain

06-26-2002, 08:01 AM	#12
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	The machine's nerve center is an intelligent computer system that controls all walking functions - including the direction of movement, the travelling speed, the step height and gait, and the ground clearance. I'm betting its pretty easy. If you can carry logs out it really is an improvement. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

06-26-2002, 10:27 AM	#13
warch lurkin old school Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,796	Seems like I've heard of these critters working to thin out woods that were replanted too densely, and to lessen the cycle of massive wildfire.

06-26-2002, 10:43 AM	#14
Joe Master of the Domain Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: AZ Posts: 221	hmmm You know, one of these things without the logging crane wouldn't make a bad off-road recreational vehicle. __________________ One planet, many worlds.

06-26-2002, 02:57 PM	#15
Bitman cellar smellar Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: californy, baby! Posts: 403	Judging from the video, they move very slowly. Dunno what the top speed, but I'm sure 'gallop' is out of the question. My question: How does that thing on the arm cut a tree? I can't see a blade anywhere.

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