Mechanical Elephant Unloads 20-ton Logs
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ANEW machine has been produced by R. G. Le Tourneau. Inc., in the U.S.A., for unloading logs of up to some 20 tons from a vehicle. Ease of control allows fragile redwood to be unloaded safely, and damage and breakage at a West Coast mill where the appliance is employed have been greatly reduced.
resulting in an increased yield of lumber from the logs brought in.
The machine resembles a large forklift truck, in which the mast is inclined by a rack above the level of the driving position. In addition to the forks, there is a pair of jointed arms, the outer' members of which curve downwards and taper to a point. Articulated movement. of the upper components together with the fixed lower forks is like the action of a finger and thumb in picking up objects.
A number of yard functions is now fulfilled by the appliance, whereas previously two cranes, an overhead-line system and five more men were needed. When peeled logs were taken into the mill for sawing they were roped together and a man had to be specially detailed to see that no rope came near the saws, as they might be damaged. Rope is no longer required and the operative is not needed.
An engine is mounted at the extreme rear of the chassis, and there is a generator to supply electricity for the movements of the lifting gear. Another new Le Tourneau product is a big log-hauling vehicle with electric transmission. On proving trials, the Series T transporter, as it is known, has been towing 30-ton loads of mahogany over rough muddy trails in the Philippines.
The engine is a Cummins oiler of
335 b.h.p. and it is directly coupled to a generator. At each driving wheel there is an electric motor, and there are two systems for retarding the outfit, regenerative electric braking being provided for normal use, together with .magnetically controlled multiple-disc brakes for
emergency stops. Maximum speed is 16 m.p.h.
Steering is also by electric power, and the use of wide-base low-pressure tubeless tyres has obviated the need for springs. The tractor is 45 ft. 8 in. long and 14 ft. wide.