The Effectiveness of Automation in Harvester Control Systems. P. 201–212

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630*306

DOI:

10.37482/0536-1036-2026-4-201-212

Abstract

Due to sanctions, forestry enterprises have faced a number of challenges. The need to upgrade and repair logging equipment is among them. Leading international logging equipment manufacturers are constantly improving their equipment by implementing innovative technologies. The use of the Intelligent Boom Control (IBC) system for partially automated hydraulic manipulator control on forestry machines is one of the solutions. Therefore, it became necessary to evaluate the performance of logging machines with regard to new technical specifications (implementation of innovative hydraulic manipulator control systems), particularly in comparison with alternative logging machines. The research aims to analyze the performance of wheeled and tracked harvesters, considering the impact of modern hydraulic manipulator control systems. Objectives: 1. Creating a database and evaluate the actual performance metrics of harvesters based on the Sany SY245F excavator, the John Deere 1270G 6WD harvester, and the John Deere 1270G 8WD harvester equipped with the IBC system. 2. Developing a statistical model using regression analysis to describe the performance of harvesters under the studied natural and operating conditions. 3. Justifying the conclusions and drawing up recommendations on the use of wheeled and tracked harvesters. We have carried out a comparative assessment of the actual performance metrics of the studied harvesters. The analysis showed that the John Deere 1270G 8WD harvester with the IBC system had a higher daily output compared to the John Deere 1270G 6WD model (1.32 times higher) and the harvester based on the Sany SY245F crawler excavator (1.54 times higher). A regression model has been developed to predict changes in daily power generation under the studied natural and operating conditions. The assessment results are consistent with other studies and confirm the steady improvement in the efficiency of logging machines with the adoption of innovative technologies. However, it should be considered that the increased complexity of the manipulator control system leads to higher equipment costs and operating expenses.

Acknowledgments: We sincerely appreciate the support and information provided by the representatives and management of AO Kondopoga Timber Industry Enterprise.

Authors

Aleksei V. Kuznetsov¹, Doctor of Engineering, Assoc. Prof.; ResearcherID: N-5802-2016, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3266-8729
Oleg N. Galaktionov^1*, Doctor of Engineering, Assoc. Prof.; ResearcherID: AAE-5888-2020, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0768-3628
Aleksander A. Seliverstov¹, Candidate of Engineering, Assoc. Prof; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8925-2022
Aleksander А. Gaida², Forest Engineer; ResearcherID: NLO-5970-2025, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2455-3906

Affiliation

¹Petrozavodsk State University, Petrozavodsk, Russia; kuzalex@psu.karelia.ru, ong66@mail.ru*, saa.pk@onego.ru
²AO Kondopoga Timber Industry Enterprise, Kondopoga, Russia; Office@klpkh.com

Keywords

harvester, logging equipment, logging vehicle, harvester efficiency, daily output, harvester productivity, control automation, control automation system, intelligent control system, hydraulic manipulator

For citation

Kuznetsov A.V., Galaktionov O.N., Seliverstov A.A., Gaida A.A. The Effectiveness of Automation in Harvester Control Systems. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2026, no. 4, pp. 201–212. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2026-4-201-212

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