Where to find a timber truck? Transportation of round timber and lumber by road transport

The transportation of round timber and lumber is an important part of transport logistics. Due to the nature of the cargo being transported, the transportation of timber and lumber requires the use of special vehicles — timber trucks.

How a timber truck is arranged

Transporting long cylindrical cargo, called assortments (pipes, timber, etc.), requires special vehicle arrangements. During movement and braking, the assortment can shift longitudinally, and it can also roll sideways. The special arrangement of timber trucks is designed to securely fix the assortment on the vehicle.

To bundle or stack round timber, steel frames in the shape of the Latin letter U are used. The lower part of these frames has a sawtooth cut, which helps to securely fix the cargo.

Serial vehicles from various manufacturers are used as chassis for timber trucks. Special attention is paid to the intended method of using the timber truck when selecting the chassis:

• If it will constantly operate in the forest, that is, in off-road conditions, the vehicle must have increased cross-country capability. This is ensured by the presence of all-wheel drive, differential locks, and a system that manages tire inflation. It is desirable for such a timber truck to be equipped with a winch as well.
• If the timber truck is transporting timber from clearings, all-wheel drive can be omitted. This allows for fuel savings and improves the vehicle's road performance on highways. However, it is better to keep the differential locks.
• If the timber truck is transporting timber from warehouses, a regular road chassis can be used.

The main element of a timber truck is the timber frame. This element is attached to the vehicle's frame and consists of U-shaped stakes fixed on two longitudinal beams. In modern models of vehicles for transporting timber, the stakes can move longitudinally. The fact is that each stack of timber is secured by at least two pairs of stakes. Logs have a standard length of 4 or 6 meters. The mobility of the stakes allows for secure fastening of logs of either length.

The cabin is necessarily protected by a steel grid to the height of the stakes, so that a log that shifts during braking cannot harm the people inside. Additionally, the stacks are tightened with a rope. During movement, the stacks are compacted, and this rope needs to be periodically tightened on the way.

A timber truck can be assembled directly on the vehicle's frame, or trailers and semi-trailers can be used. If a semi-trailer is used, the protective grid is installed on it, not on the tractor. Some timber trucks are equipped with a hydraulic manipulator, allowing for loading without the need for additional equipment.

Transport for transporting timber in logs

If it is necessary to transport log timber, a trailer called a "rospus" is used. The rospus is a cart on one or two axles. Stakes are attached to the cart. There can be one or two pairs. The stack of logs is laid on the rospus with the rear part. The tractor also has stakes, which secure the front part of the stack. The drawbar and frame of the trailer serve as a sliding or folding steel pipe, through which electrical wiring and brake hoses for the cart pass.