Original scientific paper
The Effects of Mechanised Log Skidding on some Components of Farm Tractors in Ondo State, Nigeria
Richard Omoyele Akinbamowo
; Ministry of Agriculture Alagbaka, Akure Ondo State NIGERIA
Basil Oluwafemi Akinnuli
; Federal University of Technology P.M.B. 704, Akure Ondo State NIGERIA
Abstract
An investigation was made into the effects of mechanised logging and log skidding on some components of farm tractors used under the Tractor Hiring Units (THU) of the Ministry of Agriculture in Ondo State, Nigeria. Thirty tractors of various makes and models were examined after a period under logging operations based on a template of eight key criteria and thirty four sub criteria related to vital tractor systems and components. Data collected were analysed to determine the percentage of the components that are good, damaged but repairable or damaged or missing parts. The results show that the highest occurrence of failure are with worn out tyres (80%), followed by broken rear work lights, headlamps and road warning lights (60%) and broken lateral stabilizers (53.3%). Similarly, the least damaged components of tractors under the study were the tyre rims (66.7% good), wheel hubs and axle arms (56.7%) and hydraulic linkage arms and forks as well as brake pedal travel and release (46.7%).
Keywords
tractors; damage; serviceable; faults; forestry
Hrčak ID:
151821
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2015.
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