Estimating Chainsaw Operating Costs Based on Fuel, Lubricants and Spare Parts

Abstract

Evaluating the energy and material consumption for chainsaws in felling operations is of great importance for practice because chainsaws are used on a large scale in timber harvesting. This study was carried out for a 5 month period in order to determine the consumptions, production, and operating costs for a Husqvarna H55 chainsaw which was used in thinning operations. The measurements revealed the following consumption rates: 0.428 l/m3 for gasoline, 0.177 l/m3 for lubricating oil, 0.015 l/m3 for mixture oil, 0.01 pieces/m3 for chains, and 0.02 pieces/m3 for auxiliary tools – files. The results also indicated an operating cost (excluding investment return and labor cost) of 5.71 RON/m3. The results may be used for the supply and cash flow organization under similar work conditions.