Forwarders classification basing on the characteristics data clustering

The paper studies data on payload, weight, engine power, power/weight ratio, nominal ground pressure of eight-wheeled forwarders produced by Gremo, HSM, Komatsu, Logset, Rottne, John Deere, Ponsse, Caterpillar, Tigercat, Timberpro manufacturers. For data analysis, the method of k-means data clustering was used. As a result, six classes of machines were identified. The class of extra light forwarders includes machines of 7-10 tons payload, 11-15 tons weight; 120-130 kW engine power, power/weight ratio of 5-6.5 kW/t; and the nominal ground pressure of 60-90 kPa, which does not exceed bearing capacity of forest soil of a medium strength (100 kPa). The class of light forwarders includes machines with a payload of 10-12 tons, weighing 15-17 tons; the engine power of within 120-200 kW, the power/weight ratio within 4.5-6.5 kW/t; and the nominal ground pressure of 60-90 kPa. Class of medium forwarders includes machines with payload of 12-15 tons, weighting 16-20 tons; engine power of 120-200 kW, power/weight ratio of 4.5-7.5 kW/t and the nominal ground pressure of 80-110 kPa, approaching or exceeding bearing capacity of medium-strength forest soil. Class of medium-heavy forwarders includes machines of payload of 15-18 t, weighting 20-23 t; the engine power of 200-230 kW, power/weight ratio of 4.5-5.5 kW/t; nominal ground pressure of 80-110 kPa. The class of heavy forwarders includes machines with a payload of 18-20 t, weighing 22-24 t; the engine power of 200-230 kW, power/weight ratio of 4.5-5.5 kW/t and nominal ground pressure of 80-110 kPa. The class of extra heavy forwarders includes machines with a payload of 20-25 tons, weighting up to 26-27 tons; the engine power within 230-250 kW, power/weight ratio of 4.5-5.5 kW / t and the nominal ground pressure of 105-130 kPa, which exceeds the bearing capacity of the medium-strength forest soil.