Onboard computing in forest machinery - A perspective from Australia and South Africa

International research has demonstrated gains of up to 30% in improving utilization and productivity of forest harvesting machinery through the use of onboard computers. However, use of onboard computing is very much in its infancy in Australia and South Africa primarily due to lack of local experience in their use. Trials covering a range of onboard computers, forest machinery and forest types were conducted in Australia and South Africa to study their use under local conditions. The results are being used in these countries to promote the benefits and uptake of onboard computers. In Australia, this has been facilitated through an online selection guide to assist in determining suitable onboard computers. In South Africa, onboard computing research is aimed at identifying operational factors in primary and secondary transport, which have significant impacts on production and utilization of applied equipment. The presentation briefly describes the trials highlighting what worked and what didn’t work and then brings together common findings and lessons learnt.