Having a proper view from the cabin of agricultural and forest machines is one of the main factors affecting work safety and efficiency. In forestry, machine operators very often perform working activities also in the rear of the cabin. Requirements, criteria and test procedures for the field of view from the tractor cabin are stipulated by the international technical standard ISO 5721. This study evaluates field view parameters from the cabin of the tractor (Valtra T 6300) and trailer (STS 12T) unit. In accordance with the test procedures, prescribed parameters were evaluated for the forward field of view; values for the rear field of view were determined in addition to outside the standard. In order to achieve more accurate measurements and faster evaluation of data, one of the latest methods—using laser pulse reflections (method of terrestrial laser scanning)—was employed. The results of our study demonstrate that even the construction of machines manufactured before the above-mentioned standard came to force can meet the current requirements, except for minor deviations.
Stumps left behind after the felling of trees represent an important source of renewable energy that could be used for fuel mixtures as a sustainable solution. The subject of this research was to determine the influence of tree species, stump diameter size, and subsoil on the time required for stump processing. Evaluated parameters included the mean time for one stump’s processing; the stump processing time based on the stump diameter; different soil types and tree species; and the tree species type (coniferous, broadleaved). The research was conducted in the territory of the Czech Republic in 2020/2021. There were 287 stumps and 6 tree species in total. The stumps were uprooted using a new prototype of grubbing head, developed at Mendel University in Brno, attached as an adapter on the boom of a JCB JS 220 LC excavator with a tracked undercarriage and was controlled remotely from an excavator cab. Research results confirmed that the processing time of one stump depends on the stump diameter (GLM), and the time needed for the processing of one stump increased with an increase in stump diameter in all experimental sites. An equation was suggested to predict the time needed to work on one stump.
The accurate measurement of logging residue volume is essential for efficient resource management and economic planning in the biomass supply chain. This study compares 3D laser scanning using a mobile ZEB-HORIZON™ scanner and conventional manual measurement with a measuring tape and staff rod. Measurements were conducted at three locations in the Czech Republic, covering a representative sample of logging residue piles. The results indicate that manual measurement systematically overestimates biomass volume by approximately 35%, leading to potential inaccuracies in biomass trade and logistics. The average conversion coefficient was 0.35 for laser scanning and 0.23 for manual measurement, confirming the higher precision of 3D scanning. Statistical analysis, including the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and a paired t-test, confirmed that the differences between methods were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Economic analysis suggests that adopting 3D laser scanning can enhance logistics planning, optimize transport capacities, and improve fairness in business transactions. Compared to manual measurement, laser scanning reduces measurement time by approximately two-thirds while preventing overestimation errors that can lead to discrepancies exceeding three times the actual biomass revenues. Unlike manual methods, laser scanning eliminates measurement inconsistencies caused by pile irregularities, terrain conditions, and human error. The study recommends prioritizing 3D laser scanning for measuring logging residue volumes, particularly for larger and irregularly shaped piles, and incorporating moisture content analysis in economic assessments to improve pricing accuracy and transparency.