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SUPPLIERNEWSLINE

By Tony Kryzanowski

New Trelleborg tire size in TM3000 range

Trelleborg now offers a new size in its TM3000 line, the IF800/70R38TL CFO 184A8.

This line, specifically designed for cyclic field operations (CFO), is Trelleborg’s answer to the requirements of the latest generation of harvesters and combine machines.

A new tread pattern, along with an advanced casing design, maximizes the load capacity of the tires at low inflation pressure, helping to preserve the soil and the environment.

“The TM3000 line has been designed according to Trelleborg’s BlueTire technology to ensure low soil compaction, high load index and improved resistance to stable damage and impacts. The TM3000 is the right choice to maximize harvesting productivity,” says Emiliana Vesco, Product Manager of Agricultural Tires at Trelleborg Wheel Systems.

With this new release, Trelleborg’s TM3000 line is now available in three sizes: IF800/65R32, IF800/70R32 and IF800/70R38TL. More sizes will be added to this line in the future, the company says.

www.trelleborg.com/wheelsystems_us

Brunette Whole Log Chipper delivers reliability, quality chips

The Brunette Whole Log Chipper is an extreme-duty, horizontal feed chipper with a powered upper press roll and powered lower bedroll to control the feed of the logs, providing a quality chip. It can be configured to produce pulp chips or microchips.

The Whole Log Chipper features a swing-away anvil to help protect the rotor from metal contamination. Knife pocket hardware and screen inspections are made simple with a large oversized rear access door, and knife changes are quick and easy with the Brunette Quick-Change Knife system. Millwrights can easily check the knife-to-anvil clearance through the access panels mounted on each side of the chipper frame.

The Brunette Whole Log Chipper includes a common sub-frame to tie the feedworks, chipper, motors and HPU together for rigidity and one-lift installation. The Whole Log Chipper is available in various sizes and model configurations to suit each operation’s needs for reliable whole log chipping.

www.brunettemc.com

John Deere introduces ForestSight to help loggers better manage equipment

Loggers need solutions, not just data, and John Deere ForestSight provides answers, says the company.

Now available exclusively from John Deere, this integrated suite of technology solutions brings the machine, technology and the dealer together to help loggers better manage their equipment and operations. With John Deere ForestSight, loggers can save time and money, and have a healthier equipment fleet and bottom line, according to the company.

“Loggers demand more uptime,” said Jena Holtberg-Beng, director, John Deere WorkSight and ForestSight. “With the support of a dealer, the technology solutions available under the ForestSight umbrella work together to help loggers automate their business processes and stay on top of their machine health.”

John Deere ForestSight delivers three primary benefits. First, it optimizes machines by letting loggers and dealers see machines that are idling excessively, inactive, running at high loads for long periods of time, or moving when it shouldn't be. It also optimizes uptime by integrating machine data, prognostics and remote diagnostic tools combined with dealer support. Finally, John Deere ForestSight optimizes jobsites. From nearly any location, loggers and dealers can see when and where machines are working, how many cycles they are completing and how much time operators spend out of the cab. This up-to-the-minute data ensures an operation is as efficient as possible.

ForestSight brings together the most advanced technology into one seamless package, says John Deere. The primary components include:

• JDLink – Provides remote access to fleet location, fleet utilization and unparalleled diagnostic data. Owners can see which machines are earning and which are idling, all while keeping preventative maintenance tabs on each piece of equipment.
• Machine Health Prognostics – A John Deere exclusive that analyzes data from JDLink, fluid analysis, and machine inspections, and then e-mails the dealer and customer with recommended solutions to avoid costly downtime. These actionable solutions help loggers keep their equipment in peak condition and avoid more costly downtime in the future.
• Remote Diagnostics and Programming – Also a John Deere exclusive, this technology enables dealers to read and reset diagnostic trouble codes, record machine performance data, and even update software without a technician visit to the jobsite. When service visits are required, technicians can often arrive with the right parts in hand to make the repair.

www.JohnDeere.com/ForestSight

New features in Cat D series wheel skidder means boost in production, lower costs

Building on Caterpillar’s 40+ years’ experience designing and manufacturing skidders, the company’s new Cat D series wheel skidder increases productivity while reducing operating costs.

Major improvements from the C Series include a six-speed transmission with more gears in the working zone, lock-up torque converter and independent front and rear differentials for more pulling power and control, high capacity cooling system and reversing fan, a roomy, quiet and cool operator station and tilting cab for servicing.

“The D Series outpulls other skidders. It is also more stable and agile and gives the operator a smoother ride because we optimized the wheelbases and the component layout,” said Matt McDonald, product specialist for Caterpillar Forest Products. “The customer has a more versatile machine that is highly effective in sensitive applications such as first thinning while maintaining the stability for working in tough conditions.”

The new D Series cab is roomy, quiet and cool with great visibility, especially out the back.

The line has four models to provide loggers with options to match their application and business needs: the 203 hp Cat 525D, 225 hp Cat 535D, 250 hp Cat 545D, and the 275 hp Cat 555D. The 555D will have a Tier 4 engine, and the other models will have Tier 3 engines.

“The D Series was developed over the course of 4 ½ years with extensive input from loggers and Cat dealers. At every stage of the machine’s development, they provided feedback so we could be sure the skidder was going to do what they need it to do,” McDonald said.

The high capacity cooling system and on-demand hydraulically driven reversing fan keep the machine running at the proper operating temperature, optimizing performance, durability and fuel efficiency. “The system was engineered to meet the cooling requirements of the largest model, but we have the same system in all models, which will boost fuel efficiency and capacity in the smaller models,” McDonald explained.

The cross-flow configuration and compartmentalization of the engine and cooling system maximize efficiency and reduce debris collection. Cool ambient air is pulled in from the side—not from the engine compartment. Air is exhausted out the opposite side. This prevents hot air from circulating and debris from collecting in the engine compartment.

The oversized fan spins at a slower speed, only as fast as needed to maintain proper operating temperatures, and automatically reverses every 20 minutes of run time to blow out debris.

The D Series has a six-speed transmission with gears more evenly distributed in the working zone to maximize efficiency on any terrain and ground conditions. The torque converter allows the machine to ease smoothly into a start when the skidder has a heavy load in the grapple, and then the lock-up clutch automatically engages and the transmission goes into direct drive for high efficiency hauling and up to 15 per cent faster travel speeds in the same gear.

The D Series is easy to maneuver even in dense woods and slippery or steep conditions, says the company.

In normal operation, all four wheels move independently. In poor ground conditions, the independent front and rear differential locks can be engaged separately for better pulling and maneuverability. The locks are hydraulically actuated and can be engaged on the go.

Heavy-duty Cat axles approved for dual tires up to 30.5L-32 inner and 24.5L-32 outer and wide floatation tires up to 73-44 with chains are standard on all D Series skidders.

In terms of serviceability, the tilting cab with field proven tilting pins provides access to components under the cab. Bolt-on panels around the base of the cab and removable steps provide even more access.

All components of the cooling system are easily accessed. The engine radiator and coolers for hydraulic oil and fuel are stationary, and a swing-out hinged panel houses the air conditioner condenser and air-to-air after cooler (ATAAC).

www.cat.com