TigercatThe Tigercat 632E is the industry’s highest production four-wheel drive grapple skidder, suited to the toughest jobs, the most demanding terrain, heavy loads and around-the-clock operations, says the company.
The 632E can be equipped with the largest grapple offered on any four-wheel skidder on the market. The larger 2.1 square metre (23 square foot) grapple option has a tip-to-tip opening of 3860 mm (152”). Several components and structures have been upsized for improved durability.
A newly enhanced EHS transmission produces more torque—with the same top speed as the previous generation of EHS. Tigercat’s OB20 rear axle—specially designed for the 632E—provides 47 per cent more torque capacity and nearly twice the life on all bearings.
The Tigercat 635G builds on the capabilities of Tigercat’s six-wheel skidders along with the technology introduced with the 632E. The 635G features the enhanced EHS, load sensing hydraulics, and larger hydraulic cylinders found on the 632E. Also, the 635G is equipped with the new Tigercat bolt-in WOB17 bogie or the optional high clearance HOB17 bogie.
The largest grapple in the industry at 2.32 square metres (25 square feet) with a maximum opening of 3835 mm (151”) is available on the 635G.
John DeereThe John Deere L-Series II skidder models have been simplified to enhance customer experience. Streamlined electrical and hydraulic systems increase uptime and have been redesigned to ensure better guarding and protection of key components. Increased grapple squeeze pressure and a two-speed winch enhance productivity and tackle tough terrain with ease, says the company.
Articulation steering sensors improve the operator experience, ultimately increasing productivity. The durable axles, including the Outboard-Extreme axles, standard on the 848 and 948 and optional on the 748 machines, maximize durability and boost stability. Cab amenities like the efficient HVAC system, improved ergonomic controls and storage space offer the creature comforts loggers are looking for on their equipment. Joystick steering and an optional rotating seat reduce strain on the operator’s body.
The Continuously Variable Transmission feature combines the smoothness of a hydrostatic transmission with the benefits of a lockup torque converter, offering excellent fuel efficiency, longer engine life and enhanced operator comfort.
CatThe Cat D Series wheel skidders allow loggers to operate more profitably by getting to the harvest area and landing faster, increasing production, and reducing operating costs. A new rotating seat and innovative seat suspension technology provide unmatched comfort to keep operators working productively.
Cat D Series wheel skidders feature 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. Other features include a high-capacity cooling system and reversing fan and high-performance hydraulics. The machines offer a roomy, quiet, and cool operator station and tilting cab for servicing.
The most powerful models are the Cat 545D at 186 kW (250 hp) and with 1.77 cubic metres (19 cubic feet) of grapple capacity; and the Cat 555 D, 205 kW (275 hp) and 2.04 cubic metres (22 cubic feet) of grapple capacity.
KMCSeveral decades ago, the West Coast forest industry initiated a replanting program. Today’s results are an abundance of mature timber and a large wave of commercial thinning. KMC manufactures a machine that is prepared to tackle the task.
The KMC 2600 High Speed Steel Track Vehicle is said to be a more versatile skidder, equipped with a swinging boom skidding grapple. Able to pick up loads on either side of the machine as well as to the rear, the KMC 2600 is particularly effective on steep slopes, wet and boggy areas, or on sensitive soils.
The swing grapple can help maneuver logs around standing trees and be used to shift the weight of the machine when working on very soft ground or steep slopes. Bringing the load forward on to the machine aids in balancing the weight distribution which results in better traction, higher speeds, greater productivity and consistent low dynamic ground pressure.
TimberProTimberPro is all about versatility and getting the most for your money from equipment, says the company, and the TF840D clam bunk skidder is no exception.
The TimberPro 830D and 840D are the most versatile wheeled machines in the world today, says the company.
The TimberPro line of machines come standard with 360 degree continuous rotation allowing the operator to always face his work. This feature also gives the operator the ability to remove or place timber 360 degrees around the machine, including the option to work over the front of the machine just as well as the sides and rear. TimberPro machines have been proven effective in many other applications other than forwarding logs in the forest. Its machines can be used to move logs in mill yards, set mats in the pipeline industry, and most importantly as a combo machine equipped with a quick detach boom to allow conversion from a forwarder to a harvester in about 10 minutes.
The 840D is available as an optional clam bunk skidder.
AwassosAwassos manufactures compact skidders for low impact. Developed to meet the needs of those seeking a skidder comparable in size to the JD 440-B, the MD 80 offers a modern design and superior capacity. With a reversible workstation, a hydrostatic transmission, and a rugged cast iron chassis, Awassos says that it’s the ideal machine for big jobs without sacrificing the low-impact benefits to the environment.
Awassos believes that forests are treasures to be preserved. This is why it strives to design and manufacture a line of forestry equipment that can handle challenging work situations, but are gentle in execution. It also offers additional options to equip its machines to accommodate various types of forestry work.
TanguayThe Tanguay TG88E skidder is available as a clambunk or “L Boom” grapple configuration with a huge payload capacity of 35 tons.
Powered by a 400 hp engine, the eight-wheel drive TG88E comes with a choice of track width up to 60”, for low ground pressure. The reliable and proven 100 per cent hydrostatic drive provides incredible manoeuvrability and good traction, for minimum ground disturbance, says the company.
The TG88E clambunk and its powerful loader are said to be the machine of choice to economically load and skid tree length to roadside on long distances. The “L Boom” grapple skidder has proven very productive on shorter distances and longer timber stands.
Designed and manufactured in Canada, the TG88E is by far the world largest forwarder and a solution for year ‘round operations.
On the Cover:
From mill loaders to trucks to logging equipment, it will all be featured at the upcoming Canada North Resources Expo, taking place May 24 to 25 in Prince George, B.C. Read all about the show, and who is going to be there, beginning on page 30 of this issue of Logging and Sawmilling Journal, the Official Show Guide (Cover photo of Tolko mill operation by Paul MacDonald).
Strategic sanitation logging—from the air
A targeted sanitation logging program—including heli-logging—of beetle-infected Douglas fir is underway in the B.C. Interior, and it looks like it’s having an impact on controlling the rate of spread of the beetle.
Dam logging!
There is a heckuva large log salvage project going on in B.C., but it’s got nothing to do with beetle salvage or fire-salvage—this kind of salvage involves logging green merchantable timber as part of building the massive $10 billion Site C dam in northeastern B.C.
First Nations bridge building—with wildfire wood
A First Nations-owned company in the B.C. Interior, Cariboo Aboriginal Forest Enterprises, is building bridges—and soon will be building homes—with lumber they’re producing from wood burned in a 2017 wildfire.
Protecting a community (forestry) asset
The Williams Lake Community Forest in the B.C. Interior is working to both manage an expanding Douglas fir beetle infestation and put in place wildfire mitigation strategies to protect and enhance what has become a valued and well-used asset.
Pellet plant delivering polished performance
Bringing new manufacturing plants online can be a challenge, but the Smithers Pellet plant in the B.C. Interior is clicking right along, thanks to a team effort on its start-up in late-2018.
Jack of all trades logger
David Craig is truly a jack of all trades when it comes to equipment and logging, doing everything from timber harvesting to log clean-up at a lake for one of B.C’s largest dams.
Finding their logging niche…
Family-owned C&H Logging has found their logging niche in B.C.’s Fraser Valley, and these days three generations of the Carter Family are carrying on operations, with safety and sustainability top of mind.
The Edge
Included in this edition of The Edge, Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, are stories from Alberta Innovates and Canadian Wood Fibre Centre.
Official Show Guide — Canada North Resources Expo
As the Official Show Guide, Logging and Sawmilling Journal has the full scoop on the Canada North Resources Expo—coming up May 24 to 25 in Prince George, B.C.—from feature editorial to a site map to the full listing of exhibitors at this great resource industry show.
The Last Word
Columnist Jim Stirling asks the question: Will the forest policy review for the B.C. Interior yield a new vision for the forest industry?
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