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TECH UPDATE

By Helen Johnson

Please fill in our Reader Request Form located at the bottom for more information on these products.

 

TransGesco 
The TransGesco TG88C is available in two versions-a track clambunk skidder and a grapple skidder. Essentially an off road hauling truck for economical skidding over long distances, the track clambunk is the solution for year-round tree length skidding, with proven and reliable 100 per cent hydrostatic drive traction providing 160,000 lbs of drawbar pull. Its exceptional manoeuvreability and optimum driving speed allow for maximum productivity, the company says. A choice of track shoes from 28 to 60 inches wide offers low ground pressure and high performance on soft ground, deep snow and steep slopes. It features 80.5inch bogies and a load capacity of 35 tons. The grapple skidder is an economical solution for high volume producers in extreme logging conditions. It offers eight wheel drive traction, extremely low ground pressure, fast loading times and high productivity on short skid distances. The 45squarefoot grapple is mounted on an 18footreach dual boom set that folds in upon itself. Both machines feature a 350hp Cummins M11 engine. Circle Reader Service Card #399

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International Silvatech Industries Inc 
The latest range of Morgan skidders announced by International Silvatech Industries addresses the demand for equipment that is productive while incurring minimal impact on the forest floor. With each wheel individually hydrostatically driven and controlled by the patented Syncrotrack system, rutting and spin out are significantly reduced. Because the machines operate as well in reverse as they do in forward gears, site travel is reduced, resulting in faster cycle times, increased productivity, as well as reduced fuel consumption and environmental damage, the company says. Designed and manufactured in British Columbia, the series includes several variations of the 215hp, four wheel SX704 and the 260hp, six wheel SX706. The cabs are ergonomically designed with all controls built into the seat armrests on joysticks. The seat can be rotated 350 degrees with the touch of a pedal located between the operator's feet to obtain a full view of either the load or the direction ahead. The seat can also be locked into any position for maximum comfort and operator efficiency. Circle Reader Service Card #400

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Kootenay Manufacturing Company Ltd 
Kootenay Manufacturing (KMC) makes the only true hydrostatic drive track skidder in the industry, claims the company, with balanced weight distribution, torsion bar sprung suspension and "live" high speed steel track. Because of the forward mounting of the power train and the skidder's ability to carry the log load well forward on the machine, the combined weight of machine and payload is spread over the length of the tracks. Ten torsion bars attached individually to road arms provide the sprung suspension. Each set of road wheels can move up and down independently, allowing the tracks to conform to uneven surfaces. Cast steel track pads, connected with rubber bushed steel pins, permit track flexibility while preventing metal to metal wear and track contamination from soils. The track skidders are available as choker arch, single and dual arch grapples and swing grapples. The 2000 series machines are powered by 174hp Cummins 6BTA5.9 diesel engines. Designed to haul medium to large timber in any operating conditions, the KMC 2400 extendable choker arch extends hydraulically toward the load, then retracts as the load is winched in, lifting the butts onto the rear deck, close to the machine's centre of gravity. The KMC 2500 single arch or dual function grapple is designed primarily to skid prebunched or medium to large diameter logs on steep slopes, in boggy areas or sensitive soils. The KMC 2600 swing grapple picks up loads on either side and well to the rear of the machine. It is well suited to handfelled wood and can help manoeuvre logs around standing trees. Powered by 177hp Cummins 6BTAB5.9 diesel engines, the 1000 series includes the 1500P dual function skidding grapple, with nine foot reach, and the 1600 swing boom skidding grapple, with 12 foot reach. Circle Reader Service Card #401

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Tigercat 
The new 635 high production, low impact fourwheel skidder from Tigercat offers a smooth ride in rough terrain. Its 25squarefoot constant pressure grapple maintains light control of the load, while the super high lift boom elevates the load for reduced drag resistance. The variable speed hydrostatic drive gives maximum horsepower at all speeds, offers precise speed control for reduced wheel spin and applies the required torque to the terrain. Easy to operate in reverse, the 635 offers dynamic braking, no shifting of gears and no clutch or throttle pedal. All boom and grapple functions are located on one armrest mounted joystick. Other features include a hydrostaticallydriven, variable speed and reversible fan, highcapacity crossflow cooling system, rear bogie axle for high flotation, 40degree seat and controls rotation, high visibility arch, improved weight distribution, easy access to pumps and filters and a spacious, climate controlled cab. Circle Reader Service Card #402

John Deere 
Offering performance and versatility, the new John Deere 848G skidder can move more wood more efficiently and cost effectively than two smaller skidders, the company says. A Deere 6081A, 209hp engine provides the power to keep up productivity on slopes with only minor downshifts. Even on rolling terrain, the operator will have minimum downshifting, making for easy operation. Its compact size improves manoeuvreability, while the single stage torque converter power shift transmission, with electronic bump shift, eases operation and reduces operator fatigue. The cab offers comfort and visibility. The 38,650lb skidder has a standard 130inch opening, 16squarefoot bunching grapple that features 360degree rotation and automatically adjusts as the load shifts. Centralized grease fittings simplify routine maintenance. When repairs are necessary, the operator station can be tilted in minutes with a hydraulic pump. The quickrelease front grille latch and hinged access to the oil cooler also speed repairs. Other features include six forward and three reverse gears, a wide wheel base for added stability and independent hydraulic cylinders that apply constant pressure to control each tong. The Deere 4000 series winch, capable of 35,000 pounds of line pull, is optional. Circle Reader Service Card #403

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Franklin Equipment Company 
The skidder line from Franklin Equipment consists of cable skidders, single arch grapple skidders and dual arch grapple skidders, as well as site prep units. Ranging from 100 to 230 hp, the wide range of models satisfies the needs of logging contractors for jobspecific machinery. The new 2000 series Q models feature a load sense hydraulic system, a sixspeed powershift transmission with a bumpshifter, a revolutionary fourdoor quad cab design and a 15 per cent larger operator cab with seatmounted control pod. Other features include improved visibility and climate control. The Q70, Q80 and Q90 models range from 185 to 230 hp with several grapple boom and grapple bucket options available. Circle Reader Service Card #404

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Timberjack 
The allnew D Model skidders from Timberjack represent the latest of its productive 60 Series skidder line. The heart of the new machines-the 360D, 460D, 560D and 660D-is the standard PowerTech diesel engine. Matched to each machine, these engines offer performance, fuel efficiency and reliability. Their power transfers directly to allnew direct drive PowerShift transmissions featuring eight closerange forward and seven reverse speeds. The axles on each model are a combination of dual differential locks and axle brakes. Each model can be equipped with either a single or dual arch grapple-featuring 360degree hightorque rotation and openings from 85 to 130 inches-and, when combined with the new selection of skidder winches, give a perfectly sized combination for every application, the company says. The 360D offers agility on level ground or high flotation in soft conditions, while the 460D, 560D and 660D models have longer wheel bases and wider wheel tread configurations for stability pulling larger loads on slopes or broken ground. Cab comforts include a fully adjustable steering wheel, multiangle seats, increased visibility, reduced noise levels and a single lever joystick for maximum boom, arch and grapple control. Controls have been repositioned to maximize comfort and legroom. Circle Reader Service Card #405

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Allied Systems 
The Ranger Model H Series II skidders from Allied Systems Company incorporate many significant upgrades that make the H66DS and H67 machines more effective and reliable. The rear frame on the H67 grapple models has been extended by 10 inches to produce a wheel base of 150 inches, making a big improvement on stability and pulling power, the company says. By transferring some of the weight forward, the Ranger can handle even larger drags while keeping all wheels on the ground. Parker 471ST hoses for the steering and grapple system provide durable abrasion resistance, while the steering wheel can now be adjusted up or down through an angle of 40 degrees. The new radiator in the H Series skidders has three independent, sidebyside cooling systems for the engine coolant, transmission/torque converter oil and hydraulic oil, providing efficient cooling, lower operating temperatures and extended component life. Circle Reader Service Card #406

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Caterpillar 
The new 525B wheel skidder from Caterpillar replaces the 525 and features a new powertrain that offers increased torque, superior pulling power and direct drive capability. With a 160 hp Cat 3126 engine, the 525B features a large heavyduty torque converter with a lockup clutch matched to the engine for improved rim pull and performance. The torque converter -a liquid coupling-multiplies torque by allowing the engine to run within its optimal rpm range while reducing the need for frequent gear shifting, easing operator fatigue. Direct drive yields faster travel speeds, greater fuel efficiency and more power to the ground in all gear ranges, the company says. The integral lockup clutch, which allows operation in either converter drive or direct drive, is operator selected and automatically engages for direct drive. The five speed transmission matches engine power to the load size and ground conditions. The 35,800lb skidder handles single function, dual function and swing boom arches outfitted with sorting grapples as large as nine square feet or bunching grapples as large as 12.5 square feet. A cable arch equips it for line skidding. A mechanically driven, heavy-duty winch is available for cable skidder applications and for expanding the capabilities of grapple equipped machines. Other features include load sensing hydraulics, a rugged undercarriage with a cradled front axle, an enclosed ROPS/FOPS cab and AutoGrab, a feature that constantly monitors tong pressure and adjusts it to securely hold grapple loads. Cat's larger180hp 535B and 545 wheel skidders offer many of the same features as the smaller 525B skidder. Circle Reader Service Card #407

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For more information on the above products, please fill in the contact information and check off the boxes that apply.   When finished, please click on the Submit Form Button.

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Select any of the following for more informatio

Trans Gesco  #399
International Silvatech Industries Inc #400
Kootenay Manufacturing Company Ltd #401
Tigercat #402
John Deere #403
Franklin Equipment Company #404
Timberjack #405
Allied System #406
Caterpillar #407

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This page last modified on Tuesday, February 17, 2004