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Morbark Disc Scalping Screen

Morbark says it has come up with a versatile new method for separating and sizing organic materials. A high-production alternative to trommels, the Morbark Disc Scalping Screen is a two-sort unit which features nine rows of l20''-diameter scalloped steel discs mounted on large solid shafts. As the discs rapidly rotate, acceptable material drops quickly between the discs onto the underneath discharge conveyor, while oversize material is belt-discharged to one side. Spacing between the discs can be changed to meet any sizing specifications.

The machine will not clog like a trommel and is less expensive than most, says the company. Contamination such as rocks, steel and large chunks of wood are rejected without causing damage to the mechanism. Further protection is offered by an auto-reverse feature in the event of jamming. The ability to efficiently screen dirty, wet material makes the unit ideal for a variety of jobs, says the company, from reclaiming old bark piles and mill residues to fine screening chips and mulch in a wood recycling yard.

The screen can also be utilized in front of a grinder to remove contaminants before they can cause damage to the grinder. Production is up to 200 cubic yards per hour, depending on the material.

Dymax Tree Shear

Dymax has added a new 10'' model to its tree shear line. The machine is similar to the 14'' skid steer model and is ideal for use with tractors or small skid steer loaders. Design goals included a clean cut at ground level, rugged construction, low maintenance and trouble-free operation. A standard removable grab tower allows the choice to kick the trees off to the side or grab them for stacking. The 10'' shear uses a single shearing cylinder which improves cycle time. A spherical blade makes a slicing action through the tree, which requires less force than a flat blade. The slicing action also improves the approach of the cutting action to the grain of the tree for a more consistent cut.

A hydraulic tilt unit is also available with tilt capability from 30� below ground to 90� above.

Timberjack Profits Dip

Timberjack reports decreased global net sales (US $468 million) and operating profit (US $28.5 million) for 1996, the latter down from US $386 million from record levels in 1995.

Machine orders were down 25 per cent, although the order backlog showed a steady pattern of growth by the end of the year, says the company, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Markets in North America, Europe and Asia were down but new markets, especially South America, recorded rapid growth.

New products introduced in 1996 included the 60-Series skidders, the 870B and 1270B harvesters, and 850 and 950 feller bunchers. New forwarders and felling heads were also launched.

The company reports a promising outlook for 1997, based on orders received by year-end 1996, and a better general market outlook.

New Champion Graders

Champion recently purchased by Volvo Construction Equipment North America, Inc. has introduced its new family of motor graders, the Series V. The high performance series includes four new variable horsepower machines, the 730VHP, 740VHP, 850A VHP, and 780A VHP. In addition to variable horsepower, which automatically increases power up to 15% for high speed or heavy load applications, major features includes:

• Single-lever transmission controller, improving cycle times and reducing operator fatigue;
  
• 30% increase in hydraulic response, providing faster blade positioning;
• Higher volume fan, improving engine cooling and reducing noise;
• Movable blade control system, which acurately places the modboard in any position up to 90 degrees on either side of the machine.
  

The use of more glass and less steel in the cab improves visibility to the moldborad and forward working areas.

Forestor Bandmill

Forestor has updated its Jacko bandmills, including increasing the maximum blade width - now up to 38mm (1.5''). This enables up to 50 per-cent faster sawing, says the company. All British-built Jacko models now feature a twin-column/ twin-track headrig carriage. The improved stability gives higher accuracy, a better quality cut and increased production. The latest thin-kerf blade technology reduces waste by up to 66 per cent on each cut compared to circular saws, says the company. The blades require only simple sharpening on an automatic grinder "and no skilled saw doctoring." This significantly reduces overall blade costs, says Forestor.