Deere track feller bunchers offer power and productivity

With their four-way levelling system and increased operator control, the John Deere 909J and 959J track feller bunchers offer a combination of power and productivity.

Levelling is possible up to 26 degrees forward, 7 degrees rearward and 14 degrees from side-to-side. Both models feature a Total Machine Control system that enables operators to set the speed and acceleration of the tilt to match their application, terrain and capabilities, while providing constant position feedback. In addition, the redesigned cab features increased downward visibility for a clear view of the ground conditions below.

Both provide outstanding saw blade power with quick recovery time and 294 SAE gross hp. The hydraulically driven cooling fan optimizes horsepower and increases fuel efficiency by running only when needed.

www.johndeere.com

Room to grow for Optimil

Sawmill equipment manufacturer Optimil Machinery Inc is well positioned for the present and the future, with the recent completion of an expansion of its facilities in Delta, BC.

“We now have all of our operations consolidated at one site,” explains Bill LeGentil, manager of marketing at Optimil. “With all of our equipment and facilities in one location, it’s really helped to streamline the manufacturing process.”

All of the company’s operations are now at 8320 River Road in Delta, a suburb of Vancouver. It has a total of 85,000 square feet in its buildings. Customers and suppliers were able to see the results of the expansion at the company’s open house, held in September.

On site machinery at Optimil includes a laser table, burn table, horizontal boring mills, and CNC milling and turning centres. The manufacturing process is designed to utilize the latest in CAD technology, and equipment is manufactured under a strict quality assurance program, utilizing the CNC machine centres to assure maximum accuracy.

Optimil is a well-recognized name in primary and secondary log processing machinery, and in log and board optimization systems. Since its founding in 1983, the company’s objective has been to help progressive sawmillers produce more lumber from their existing wood resource. The company estimates that projects completed in the last three years alone have resulted in annual savings equal to more than 15 million logs.

In addition to giving Optimil plenty of space for its current needs, the recent expansion also prepares the company for the future. “We’re pretty well set up if we want to add any equipment down the road,” says LeGentil.

www.optimil.com

USNR’s new triple-length continuous dry kiln

USNR has introduced a new triplelength continuous (TLC) dry kiln. It’s the latest innovation in lumber drying and delivers non-stop production with energy efficiency, says the company.

The new concept in drying technology allows mills to double their kiln production while using an existing heating system. The kiln is three times as long as a traditional kiln, but has an open-ended design—no doors. The patented process allows mills to cycle wood through at variable rates based on temperature and moisture content.

The TLC dry kiln is a double-track kiln where the lumber stacks run in opposite directions so that heat coming off the dry lumber preheats the green lumber packs, and moisture coming off the green lumber conditions the dry lumber. This energy efficient process happens at both ends.

www.usnr.com

Finning features Cat’s virtual training

To help meet the growing need for qualified equipment operators, Finning showcased Caterpillar’s new Virtual Training System at this year’s Forest Expo Show in Prince George, BC.

The Virtual Training System’s personal simulators and the accompanying training modules are designed to orient and train inexperienced and prospective operators in basic machine operation and application skills. The training curriculum progressively takes a trainee from basic control orientation through complex application tasks.

The Virtual Training System for hydraulic excavators is already available. In 2006, Caterpillar will introduce systems for off-highway trucks, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders and track-type tractors. Systems for motor graders and skid steer loaders are planned in 2007.

www.finning.ca

New bunchers/harvesters from Tigercat

Tigercat has released the 822C/ L830C series feller bunchers and harvesters designed with a number of enhancements.

The Tier III QSL9 engines on the machines produce 300 hp at 1,800 rpm, and the new common rail fuel system improves engine reliability. The exhaust manifold hardware is rated for higher temperatures to prevent breakage and exhaust leaks.

Tigercat has improved the hydraulic driven cooling fan by adding thermostat control. The fan now operates at automatic variable speed with an automatic purge cycle. The new 24-volt electrical system improves cranking ability in cold weather and provides better compatibility between the carrier and harvesting head attachments.

Defrosting and defogging capabilities have been improved, and the master disconnect is remote mounted in the cab. The front door height has also been extended for better upward visibility.

www.tigercat.com