Further enhancing the machine operation in demanding forestry applications, John Deere has added its Smooth Boom Control (SBC) technology to its M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers and MH-Series Tracked Harvesters.
Developed in global collaboration between the John Deere Wheeled Cut-to-Length and Full-Tree Forestry teams, the SBC system instantaneously responds to operator input while smoothing out the acceleration and deceleration of hydraulic functions on the machine, improving overall control.
The SBC software further refines the motion of the boom, swing, and travel functions using advanced signal control to keep the machine ready to go. This results in a significant improvement in overall joystick and foot pedal response, reducing the signal delay at the start and end of each operator command. www.JohnDeere.com
Johnson Controls unveiled its new ANSUL LVS Non-Fluorinated Liquid Suppression Agent. The new agent is manufactured without the use of perfluorinated chemicals and is performance tested to ensure maximum effectiveness. It is now available worldwide.
LVS Non-Fluorinated Agent works by rapidly knocking down flames, then blanketing the fuel and cutting off oxygen to help prevent reflash. It is effective against Class A and B fires in mobile equipment in the mining, forestry, waste management, and transportation industries. www.johnsoncontrols.com
Fecon introduces Fecon Green Hydraulic Fluids, a zinc-free, readily biodegradable formula that withstands the rigors of land clearing and forestry mulching.
This environmentally friendly product meets or exceeds Vickers M-2950-S, Vickers 1-286-5, U.S. Steel 126, and U.S. Steel 127 criteria. It eliminates the worry of accidental petroleum spills and meets or exceeds high-pressure pump requirements. Extremely low volatility increases the flash and fire safety features, protecting the equipment and its operators. Ideal for hydraulic equipment operating in wet or dusty environments, Fecon Green has a high viscosity index (VI) that provides excellent fluid protection under higher loads and pressures. It also provides seal conditioning that extends seal life and reduces oil leakage. www.Fecon.com
With the launch of Kenworth’s new T680 Next Generation truck model, come the 2021 PACCAR MX-11 and PACCAR MX-13 engines, giving even better performance and efficiency to Kenworth’s Class 8 truck lineup.
Both engines feature re-designed internal components to enhance fuel economy — up to 2.4 percent in the PACCAR MX-13, and 3.4 percent in the PACCAR MX-11 — depending on the application and specification. The PACCAR MX-11 can now be spec’d with a higher horsepower rating of up to 445 HP at 1,700 lb.-ft. of torque @ 900 RPM. The PACCAR MX-13 can be spec’d up to 510 HP at 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,000 RPM.
These new engine developments make Kenworth trucks more productive. When paired with the 12-speed PACCAR TX-12 transmission, Kenworth predictive cruise control, and PACCAR DX-40 axles, the performance is enhanced even further.
www.kenworth.com/drivers
New Werk-Brau PowerGrip Bucket Features 120-Degree Jaw MovementWerk-Brau introduces the PowerGrip Bucket, a multi-purpose bucket that enhances a machine’s grading, trenching, and clamshell capabilities with precise control. With 120-degrees of jaw opening and a clamping force three times that of standard thumbs, the PowerGrip eliminates the need for additional attachments says the company.
The precise control allows users to deftly place materials where desired the first time. The unique design includes an enclosed rotary actuator hinge in cross-tube. There are no exposed cylinders or other external moving parts, and no obstruction in jaw or bucket shell, thus reducing the risk of downtime due to cylinder failure. Clamping force is consistent throughout the jaw’s full range of motion, and operators can maintain a load regardless of positioning. With equal force exerted at both sides, there is no jaw twisting during use. This quick-coupler compatible design uses existing auxiliary hydraulic circuit and includes standard OEM lugging for fast and easy installation. www.Werk-Brau.com
Doosan’s Next-generation Wheel LoadersDoosan Infracore North America LLC. is launching its next-generation wheel loaders, the -7 Series, in the U.S. and Canada. All-new redesigned cabs with first-class comfort features, increased bucket capacities, and new, fuel-saving technologies are highlights of this next generation of Doosan wheel loaders.
Seven models of the new Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders, with standard bucket capacities between 3.7 and 7.6 cubic yards, are available now. Five additional Doosan models with bucket capacities between 2.6 and 3.3 cubic yards are planned to launch in early 2022. Wheel loaders launching in 2022 will include the popular tool carrier iterations for two models.
Bucket capacities for select models are seven percent greater than prior models. These select Doosan models include the DL320-7, DL380-7, DL480-7, and DL580-7. The increased capacity can provide faster, easier loading in fewer passes. na.DoosanEquipment.com
Tubeless versions of the popular Alliance Forestar III 643 and 644 forestry tires from Yokohama Off-Highway Tires are proving themselves on cut-to-length (CTL) harvesters and forwarders worldwide.
The tubeless Forestars fit on standard rims, so it is easy to switch from the tube-type designs.
They have steel-belted construction, cut-resistant compound, curb rib, and buttressed lugs for extra durability, and an improved bead package that keeps CTL harvesters rolling no matter what the conditions are.
The 643 has a special tread pattern with horizontal lug grooves that are designed for a perfect fit with bogie tracks. And the 644 has dual-angle lugs and a huge footprint for versatility with or without tracks.
www.yokohama-oht.com
Things are happening at Tigercat. First, Tigercat added to its mulcher lineup with the release of the 760B mulcher and the 4061-30 mulching head.
The new 760B is a 550 HP class mulcher carrier that shares major components with the field-proven and similarly classed Tigercat 480B track-driven mulcher as well as the popular M726G wheel-driven mulcher.
In stable, well-drained soil types, a high horsepower wheel-driven machine has many advantages including quicker travel speeds, lower operating costs, and the ability to run a wide mulching head for improved coverage and wider swaths, increasing quality and productivity. As such, Tigercat also designed a 3.2’ wide mulching head to complement the new carrier. The new 4061-30 mulching head is based on the original Tigercat 2.7’4061, with several updates and enhancements. The 2.7’ 4061 will be rebranded as the 4061-25 when similar updates are introduced in early 2021.
In addition, Tigercat has added new features to the 875E logger, including an updated operator station, two undercarriage options, and various grapple configurations to tailor the machine to your specific needs.
The 875 logger is a multi-purpose carrier with two boom options for loading or processing applications. The machine can be equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 non-certified, Tier 4f or Stage V engine, producing 282 HP.
The 875E can be configured as a loader equipped with various power clam, butt-n-top, live heel, pulpwood, and log grapple options. The carrier can also be configured as a high-capacity processor capable of running large harvesting heads in demanding duty cycles. www.tigercat.com
Waratah Forestry Equipment Announces H423The new H423 from Waratah Forestry Equipment is designed to carry out a wide range of harvesting jobs from early to late thinnings, and even light regeneration harvesting. With outstanding multi-tree-handling qualities, a compact frame design, and excellent power-to-weight ratio, the H423 masters fast and precise felling and crosscutting.
The H423 is well-suited for delimbing stems of all diameters. Its outstanding multi-tree harvesting qualities and excellent power-to-weight ratio take productivity to the next level.
Ideal for thinning and other felling jobs, where the tree diameter at breast height is between 6 and 13 inches, the 2,105-pound H423 features strong, fast feeding in a nimble design.
Additionally, the H423 boasts a 16.5” tip-to-tip delimbing diameter providing ample range for superior delimbing, and combined with its 22.8” cutting capacity and optional multi-tree-handling equipment, provides superior productivity in varied-diameter stands. www.Waratah.com
ON THE COVER
D&H Logging getting it done with its lineup of Link-Belts.
ODF Taps D & H Logging for SW Oregon Operator of the Year
The ODF award recognizes forest operators who protect natural resources at a level that goes above and beyond requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act.
Fire Column - Follow the Money if You Can Find it
A look at some of the investments in the 2021 fire season.
Over Four Decades of Service
Mason Logging does a field test of the new Caterpillar 538.
Savings in the Casings
Casings are often the unsung hero in a commercial tire. But they are the foundation of the tire and what allows you to receive multiple retreads.
Race to Recover Forest Fire Timber
After the barrage of forest fires in the summer of 2020, West Coast logging companies were scrambling to harvest all the burnt timber in a race against time and the insect infestations.
Forestry Education Develops Lasting Tools During COVID
In 2020 educators were forced to pivot from in-person learning to virtual education. Despite challenges, new ideas and techniques were developed that will be applied hereafter.
Tech Review – Harvesting and Processing Heads
A look at 11 heads currently on the market.
Guest Column – Logging Serious Injuries and Fatalities – What’s it Going to Take to Change?
A new study shows a new way to look at safety and cut down on injuries.
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