Cost effective harvesting of timber on steeper slopes is increasingly becoming an industry focus area. The new Tigercat LS855C shovel logger allows exactly for that.
Extracting timber from steep areas has mainly been carried out with cable yarders in the past. A series of innovations is allowing ground based systems to claim some of the terrain previously reserved for these cable yarders. Shovel logging is one of the methods being used. It either progressively extracts timber to the landing area, or extracts it to an area level enough for other extraction equipment, such as a grapple skidder, to carry out further extraction to the landing.
The shovel logger uses the C series upper assembly and the same FH400 undercarriage and levelling system as the L870C feller buncher. It has a purpose built shovel logger boom with a live heel that allows for a 10.9 m (35.8 foot) reach. The shovel logger uses the same new twin drive system that was mentioned in the March edition of Logging-on. This increases swing torque and minimises pinion loads. Also of interest is a closed loop swing circuit, which, besides improving swing performance, also has an energy recovery system. The way it works is that every time the machine upper slows its rotation, energy is returned to the engine flywheel through the hydraulic pump and motors. The ER Technology (as per March Logging-on) is also found on the shovel yarder. Some key specifications are found below.
Source: www.tigercat.com
Extracting timber from steep areas has mainly been carried out with cable yarders in the past. A series of innovations is allowing ground based systems to claim some of the terrain previously reserved for these cable yarders. Shovel logging is one of the methods being used. It either progressively extracts timber to the landing area, or extracts it to an area level enough for other extraction equipment, such as a grapple skidder, to carry out further extraction to the landing.
The shovel logger uses the C series upper assembly and the same FH400 undercarriage and levelling system as the L870C feller buncher. It has a purpose built shovel logger boom with a live heel that allows for a 10.9 m (35.8 foot) reach. The shovel logger uses the same new twin drive system that was mentioned in the March edition of Logging-on. This increases swing torque and minimises pinion loads. Also of interest is a closed loop swing circuit, which, besides improving swing performance, also has an energy recovery system. The way it works is that every time the machine upper slows its rotation, energy is returned to the engine flywheel through the hydraulic pump and motors. The ER Technology (as per March Logging-on) is also found on the shovel yarder. Some key specifications are found below.
| Engine | Mercedes 906, 205 kW (275 hp) Tier III |
| Weight (less boom and adapter) | 36,970 kg (81,5000 lb) |
| Tractive effort | 367 kN (82,600 lbf) |
| Track shoe | 610 mm (24 in) single grouser |
| Tilt | 20 deg forward, 7 deg rear, approximately 15 deg side |
| Grapple | Rotobec 4552SHD |