Waratah achieves high quality pole making in South Africa
Waratah has carried out successful mechanised pole production trials (producing high value transmission poles that also need to be debarked) in the Nelspruit region of South Africa. Waratah Forestry are now willing to demonstrate the H290 harvester to other forest owners or Loggers within South Africa. The Waratah H290 is a multi-purpose harvester capable of not only high quality mechanised eucalypt pole debarking, but also as a high quality delimbing mid-size clearfell harvester. The H290 is suited to any type of carrier in the 25 to 30 metric ton range and utilises its two speed motors to provide optimum feeding whilst its six delimbing knives (four are moving) provide clean flush log production for any mill. Source
Caterpillar develops autonomous mining truck technology for an expanded range of models
Cat has announced a project to adapt hardware and software for retrofitting the Komatsu 930E mining truck with Cat autonomous technology. Additionally, Caterpillar is expanding the number of Cat truck models fitted for autonomous operation. The autonomous arrangement of the 797F, the largest of the Cat line with 363-tonnes (400 tons) payload capacity, is now being tested. Other models are being evaluated as Caterpillar works with mining companies seeking ways to lower cost per ton and enhance safety. Source
The new Doosan DX210WMH-5 wheeled material handler features improved fuel savings
The material handlers are factory fitted with standard hydraulic cab risers for increased visibility, straight boom and droop nose arm for optimal performance and improved machine guarding for maximum uptime. Straight booms improve reach and lift height for better material placement. Droop nose arms provide enhanced grapple and magnet access into containers, trucks and railcars. Features such as dual-boom cylinders and under-mount arm cylinder placement provide excellent lifting capabilities. Source
John Deere Forestry expects sales to be flat in 2017
The last quarter of 2016 was tough as construction and forestry sales decreased 6 percent, mainly because of lower shipment volumes and higher sales-incentive costs. Deere's worldwide sales of construction and forestry equipment are forecast to be up about 7 percent for 2017. The forecast reflects moderate economic growth worldwide. In forestry, global industry sales are expected to be flat to down 5 percent, with soft conditions in North America offsetting strength in other regions. Source