The new harvester head has been designed for the Ponsse Bear harvester, but it is ideal for track-based machines. The H8HD Euca is an effective tool in forests where the diameter of eucalypt stems can be up to 50 cm (19.7 in). The geometry of the new harvester head’s debarking knives and feed rollers improves the efficiency of H8HD Euca in debarking and processing both smaller and larger stems. Ponsse’s heavy-duty frame structure means that the new harvester head can withstand the extreme loads of track-based machines.

The Ponsse H8HD Euca harvester head has been optimised to debark trees. Its feed rollers and debarking knives provide good debarking results. The solid frame and robust tilt frame give the harvester head the durability needed in debarking. Automated functions control saw movements according to the tree diameter and saw bar position and allow trees to be cut quickly.

All Ponsse harvester heads are manufactured and designed at the Ponsse factory in Vieremä. The design process is comprehensive and covers, in addition to mechanical parts, the electronic control system, controls and software. The manufacturing process is highly automated to ensure high quality and measuring accuracy. Durable hoses and delimbing knives form an important part of reliability. Source

Like their predecessors, the engines are characterized by high reliability, efficient performance, quick response and environment friendliness - characteristics that have now been strengthened even more through the Stage V upgrade. The Forwarder cabin provides the same operator comfort as before, while the rest of the machine has been developed for even better service conditions and higher quality.

Here are some of the news of the Forwarders in the F-series:

• The grill swings open for easier access and cleaning. The hood is opened with electric actuators - to facilitate service.
• The new larger-dimensioned fenders house easier-to-access batteries, as well as the tool box.
• The urea tank has been placed together with the central lubrication unit, fuel and hydraulic tank to facilitate easy access and re-filling.
• The new gear box in model 594, increases the tractive effort of the machine, giving it even better performance when working in difficult terrain.
• The machines are equipped with new radiators optimized for Stage V.

The Forwarders of the F-series have also had an improvement in design, mostly in the engine hood but also in the colour scheme of the machines. The position lights have a new appearance that creates a striking lighting effect in combination with the luminous Eco Log “E-logo and pine tree” in the forwarder grill. Source

The power and performance of the 580 EV is equivalent to other diesel-powered backhoes in the CASE product line and provides considerably lower daily operating costs while also producing zero emissions

The backhoe loader is perfectly suited for electrification as the varied use cycles, from heavy to light work, provide an opportunity to convert wasted diesel engine hours into zero consumption battery time — yet provide the operator with instantaneous torque response when needed. At low idle a diesel engine has reduced torque and requires time for the engine to ramp up to meet the load demands. Electric motors, on the other hand, have instantaneous torque and peak torque available at every operating speed.

The 580 EV is the second major alternative-powered machine introduced by CASE — the manufacturer rolled out the FPT Industrial methane-powered concept wheel loader ProjectTETRA at Bauma 2019. Electrification was performed in conjunction with Green Machine, Inc. and Moog, Inc., and with direct input from utilities and other businesses focused on converting significant portions of their fleets to fully electric backhoes. CASE also partnered with Michelin® to outfit the first-of-its-kind machine with specialized MICHELIN CrossGrip tires for even greater efficiency and handling.

The 580 EV is powered by a 480-volt, 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged by any 220-volt/three-phase connection. While applications will vary, each charge will support most common eight-hour workdays. The battery separately powers the drivetrain and hydraulic motors, resulting in hydraulic breakout forces equal to diesel-powered machines and improved performance during simultaneous loader and drivetrain operation.

While every application will be different based on its workload, it is estimated that the 580 EV could save fleets as much as 90 percent in annual vehicle service and maintenance costs when taking into account the reduction/elimination of diesel, engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid, regular preventive maintenance and long-term engine upkeep/maintenance (and the associated labour rates and time savings).

While the 580 EV will be sold at a higher initial price than diesel-powered backhoe loaders, it is estimated that average fleets will see a payback on that premium in roughly five years. All savings achieved after that will go to improve the bottom line and continue to lower the operation’s carbon footprint.

Each 580 EV comes standard with CASE SiteWatch™ telematics for additional monitoring and management of machine performance and utilization. Source

Vermeer is enhancing its stump cutter product line with the introduction of the patent-pending Vermeer cutting system (VCS). The VCS incorporates a new tooth design that helps reduce pocket rotation and a cutter wheel that reduces material from recirculating during operation. The VCS is available now on select new Vermeer stump cutters and will soon be available across the entire line, as well as an option for many existing models.

The new VCS solves many of the challenges associated with traditional stump cutting systems. Torquing cutter teeth daily is pretty common for most stump cutter users. Bolts that aren’t torqued properly tend to rotate in the pocket, causing premature wear and impacting the performance of the cutter wheel. The tooth design on the VCS has a mounting and retention structure that helps keep teeth from shifting in the pocket while absorbing the shearing force, instead of the bolt securing the tooth to the cutter wheel while operating. This design makes it possible to secure each set of teeth with a single long bolt and reduces the need for retorquing.

The VCS two-sided carbide V-profile cutter teeth help enhance the cutting performance of the stump cutter and can be flipped to the other side of the cutter wheel for an extended wear life. The redesigned cutting wheel and tooth placement allows material to flow past the wheel after being cut, which reduces recirculation. Also, each side of the wheel is protected by wear plates made from high abrasion resistant steel. The VCS will be offered on larger Vermeer stump cutters soon, and across the entire line in the future. Source

The four heavy-duty trucks; Volvo FH, FH16, FM and FMX, represent about two thirds of Volvo Trucks’ deliveries.  An expected growing demand for transport is putting pressure on the availability of skilled drivers worldwide. In Europe, for example, estimates show that around 20 percent of all driver jobs are vacant. To help customers recruit and retain the best drivers, Volvo Trucks has focused strongly on developing the new trucks to make them safer, more efficient and more attractive working tools for qualified drivers.

The various truck models in Volvo Trucks' range are available with many different cab models and can be optimized for a wide range of applications. In long-haul trucks, the cab is often the driver's second home. In regional transport trucks it often serves as a mobile office, while in construction the trucks are robust, practical work tools. Therefore, visibility, comfort, ergonomics, noise level, maneuverability and safety were key focal points when developing all the new truck models. The truck exterior has also been upgraded to reflect the new trucks' properties and create an attractive overall design.

The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX have a brand new cab, as well as many of the same instrument display functions as their larger Volvo counterparts. Their interior volume has been increased by up to one cubic meter, providing better comfort and more working room. The visibility is now even better due to larger windows, a lowered door line and new mirrors.

The steering wheel is equipped with a neck tilt function allowing the driving position to be individually adjusted to a greater extent. The lower bed in the sleeper cab is positioned higher up than previously, affording higher comfort and creating additional storage space underneath. The day cab has a new large storage compartment with interior lighting on the back wall. Cab comfort is further enhanced through reinforced insulation that helps shut out cold, heat and noise disturbance, while a sensor-controlled climate unit with a carbon filter promotes good air quality in all conditions.

The driver's area now has a completely new interface for information and communication, aimed at making it easier to overview and manage different functions, creating less stress and distraction. The instrument display is fully digital, with a 12-inch screen that makes it easy for the driver to choose the information needed at any time. Within easy reach of the driver there is a supplementary 9-inch side display available for infotainment, navigation, transport information and camera monitoring. The functions can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, by voice control, or via the touchscreen and display control panel.

Safety has been further improved with functions such as adaptive high beam headlights in the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16, a solution that Volvo Trucks is the first truck manufacturer to launch. The system improves safety for all road users by automatically disabling selected segments of the LED high beam when the truck approaches oncoming traffic or another vehicle from behind.

Driving is also facilitated by an improved Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for speeds down to standstill and downhill cruise control that automatically activates the wheel brakes when extra brake force is needed to maintain constant downhill speed. The Electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, now comes as standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option. A road sign recognition system detects road traffic signs, such as overtaking restrictions, road type and speed limits, and displays them in the instrument display.

The visibility can be improved further by adding a passenger corner camera which provides a complementary view of the side of the truck on the side display.

In many markets, the Volvo FH and Volvo FM are available with the Euro 6 compliant gas-powered LNG engine that offers fuel efficiency and performance on par with that of Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks, but with a far lower climate impact. The gas engine can run on either biogas, which cuts CO2 by up to 100 percent, or natural gas which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20 percent when compared with Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks. This relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank to wheel.

The new Volvo FH can also be tailored with a new efficient Euro 6 diesel engine, which is included in the I-Save package that enables significant fuel and CO2savings. In long-haul operations for instance, the new Volvo FH with I-Save combines the new D13TC engine with a package of features and can deliver fuel savings up to 7%*. There have also been improvements for the Euro 3 and 5 versions with features like Volvo Torque Assist.

With this range, Volvo Trucks is setting a new level for Uptime by increasing the engine oil drain interval by up to 50%, and introducing an advanced Real Time Monitoring system. This system continuously monitors selected Uptime critical components to help predict potential unplanned stops and turn them into planned workshop visits. Real Time Monitoring is available as an option for the Volvo Gold Contract, which has been extended with yet another offer; the Volvo Flexi-Gold Contract. The new contract allows a more flexible payment structure, as it adapts to fluctuating business due to changes in workload. Source

Employees started production on Wednesday, April 8, at the John Deere Seeding Group in Moline, Illinois. The factory manufactures planting equipment and precision ag solutions for a global customer base. Deere expects to produce 25,000 face shields in the initial stages of production and has ordered materials and supplies to produce an additional 200,000 face shields. The first 25,000 protective face shields will be delivered to 16 U.S. Deere factories in eight states as well as the company’s U.S. Deere-Hitachi factory for local distribution. The initial run will help meet the immediate needs of health-care workers in those communities. Source

Trelleborg comments on the impact of the Coronavirus

Sales for Trelleborg for the first quarter 2020 have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, particularly during the latter part of the quarter. The Group has continuously initiated measures to offset the development, entailing that the earnings trend and cash flow have been relatively stable despite the downturn in sales. The measures implemented address both costs and cash flow, and comprise focused cost-savings in the form of, for example, shortened working hours, lay-off notices and redundancies, temporary facility closures and reduced investments, and an intensified focus on working capital. All units have initiated local actions that address their unique situation. Source

New CEO of Komatsu Forest

On April 1, 2020 Jens Bengtsson will take up the position as CEO of Komatsu Forest AB, one of the world's leading manufacturers of forest machines and related services and accessories. Jens has worked in the company for 11 years and has recently held both the role of CFO and COO. Former CEO Mitsuru Ueno is now taking on a new role as Senior Fellow for the Forest Division of the parent company Komatsu Ltd. During his time as CEO, he has had two important focus areas; to ensure a new production facility with a safe and good working environment, that is prepared for an upcoming expansion of the business, and to broaden the forest machine business through strategic acquisitions such as Quadco, Southstar, TimberPro and Oryx Simulations. Source

Resources for during the COVID-19 pandemic

ARTBA is compiling information from a variety of resources to help keep its members and other transportation construction professionals informed on key issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Source

Komatsu rebrands company-owned distributors in eastern, western and southwest North America

To better support customers and leverage the power of their wholly-owned network, Komatsu has created a new structure in North America to strengthen the growth of company-owned distributor branches. A new corporate unit within Komatsu has been created and effective immediately, all company-owned distributor locations will be branded simply “Komatsu” to reflect their inclusion in the company’s global footprint. Source 

Published in the International Journal of Forest Engineering, Volume 31, Issue 1, March 2020. The authors were R Wenhold, P Ackerman, S Ackerman and K Gagliardi. Source

“Opportunity cost of several methods for determining forest biomass terminal locations in Northern Sweden”

Published in the International Journal of Forest Engineering, Volume 31, Issue 1, March 2020. The authors were S Berg and D Athanassiadis. Source