They apply to the M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, Harvesters, and Shovel Loggers.

Enhancements have been made to the previously released Smooth Boom Control (SBC), as well as Improved Seat and Heated-Ventilated Seat (HVS) and Premium Radio that is XM ready. Updated Smooth Boom Control (SBC) improves the amount of pressure needed to operate a function, giving the operator more feel and control of the movement, especially during fine metering. This allows for a wider tuning range for individual functions and improves the set-up for multiple operator preferences and skill levels. A machine's ability to adapt to any operator using equipment for extended periods is important to productivity.

The new dual density foam seat provides more support and comfort during operation. With improved seat cushioning, built-in contoured lumbar and thigh support and additional clearance for their thighs, all sizes of operators can feel comfortable in any desired seating position.

Additionally, John Deere has added adjustable suspension dampers to reduce vibration and provide more variable dampening. Lastly, for improved overall comfort, a heated and ventilated seat option has been made available. All seat configurations come with either a standard wide lap belt, or optional four-point harness. Source

Komatsu Forest produces a mobile fuel tank which can be transported by a forwarder.

Refuelling can take up a great deal of time when working in the forest. That is why Komatsu offers a fuel tank that increases forest machine productivity while being rugged enough to handle demanding forest environments.

The tank’s generous 872-litre (192 gal) capacity is enough to refuel your forest machine several times on location in the forest where you are working. The fuel tank is approved for transport on public roads to get it as close as possible to the forest worksite, with the fuel tank loaded on a forwarder for the final stretch.

Refuelling is achieved quickly and safely with the machines electric filling pump, which pumps the fuel from the tank. While the machine is being refuelled, you can take the opportunity to perform the daily inspection and any service measures.

The fuel tank is easily unloaded and transported to its final destination using a forwarder. An optional level gauge is available. An optional frost-free connector hose is also available, to enable refuelling in colder climates. Sensitive equipment and connectors are protected by hoods, which can also be padlocked. The tank is made from steel. It weighs 276 kg (608 lb) when empty. Source

The BL5/EX/VT mulcher is designed for excavators up to 36 tons.

This new head is great for handling and removing vegetation in wooded areas, especially when a large shredding capacity and fast operational speed is required. The BL5/EX/VT can mulch vegetation up to 16 in (41 cm) in diameter, is compatible with 24 to 36 ton excavators and has a working width of 62 in (157 cm).

The BL5/EX/VT's most popular feature is the rotor with Bite Limiter technology, which has special wear-resistant steel limiters that limit the teeth's reach. This technology cuts down on power demand and promotes a consistent working speed that results in excellent performance when mulching any kind of wood. The Bite Limiter technology also minimizes rotor stalling and optimizes fuel consumption.

The BL5/EX/VT has a Variable Torque (VT) motor that delivers a noticeably better performance and increases torque when needed, to minimize rotor stalling. Like all FAE products, the BL5/EX/VT's sturdy steel frame is built to last, and the Poly Chain belt drive provides optimal power transfer and reliability.

The BL5/EX/VT can be equipped with the Sonic system - available only from FAE - which keeps the operating carrier and the FAE mulcher synced with automatic mulcher calibration. The Sonic system continuously manages the mulcher's hydraulic settings, achieving a significant boost in overall productivity, up to 30%. The Sonic system also minimizes rotor stalling and shortens recovery time thanks to the quick recovery of the rotor’s rpm. This head can also be equipped with a hydraulic thumb to facilitate the handling of ground material.

The addition of the BL5/EX/VT completes FAE's line of forestry mulchers for excavators with Bite Limiter technology, which now ranges from 4 tons, with the BL1/EX all the way up to 36 tons, with this newest machine. Source

Fecon is a manufacturer of heavy-duty forestry mulching equipment and related forestry accessories.

Fecon was founded in 1992 and is based in Lebanon, Ohio. The company serves a variety of end markets, including utility and infrastructure maintenance, right of way/site development, fire prevention and other applications.

Fecon has burnished its position as a trusted supplier to the market, supported by its good products, strong dealer network, robust IP portfolio, focus on new product innovation and good customer service. The Company has a large installed base and more than 550 dealer customers nationwide.

Fecon’s strong market positioning, bolstered by robust vegetation management trends offers great opportunity for growth to the new investor, both organically and through acquisition. Established in 1992 near Cincinnati, Fecon manufactures the Bull Hog, which Fecon claims is the number one selling forestry mulcher. They also manufacture tracked carriers and tractors, as well as a full range of attachments and other equipment for vegetation management. Their products are sold through equipment dealers and distributors worldwide. Source

Designed for tracked excavators, they contribute up to 13% more productivity and are easy to operate.

The introduction of these models provides a portfolio of TRS for machines from 11 to 30 metric tons (24,250 to 66,140 lb).  The tiltrotators have the capability for 360-degree bi-directional rotation and 40-degree left and right tilt, allowing the machine to work from many different angles with less machine repositioning.

TRS10, 14, 18, and 23 models are available with pin-on or S-type coupler top interfaces and S-type coupler bottom interfaces. Using a tiltrotator with a coupler top allows the operator to maximize the versatility of attachments by switching them out for application and task appropriate purposes. An optional grapple module allows the operator to move materials out of the way, such as large rocks or pipe, without switching attachments.

Key components, including an oil-filled gear box, single-point lubrication system and innovative control system, factor into the ease of maintenance and operation features. Long-term reliability and durability for the tiltrotators result from the heavy-duty bolted joint that secures the housing, rotator and coupler as a unit. The worm gear drive is designed with wide bearing surfaces that distribute excavation forces in all directions. In addition, the gear drive is submersed in oil to ensure positive lubrication in all operating conditions. Pins, shafts and bushings feature heavy duty construction, and the hydraulic rotator motor is protected inside the cast rotator housing.

Machine controls allow for simultaneous tilt, rotation and machine movement. The short profile of the TRS unit helps maintain consistent breakout forces for digging experienced with a regular coupler.

Tiltrotators also come with a variety of built-in safety features. The double-acting tilt cylinders have built-in load holding valves to keep the attachment secure to the unit in the event of a pressure loss. Additionally, operators remain inside the cab while switching attachments for using the optional grapple module to move heavy objects. Source

Bandit Industries has announced major expansions of its manufacturing facilities

Bandit Industries plans to build three new production facilities and expand an existing plant in 2022. That is in addition to four building expansions in 2021, one that is completed and three more that are currently under construction. When all are completed, Bandit’s manufacturing facilities will increase from 340,000 square feet to 560,000 square feet. The demand for Bandit products and the backlog has skyrocketed to where Bandit needs to double its 2020 production, a record year for Bandit. Bandit employs 600 people, up from 450 in 2020. Bandit presently has 100 positions to fill and plans to add more employees in 2022 when the new facilities are completed. Bandit will introduce three new products in 2022 that will add to the product demand. Source

The 750,000^th JCB engine has come off the production line

The 750,000th engine has just come off the line at JCB Power Systems in Derbyshire where production first began in 2004. Engine production was extended to India in 2011- helping to power JCB to the landmark figure. More than half of the 750,000 engines have been made at JCB Power Systems which produces a range from 55 to 212kW. The engines are used to power JCB’s products as well as those of customers producing equipment as diverse as road sweepers, screeners and crushers and barges. JCB India’s Delhi plant currently manufactures around 48 engine variants for the Indian market and for export. Among the highlights of the past 17 years of engine production was a Queen’s Award for International Trade for JCB Power Systems in 2016 honouring a 325% growth in third party sales. Source

Isuzu and Cummins announce a battery electric truck collaboration

Cummins and Isuzu Motors Limited announced an agreement to create a prototype medium-duty, battery electric truck to demonstrate in North America. This truck represents the first zero-emissions solution facilitated by the Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership (ICPP) formed in May 2019. Through this arrangement, Cummins will integrate the Cummins PowerDrive6000 into Isuzu’s F-Series truck and will pilot the truck with prominent North American fleets beginning in 2022. Following a successful demonstration and pilot phase, Isuzu will explore opportunities to commercialize medium-duty, battery-electric trucks with Cummins-powered systems across North America. Source