In this first issue of April, Logging-on brings information on a swath of new and interesting logging machines that are being brought to the market. Tigercat have entered the yarder market with their new 180 swing yarder. This now makes it possible for a fully mechanised yarding operation to consist of all machines from one manufacturer. Waratah has informed us that they will now be offering the Moipu range of energy heads in many of their market areas. Komatsu Forest fires from two barrels this month with the showing of the new Centipede forwarder for low impact (but still productive) logging and their new 845-1 12 ton forwarder. Finally, and still on the subject of timber extraction, Kesla has now introduced forwarder type bunks for their smaller trailers.
Now to the newsletter!
Tigercat enters the cable yarding niche with its new 180 swing yarder.
The new Tigercat 180 swing yarder is purpose-built from the ground up. It combines the speed and stability of conventional yarders with the mobility and simpler controls of excavator-based yarders. The result is a powerful and versatile yarding machine for extreme terrain logging applications. The 305 kW (409 hp) carrier was carefully designed with a component layout, hydraulic system, drivetrain, and boom system optimized for yarding. The result is high line pull, excellent stability, and efficient operation.
Designed to achieve exceptional stability, the 180 can achieve high line pull without the use of guylines in most operating conditions. The purpose-built undercarriage has a reinforced pedestal and carbody with an extended blade for added stability. The blade mounts are tied directly into the carbody for added strength. The machine can be quickly moved to the next set-up by simply lifting the blade. In operating situations where additional stability is required such as with extremely long yarding distances or low deflection conditions, a simple static guyline can be quickly set up. The machine still retains the ability to swing with this guyline attached.
The purpose-built winches are driven with efficient dedicated closed loop hydraulic circuits for smooth operations and infinitely variable speed control. The closed loop circuits provide energy when lowering the load for increased efficiency. Intuitive joystick controls, along with many programmable features reduce operator training time and increase production. Source
Spare parts will also be available through Waratah’s distribution network.
Waratah and Moisio Forest Oy, a Finland-based forest machine attachment and accessory manufacturer, have signed a co-operation agreement for sales, marketing and distribution of Moipu branded products. Waratah will begin marketing and selling the well-known Moipu energy wood solutions through its global distribution network primarily in Europe and Asia-Pacific, with some sales in other global markets. Moipu products sold through Waratah dealers will be supported by Waratah dealers and field teams, with spare parts available through Waratah’s distribution network.
Moisio Forest Oy will continue to sell products jointly with Waratah in Nordic and Baltic countries as well in the UK and Ireland. The new collaboration will expand the Moisio Forest Oy distribution as well the Waratah portfolio.
Moipu energy wood heads were first built in the 1990s and have served customers in many applications, including energy wood harvesting, early thinning, roadside cleaning, rail side cleaning and riverbank cleaning. Moipu products are designed to be installed on practically any carrier and most of the products operate without a control system or electricity. Compatible carriers include forwarders, harvesters, excavators, timber trucks, or any carrier with a crane and suitable hydraulic oil flow.
Distribution of Moipu-branded products will begin in Europe. During the transition, customers from anywhere in the world are free to contact their Waratah dealer or Moisio Forest Oy directly. Source
A new type of forest machine is currently driving around the forests of Sweden.
It combines a low-impact approach, increased productivity and an improved operator environment and is the result of a major cooperative project that has been under way since 2019. The concept machine is called Centipede and it has been developed by eight Swedish forestry companies and a forest machinery manufacturer. The machine is currently being test driven and the results are promising.
Swedish forestry is facing major challenges and the issue of sustainability is the focus of attention. For this reason, Södra, Sveaskog, SCA, Holmen, Norra Skog, Mellanskog, Stora Enso and BillerudKorsnäs, as well as the forest machinery manufacturer Komatsu Forest, have jointly developed a new forest machine for low-impact forestry. With its innovative technology, the Centipede has been developed to meet the challenges of forestry and offers three important benefits: Lower soil compaction, increased productivity and better work environment.
The machine is built to reduce the risk of ground damage, to increase transport speed and to reduce whole-body vibrations for the operator. The machine has a newly developed forestry track system, with a large support surface to minimize ground impact. It also has a fully suspended chassis to handle uneven ground conditions, enabling the speed of the machine to be increased significantly without the corresponding increase in vibrations.
With this newly developed technology, the Centipede can be driven both on sites that are normally regarded as winter sites and on sites that are significantly impacted by precipitation. In addition to being able to satisfy timber supply throughout the year and thus provide better prerequisites for profitable harvesting operations, the Centipede has a number of characteristics that will directly increase production.
As a result of its innovative design, the Centipede can move around the terrain significantly faster and can carry a larger load than the Komatsu 855, which was used as the benchmark. Both of these characteristics create conditions for significant increases in productivity. In addition, the Centipede has demonstrated in simulations that fuel consumption is reduced by up to 15 percent in soft terrain, which is also positive for both the environment and profitability.
An extensive preliminary study was implemented and a new machine concept was developed during the project. The machine has been thoroughly evaluated through simulations and test drives. The comprehensive testing will continue in spring 2022 and decisions will thereafter be made about the project’s continuation. Source
The 12-ton forwarder offers long reach with excellent lifting power and slewing torque.
With high productivity for thinning and light clear-cutting, the 12-metric-ton class forwarder offers several frame-length options. Designed for smooth and precise operation, the 845-1 has a long reach with good lifting power and slewing torque. The key specifications of the Komatsu 845-1 are:
- Gross load: 26,455 lbs. (12,000 kg)
- Power: 188 HP @ 1,900 rpm (140 kW @ 1,900 rpm)
- Tractive force: 38,218 lbs. (170 kN)
Even when fully loaded, operators can manoeuvre with confidence in the most difficult forests. The chassis and suspensions on Komatsu forwarders are designed for performance under demanding conditions. Komatsu Comfort Bogie axles with a high portal offset and V-shaped frames provide some of the highest ground clearance in the industry.
Designed to maximize performance with high power and torque with a Tier IV Final fuel-efficient engine, the sophisticated control system on the 845-1 automatically adapts to changes in engine load. Computerized HST system considers machine load, terrain conditions, power and torque output to give you exceptional tractive force. Hydraulic retarder overspeed protection ensures the driveline won't run too fast.
Operator comfort is key to productivity and the spacious and open cab on the 845-1 provides excellent visibility, ergonomic controls and a seat that delivers all-day comfort. Optional Comfort Ride suspension provides added comfort, and the ride height control keeps the cab parallel to the frame. It provides operators the benefit of machine controls they can fine-tune for sensitivity and speed or smoothness and accuracy –- whatever the job demands. The MaxiXT system monitors and controls everything from engine and crane to the transmission and service ladders.
Multiple options are available to enhance productivity and comfort, including bunk wideners, rear- and front-view video cameras, computer touchscreen and electric fuel fill pump. For ground or stump leveling on tough terrain, an optional heavy-duty stacking blade is available. Mounted with a high angle of departure for climbing obstacles, there’s no interference between blade, battery boxes or hood guard. When the temperatures drop, there is no need to lose valuable time. A standard diesel heater system heats the engine coolant, hydraulic oil and the batteries to facilitate cold-weather starting on the 845-1.
Maintenance is quickly and easily completed with a service-friendly design that features an electronically powered tilting hood. All filters are located together for easy access under the hood. Source
The bunks make it easier to position and separate logs by type in the load space.
This type of bunks is now available for the smallest Kesla 104 and 114HD tractor forest trailer models. The Kesla 104 and 114 trailer series have a net carrying capacity of 10 tons. With a 2.4 m2 (25.8 ft2) load space that can hold 7.7 to 8.9 stacked m3 (10 to 11.6 yd3) of timber, they are suitable for various work, including contract work. The 114HD model features a roller drive and can be used with cranes equipped with an up to 8.7 m (28.5 ft) boom. Both models come with a single beam frame, highly flexible load space and the best range of accessories on the market. Now, the trailers can also be equipped with forwarder-type bunks.
The design of the professional-looking bunks makes the handling of logs much easier. The serrated surface at the bottom and on the bunks’ side plates help to keep the logs in place, and the side plates offer the possibility of using timber type-specific compartments. There are also load strap points on the bunks.
The move has been facilitated by investments in trailer production machinery, making it possible to manufacture more diverse-shaped components and utilise various manufacturing techniques. Forwarder-type bunks will be available for factory orders of Kesla 104 and 114HD trailers made after the beginning of April 2022. The bunks are also available as a retrofit accessory. Source
Ponsse services in the Czech Republic have been transferred to Ponsse Czech s.r.o.
Ponsse Plc has completed the share transaction related to its business activities in the Czech Republic. Ponsse announced that it has signed a deed of sale, in which it undertakes to purchase all shares in Křenek Forest Service s.r.o., its Ponsse forest machine and service dealer in the Czech Republic. The conditions set for completing the transaction have been met, and the transaction has now been completed. Source
SP Maskiner announces a new service provider in Germany – Küpper Agrar
SP Maskiner now initiates a new cooperation with German service provider, Küpper Agrar who will offer their customers a complete range of spare parts for SP´s harvester heads. Küpper Agrar is a family business which has experience with forest and agricultural machines and a great knowledge in service and spare parts management. Source
An Irish e-commerce forestry business is ready to be harvested
As one of Ireland's largest forestry e-commerce stores, Irish Forestry Products provides a cornucopia of products to its Irish customers which are sourced from markets across Europe, Asia and North America. After 12 years in business, the owners of this family-operated company are looking to retire, which is an ample opportunity to pick up a well-oiled online venture within the EU market. IFP specialises in the online sale of both own-brand and leading brands of forestry and gardening supplies across Ireland. Enviable client base comprising a number of long-standing relationships with several state bodies, local authorities and forestry SMEs, benefitting from high client retention rates and consistently positive feedback. In addition, a vast supplier network is on hand with the potential to triple the current number of products on hand. With the knock-on effect of the pandemic, the company's sales revenue has grown by over 180% while retaining a gross profit margin of 41%. The business is easily relocatable and offers are invited. Contact paul@irishforestryproducts.ie for more information.
“Capacities characterization of wood harvest machine operators’ by cognitive and motor processes”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. Pagnussat M.B., Almeida R.M.M., Koehler H.S., Seidler R.D. and Lopes E.S.. Source
“Depth-to-water maps as predictors of rut severity in fully mechanized harvesting operations”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. J. B. Heppelmann, B. Talbot, C. Antón Fernández and R. Astrup. Source
“The impact of season on heart rate variability and workload of workers in young tree tending operations of a Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. stand: a preliminary study”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. Eunjai Lee, Kigwang Baek, Sangtae Lee, Min-Jae Cho, Yun-Sung Choi and Koo-Hyun Cho. Source