In Logging-on’s second issue of April, we again bring new equipment brought to the market by Tigercat. They continue to pay close attention to global forest trends and niche customer requirements. In the previous issue of Logging-on, we presented the new swing cable yarder, while in this issue we bring the new Tigercat 635H swing boom skidder, designed for improved timber access on demanding terrain, as well as the improved Tigercat LX830 feller buncher, which now advances to the E-Series. In the May issue of Logging-on, we will be bringing further new product releases from Tigercat. In this issue we also examine a new brush chipper from Veneer, designed to be mobile and work in confined areas. We look at the telematics system of Komatsu, which allows for integration of other OEM information. Finally, we celebrate with Ponsse as they supply their 200th forestry machine simulator into the market.
Now to the newsletter!
The ultimate skidder for extreme terrain and cable assisted logging operations.
The capabilities of the six-wheel drive 635H in steep terrain and cable assist applications have been taken to the next level with the integration of a Tigercat designed and built swing boom system initially introduced on the 635G series skidder. The additional working envelope and ability to position the grapple well outside of the working track of the machine increases productivity in applications where skidder travel is restricted or limited by terrain characteristics.
With the ability to lock the seat and operate the machine from any position with full drive controls, the Tigercat Turnaround® 220° seat is an important advantage for swing boom skidding applications. It allows the operator to position the seat at any rearward-facing angle to align the field of view to the working area of the grapple.
The slew system at the base of the boom is field-proven, using components that are common to Tigercat track machines. In addition to the increased working envelope, the boom has a more powerful lifting capacity compared with a conventional dual function arch.
For cable assisted applications, the skidder can be factory-equipped for tethering with optimally positioned frame lugs and through-the-blade cable routing. The lugs attach to the frame structure behind the front axle, closer to the payload. Source
It features an intelligent feed system and is convenient to transport in constrained areas with its single axle and weight.
The AX17 weighs under 10,000 pounds (4,535.9 kg) even with optional accessories attached. It features a patented winch boom that can be raised out of the way when not in use and a patented bottom feed stop bar. This brush chipper is built for high-capacity takedowns and can help contractors reduce manpower on jobsites.
The Vermeer AX17 brush chipper is powered by a 130 hp (96.9-kW) Cummins T4F diesel engine and has a 26 inch (66 cm) drum with two knives. It is equipped with horizontal offset feed rollers and a durable, fixed infeed table to take in large logs and tree limbs. The AX17’s intelligent feed system provides over 6,500 pounds (2,948 kg) of pull-in power. It uses the Vermeer SmartCrush system to increase down pressure on the material being fed and assist when feeding forked or branchy material. It also comes with the patented Vermeer SmartFeed feed-sensing control system that monitors engine RPMs. It automatically stops, reverses and shifts material back and forth to help reduce the need for labor at the rear of the machine. Plus, operators can use a full-function remote to operate the feed rollers, move forward or in reverse, stop the machine, control the infeed crush feature and rotate the chipper’s chute while away from the machine, further reducing the need for labour.
The AX17 can be outfitted with a patented winch boom that provides 3,200 pounds (1,452 kg) of pull-in force to help load large materials. The winch can be raised out of the way when mechanically feeding the machine. The brush chipper was built with safety in mind with its a patented bottom feed stop bar. Mounted over the feed table, the four-position upper feed control bar has dual stop positions and allows the operator to stop the feed rollers and select forward or reverse operations.
Other features of the new Vermeer AX17 brush chipper include an easy-to-access lower clean-out door and the Vermeer EcoIdle™ engine control system that minimizes fuel consumption when the machine isn’t actively being fed. Source
Designed to collect, visualize and monitor telematics data from Komatsu and non-Komatsu machines.
With Komatsu’s comprehensive digital hub, My Komatsu, contractors can get easy-to-interpret visual analyses of data collected from numerous sources displayed on easy-to-read dashboards. My Komatsu can pull data from Komtrax, Komtrax Plus, ISO API 15143-3 (AEMP 2.0) data from other OEMs, or other direct data sources and provide powerful analytics to help you manage your fleet and drive your business without managing multiple IDs and passwords.
Customers can get the most important telematics data, such as location, hours, fuel consumption, idle ratio and production, from My Komatsu for many of the other brands of equipment they may operate. If they enter the ISO 15143-3 API credentials for those brands into My Komatsu, they will no longer need to log into each OEM’s system separately each day.
The system has been designed to make it easy to collect, visualize and monitor telematics data from both Komatsu and non-Komatsu machines.
- Quickly view and manage data on one dashboard
- Receive maintenance alerts and order parts
- Troubleshoot to help minimize downtime
- Monitor for theft and unauthorized use
- Benchmark machine performance
- Track fuel consumption and manage fuel efficiency
- Access data anytime
With the ISO-15143-3 (AEMP 2.0) telematic API (application programming interface), computer code allows fleet managers to integrate new telematics digital information into existing fleet management systems. With this functionality, fleet managers can view telematics data for Komatsu and non-Komatsu machines to easily visualize the complete fleet, pull operation reports and set alerts. Here's how it works:
- Data is generated by equipment (Komatsu or non-Komatsu)
- Komatsu data flows to Komtrax data storage. ISO 15143-3 (AEMP 2.0) facilitates the extraction and raw data to your choice of database
- My Komatsu connects telematic data from all equipment or accesses it through monitoring and analysis services to create powerful analytics dashboard views
ISO integration and analytics are currently standard features with a My Komatsu registration. Source
The features and upgrades include a redesigned debris management system and an upgraded operator’s seat.
The LX830E is a powerful and stable levelling feller buncher with a compact tail swing and a high performance closed loop track drive system, well suited to steep slope thinning and final felling applications. The updated E-series cab includes a new parallel action air ride seat with integrated heating and cooling. The reclining seat is fully adjustable with seat angle and seat extension adjustment. The wider seat cushion and lumbar support provide operator comfort all day long.
The HVAC controls feature a new infinitely variable fan speed control, adjusted on the control panel or the machine control system touchscreen, adding to operator comfort. Multiple convenient storage locations with nets have been added to the cab to keep items secure. A redesigned engine enclosure provides improved roof access for clearing debris. A boom slider also reduces debris build-up in hard-to-reach areas.
A hot shutdown feature has been added. This allows the turbo to sufficiently cool before stopping the engine, improving turbo life. A larger, spring-assisted pump cover allows for easier service access to the hydraulic pump area. Hydraulic enhancements include quicker anti-stall response, consistent anti-cavitation flow and improved heat rejection. Source
The simulator was delivered to Södra Viken, a vocational education centre in Sweden.
The simulator model is the Ponsse Full, its ergonomics ensure a good training position and make learning meaningful. Ponsse and Södra Viken has worked together over a long time. Södra Viken is a school that has over 70 years of experience in education in the forest industry. The first Ponsse machine came to school in 2003.
Södra Viken has worked for education in the forestry professions since 1947. Forestry education started on Södra Viken by the forest management board in Värmland. Since 2003 the school is run by Sunne municipality.
The school really appreciate Ponsse´s service mindedness and good excellent cooperation. With Ponsse simulators, training is economical, ecological, effective and safe both for students and more experienced operators. Using Ponsse simulator, current and future forest machine operators can easily learn all key stages in forest operations and get a good feel of how to operate machines in an authentic training environment. Simulator training is also ideal for maintenance employees. The advanced ergonomics of Ponsse simulators ensures a good posture and makes learning enjoyable. Source
UK CMA blocks merger between Cargotec and Konecranes - planned merger is cancelled
The UK Competition & Markets Authority (“CMA”) has blocked the merger between Cargotec and Konecranes. According to the CMA’s final report issued today, the remedies - which would have removed all overlapping businesses of the two companies and were accepted by the European Commission (“EC”) - would not be effective in addressing the CMA’s concerns and thus the planned merger between Cargotec and Konecranes cannot be completed. The completion of the planned merger would have required approvals from all relevant competition authorities. Thus, Cargotec and Konecranes have decided to cancel the planned merger. Source
John Deere Expands Access to Self-Repair Resources
Beginning in May, Customer Service ADVISOR will be available for customers and independent repair shops to purchase directly from John Deere through JohnDeereStore.com in the US. Customer Service ADVISOR will also continue to be available via John Deere dealers. Enhancements in 2023 will include the ability to remotely download secure software updates to embedded controllers. Source
UK Prime Minister Boris opens JCB’s newest factory in India
With 11 factories in the UK employing more than 7,500 people, JCB first began manufacturing in India in 1979 and is now the country’s leading producer of construction equipment. JCB’s latest factory in India is a £100 million investment plant in Gujarat which will fabricate parts for global production lines. The new factory is located in Vadodara near the port city of Surat on the West Coast of India. Today JCB has six factories in India at locations including Jaipur and Pune. Source
“Developing computer simulations for risk assessment by cable logging rigging crews”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. C. Kevin Lyons, Jeffrey Wimer and John Sessions. Source
“Tensile forces and deflections on skylines of cable yarders: comparison of measurements with close-to-catenary predictions”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. Leo Gallus Bont, Laura Ramstein, Fritz Frutig and Janine Schweier. Source
“Effects of boom-corridor thinning on harvester productivity and residual stand structure, International Journal of Forest Engineering”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. Dan Bergström, Raul Fernandez-Lacruz, Teresa de la Fuente, Christian Höök, Nike Krajnc, Jukka Malinen, Yrjö Nuutinen, Matevž Triplat and Tomas Nordfjell. Source