Logging-on’s first issue of October brings tips and advice from Michelin on how to store and handle large off-road type tyres. Then we look at new dozers that fall into the size categories used in forestry applications. Cat has expanded features on its D1, D2 and D3 dozer models, which include improved operator functionalities and the ability to operate using remote control. We also cover the new Doosan DD100 dozer. Hiab remain focussed on its technology offerings, with a new HiVision camera system which allows the operator to see what is happening around the truck while loading through the use of virtual reality headsets. Finally, we see how MAN plans to decarbonise the trucking future and simultaneously make the transition to autonomous trucks.
Now to the newsletter!
Michelin provides us with tips on how to store and handle forestry type tyres.
The tyre’s rubber-based compounds are subject to natural aging. Limited outside storage does not adversely affect the life of the tyre but must be maintained in a specific way. When possible, store tyres indoors. The following specific storage recommendations apply:
- In a clean, dry and well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and bad weather.
- Away from any chemical substances, solvents or hydrocarbons likely to alter the nature of the rubber.
- Away from any object that may pierce the rubber (metal tip, wood, etc.).
- Away from any heat source, flame, burning object, material that may cause sparks or electric discharges and from any source of ozone (transformers, electric motors, welding stations, etc.).
- In addition, accessories must be stored in their original packaging on surfaces where there is no risk of cuts, tears or punctures.
Incorrect handling of the tyre can cause irreparable damage. In order to eliminate the risk of damage to the beads and the consequences that may result, Michelin advises:
- Not to lift a tyre directly with the hook of a crane.
- To use flat straps (not metal slings or chains).
- To pick up the tyre from under the tread and not at the beads when using a telescopic forklift truck. Source
This permits increased dozing efficiency, performance and productivity.
The technologies offered include Stable Blade Lift and Tilt, Blade Load Monitor, Slow Slip Traction Control and AutoCarry™. The D1-D3 dozers also offer a Cat Command for dozing Remote Control (RC) ready option plus include added mounting features and wire harness routing paths to streamline installation of third-party Grade control systems. Simplifying training and operator transition from small to medium machines, small dozers now provide a common technology solution with Cat Command on medium dozer models.
The Cat operator assist ease-of use features expand on existing technologies: Traction Control, Stable Blade and Slope Assist. Bundled with the Cat attachment ready option (ARO) with Assist and Grade 3D with Assist packages, new Stable Blade Lift and Tilt improves performance over Stable Blade. The feature combines accelerometers with an advanced control algorithm to automatically make minor blade raise, lower, and left/right tilt commands to compensate for machine movement, resulting in a smoother surface.
New Blade Load Monitor, Low Slip Traction Control and AutoCarry are integrated into Cat Grade 3D with Assist. Blade Load Monitor produces real-time feedback of current versus target machine load, assisting both novice and experienced operators to fully use machine capacity. Automatically compensating for ground conditions, this technology actively monitors both machine load and track slippage and provides feedback to the operator on current load compared to optimal pushing capacity.
With its two operating modes – normal and low slip – Low Slip Traction Control automatically prevents excessive track slip to increase machine efficiency while reducing operator burden. The default normal mode setting automatically limits non-productive track slip when pushing heavy blade loads. Operator-selected low slip operation technology substantially limits track slip in applications sensitive to any minor track slip like material spreading on top of a liner.
Working in unison with other operator assist features, AutoCarry automatically raises and lowers the dozer blade to maximize pushing capability and prevent excessive track slippage when pushing heavy loads. When activated by the operator, AutoCarry remains in standby mode until the blade is fully loaded and then automatically engages without the need for Slope Assist or Grade 3D automatics to activate the technology.
Cat Command allows the dozers to be remotely operated from a safe distance, eliminating safety risks from potentially dangerous applications. The technology helps increase machine productivity and decrease downtime by allowing production to restart immediately following disruptive processes. By integrating with machine electronics, it allows users to retain the same control as they would operating inside the cab.
Maintaining access to advanced machine features, Cat Command for dozing is available in two configurations – line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight control. The ergonomic control layout of the lightweight, over-the-shoulder Command console provides line-of-sight machine control from up to 400 m (1,312 ft) away, allowing for convenient remote operation. Ensuring the user maintains dozer control at all times, integrated Cat electronics activate multiple safety features to stop all machine movements under the following conditions: the all-stop switch is pressed; command stop is activated; wireless communication is lost; a severe fault is detected; or the Command console is tilted more than 45 degrees from normal operator position.
The customized non-line-of-site Command station positions the user in a familiar and comfortable seated position, simulating traditional machine control. A single station allows users to control multiple Cat machines one at a time, and it is compatible with other Command offerings for Cat equipment. Station components include machine joystick and foot pedal controls plus a touchscreen mount for machine control. Universal screen mounts are included for dozer camera displays. Source
The DD100 dozer is at the top of its class for operating weight and horsepower.
Ideal for residential and light commercial construction, the dozer’s main task is fine grading. Setting the DD100 dozer apart from other manufacturers in the under 140 hp (103 kW) size class is the machine’s power-to-weight ratio. Productivity is driven by the dozer’s 6-way variable angle pitch blade. Customers can choose from two blade options: a standard 2.9 yd3 (2.2 m3) blade or an optional 3.4 yd3 (2.6 m3) capacity blade. The blade moves freely to lift, tilt and angle, and offers two-way mechanical adjustments to change the blade pitch to control how steeply the blade will dig into the ground. Operators can adjust the blade pitch from 54 to 58 degrees. Also available is a blade shake button for operators to quickly remove materials stuck to the blade.
Advanced technologies in the new DD100 dozer deliver more precision to help operators meet exacting specifications. A 2D grading system option is available to make precision grading easier, even for novice operators. For further grading accuracy, Doosan offers a 3D machine guidance and machine control option in partnership with Trimble. The 3D system requires the installation of a second monitor in the cab and uses GPS technology for greater grading accuracy and ease of operation.
The DoosanCONNECT® Telematics system is a standard feature on the Doosan dozer, making it easy for customers to remotely monitor and maintain their machine. They can monitor the health, location and productivity of the dozer from a user-friendly mobile app and website. The customer’s dealer can also see the equipment status and notify them when it’s time for service to minimize machine downtime.
One of the biggest differences between the DD100 dozer and other brands is the visibility to the machine’s blade. The front engine compartment of the Doosan DD100 dozer offers a narrower design to make it easier for operators to see their work. For further visibility and safety, a standard rearview camera provides operators with an additional view of the dozer’s surroundings. Also standard are high-illumination LED lights and four premium wiper blades.
Doosan designed the dozer cab to offer best-in-class operator comfort. It starts with a smooth ride, thanks to an air-suspension artificial-leather seat, even when starting and stopping the dozer. The machine’s heating and air conditioning system is designed to keep operators comfortable in every season, and front and door glass defrost vents help improve visibility.
A user-friendly, multilingual Doosan Smart Touch screen displays all important settings and information on one screen. Operators can easily read the touch screen, monitor critical machine functions and control machine settings, such as the rearview camera, heating and cooling, radio and Bluetooth® wireless technology. Operators have access to a hands-free audio system and can connect a Bluetooth device to play music. They can also answer phone calls using the hands-free mode.
The Doosan DD100 dozer is powered by a 3.4-liter D34 diesel engine and does not require the use of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet current emissions standards. The same engine has been used in other Doosan machines and has performed well. Operators can select the dozer’s ECO mode to reduce daily fuel consumption up to 5% without sacrificing grading performance. This fuel-saving feature lowers the pump power output when working in lower tractive conditions. Source
Hiab’s HiVision™ for forestry cranes uses external cameras to show the cranes surrounding.
The operators sees the surroundings using virtual reality (VR) goggles inside the truck cabin. This improves productivity, reduces the weight of the equipment and provides a more comfortable and safer working environment for the operator. HiVision 2.0 has an improved camera system combined with a powerful computer and goggles. This supports a higher frame rate as well as a better resolution and brightness to create a more natural viewing experience. It is also possible to retrofit existing Loglift or Jonsered forestry cranes with the first version of HiVision.
The new HiVision 2.0 reduces the issues of dizziness or blurred vision, commonly associated with the use of VR technology. The solution continues to offer improved precision, safety and comfortable work environment of the forestry cranes and has proven very popular with the customers who bought the first version of HiVision. Source
An additional issue is the worsening shortage of truck drivers.
MAN Truck & Bus will be providing answers to these questions at the IAA Transportation 2022 and shaping the change: in conventional products with even lower consumption, even more workplace attractiveness and comfort for drivers as well as even more innovative digital services; for future CO2-free and intelligently networked transport with the development of autonomous vehicles and the market launch of the purely electric large-series truck from 2024, which MAN will be showing for the first time in Hanover as a trade fair premiere in front of a large audience as a near-series prototype. With a daily range of up to 800 kilometres and megawatt charging capability, the new eTruck will not only electrify long-distance transport, but with its versatility also all common transport segments covered by diesel trucks today. Its production with conventional trucks on a series production line makes the switch from diesel to electric particularly flexible. Together with comprehensive advice on electromobility and charging infrastructure, MAN thus makes it much easier for transport companies to switch to CO2-free drives.
The change towards sustainable, climate-neutral mobility is taking place ever faster, also and especially in the transport industry. That is why MAN is focusing on the three megatrends accompanying the change at this year's IAA Commercial Vehicles: Zero emissions for the CO2-free transport of goods by road, digitalisation for the optimal integration of trucks into transport processes and autonomous driving for more safety and efficiency, a targeted use of the scarce resource of driving personnel and the intelligent climate-friendly combination of different modes of transport. But actively shaping this transformation also means remaining innovative with conventional products.
The focus of MAN's trade fair presentation is the near-series prototype of the new MAN eTruck, which will go into service with the first customers from 2024. A special technical feature of the pioneering electric lion is its preparation for future megawatt charging: high charging capacities with short charging times make the electric truck suitable for heavy-duty long-distance transport with daily ranges of between 600 and 800 kilometres, and at a later date even up to 1000 kilometres. Together with low operating costs and the best energy balance, battery electric vehicles offer the most suitable technology for future CO2-free commercial vehicle fleets. In terms of application diversity and possible body concepts, the future MAN eTruck is in no way inferior to today's diesel truck: the CO2-free long-distance transport of refrigerated food will be just as possible with it as low-noise and exhaust-free waste disposal in the city or the fully electric transport of materials to the construction site.
Alongside CO2-free drives, autonomous driving is an essential lever for the transformation to sustainable freight transport. The advantages: fewer accidents due to human error, more flexibility and efficiency by detaching transport processes from statutory driving and rest times, and a reduction in unattractive driving tasks on long distances in favour of more demanding and varied driving activities in urban and regional transport for the few drivers still available. Source
Pezzolato adds the PTH 30.50 medium / small-range professional drum chipper to its range
The chipper is suitable both for the maintenance of greenery and even bulky material with ease. It is designed for the wood and forest maintenance operator who needs to dispose of material, reduce its volume to prevent forest fires and to produce quality wood chips. A stationary version with an electric motor is also available for carpentry or pellet producers. Source
Introducing the all-new Fecon Connect
Fecon LLC, continues to invest in technology to support customers, and has launched an e-commerce site that allows users to purchase spare parts and accessories for their Fecon products anywhere, anytime. This new site, coupled with a new facility dedicated entirely to aftermarket parts, will allow faster order fulfilment to keep customers up and running without interruption. Source
“Log truck insurance premiums, claims, and safety practices among logging businesses in the US South”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2022. Joseph L. Conrad IV. Source