Select HSM cut-to-length machines use winches to assist them on steep slopes.
HSM’s 405H2L eight-wheeled harvester and 208F Hillclimber forwarder are fitted with winches for tethered harvesting and extraction on steep slopes. The Force-Synchro drive and HSW-15 winch were developed in 2010, and intended to address the limitations of the existing constant-force or speed-synchronous technologies. The system selects the force distribution and the maximum cable force, enabling it to adapt itself to site conditions and minimise soil disturbance and cable stress. Maximum traction is obtained.
The HSW-15 was specifically designed for steep slope harvesting applications. It delivers 150 kN of pulling force, regardless of the amount of cable on the drum. It uses a heavy duty planetary gearbox with a hydraulically actuated wet disc brake. A wireless remote unit controls the winch. With the winch fitted, the slope handling abilities of the machines are only restricted by the slope where the machine can no longer stop without winch assistance. Where sufficient traction is available, the machines have been tested successfully on slopes up to 100%. The winch system is intended to compliment wheel chains and band tracks for traction.
The winch is mounted onto the rear of the harvester with a quick coupling device. The winch is mounted in the heavy duty crane base of the forwarder and makes use of a camera to monitor the cable drum. Source: http://www.hsm-forest.net/cms/home_en.html