November 2024 - Issue 2

The Skogger is a unique cross between a skidder and a logger.

Developed to be a flexible and cost-effective timber handling solution for mechanised timber operations, the four-wheel drive (4WD) Skogger design concept has versatility at its core. While developed with primarily an extraction application in mind, the boom and grapple configuration lends itself perfectly to the accumulation of timber infield for extraction, sorting, stacking, and loading timber. There is also an option to install a felling kit, which utilises a felling head where tree size, terrain, or underfoot conditions necessitate a heavier 4WD carrier.

To promote good performance the Skogger utilises a simple and efficient hydrostatic-mechanical drivetrain with good ground clearance and a low centre of gravity. Its comfortable and ergonomic rubber-mounted operator cab is air-conditioned and boasts a 180° swivelling operator seat and excellent all-around visibility.

 As with all Bell machines, the Skogger is fitted with components supplied by the world’s leading OEM suppliers to provide users with a high-quality product that delivers unrivalled value to timber operations where cost-per-tonne is the number one priority. The Skogger offers the following versatility:

• Extract: As a versatile and cost-effective extraction timber handler, the Skogger can transport logs from the forest to designated landing areas in a timely and efficient manner. It’s powerful engine and advanced traction control enable the Skogger to navigate difficult terrains and ensure smooth, trouble-free timber extraction operations.
• Accumulate: The Bell Skogger can help loggers save time and effort thanks to its ability to gather and accumulate logs quickly, thereby accelerating timber accumulation operations. In addition, the Skogger can handle and accumulate timber of varying sizes and shapes, which ensures efficient operations and maximises productivity.
• Sort: Organising and categorising logs based on quality, size and intended use is simple and effective with the Skogger and promotes optimal resource management and higher profitability.
• Stack: Powerful hydraulics and precise controls enable the Bell Skogger to stack logs quickly and easily, with precision and efficiency, to help customers increase productivity.
• Load: The boom and grapple configuration makes its easy to load logs of different sizes, even in challenging terrain, while the Skogger’s powerful hydraulics and precise controls enable the efficient loading of logs for higher productivity.
• Fell: The Skogger, with its excellent manoeuvrability and stability, fitted with the MT50FH dangle felling head, packed with enough power to efficiently handle even the largest trees, is the perfect solution for felling and extracting timber in difficult terrain

The Bell Skogger, powered by the JCB Diesel Max 444 T2 Turbo engine, delivers 74 kW (101 hp) of power at 2 200rpm, ensuring good performance for timber extraction operations. Source

2024 marks 40 years since the introduction of the first 901 - one of the world's first single-grip harvesters designed from the ground up with a specific harvester chassis.

With the 901 came the Komatsu Stability Concept, which still helps machine operators work safely and productively today. Today's forestry machines are high-tech tools that combine strength and smart technology with innovations that are specially adapted for forestry. Mechanised forestry took off around the 1980s and since then a lot has happened in terms of technological development. But one thing remains the same, and that is Komatsu's stability concept, which was launched in 1984 - a full 40 years ago this year.

The breakthrough came when Komatsu engineers wanted to build a harvester from scratch, rather than on a modified forwarder chassis as was common at the time. They developed a prototype for a thinning harvester, but the difficulty was stability. After many tests, they came up with the solution that is still a hallmark of Komatsu harvesters today.

The concept consists of an innovative swing axle that improved stability by locating the engine at the rear. This design, together with a unique hydraulic levelling solution, allowed the machine to navigate difficult terrain with both high precision and efficiency. The tilt cylinders were linked to the swing axle stability cylinders, which meant very good machine control during work - even in steep terrain.

It sounds complicated - but in practice it means that if the crane is working far out from the machine and carrying a heavy tree, two stabilising cylinders work as an automatic counterforce to maintain stability. This innovation, combined with the automatically levelling cab, makes Komatsu harvesters very stable and comfortable to work in.

And that's probably the most important benefit of a stable machine. The feeling when you can sit safely and upright even though the terrain is sloping. It allows you to work in a more relaxed way and thus feel more alert at the end of the day. Four decades later, Komatsu's stability concept shows that true innovation not only stands the test of time, but continues to make life easier for operators, whatever the terrain. Source

Making the right decision when selecting an axle for your commercial vehicle can prevent expensive repairs, wear and tear, and unnecessary vehicle downtime.

Asking the right questions and knowing the terminology will ensure the longevity and best performance of your vehicle. This article from Cummins will cover some factors to consider when specifying your vehicle’s axles, including vehicle weight, terrain, duty-cycle and suspensions. 

Not all axles are built the same. Choosing the correct axle for your application will help avoid costly downtime and repairs not covered under warranty. Similarly, an improperly spec’ed axle could fail under excessive strain. Just as you would not use the same bag for different tasks, you should not expect one type of axle to fit all commercial vehicles. The following are some of the most important things to consider when selecting your vehicle’s next axle and suspension. 

The weight of your vehicle is crucial in deciding on the right axle. There are two critical metrics to understand:

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): This is the total weight of the vehicle, including the payload, fully loaded. GVW includes the weight of the vehicle itself plus all cargo, fuel, fluids, passengers, and equipment.
• Payload: This is the weight the vehicle is designed to carry, calculated by subtracting the curb weight (the weight of the vehicle without the load) from the GVW.

It is essential to consider the vehicle’s gross combination weight (GCW) to ensure the axle can manage the weight. GCW includes the total loaded weight of the truck and any trailers it may be pulling. Remember that the capacity of a tandem axle is not the same as the capacity per axle.

By carefully considering both the gross vehicle weight and payload, you can avoid overloading the axles, which may lead to premature failure and costly downtime.

The environment in which the vehicle will operate plays a critical role in choosing the right axle. Knowing the expected road conditions allows you to choose an axle that will offer optimal performance. Four common terrain classifications:

• Turnpike: Long stretches of smooth, paved roads with minimal stops.
• On-Highway: Pavement that may include occasional sharp turns, moderate stops, and starts.
• On-Highway Mountain: Steeper grades, sharp turns and extended braking intervals.
• Off-Highway: Unpaved, rough roads with higher rolling resistance.

The vehicle suspension type is closely tied to how well your vehicle handles its load. Choosing the correct suspension for the axle is crucial for maintaining vehicle stability and reducing axle stress.

• Reactive Suspension: This system induces high torsional loads, making it more suitable for rugged terrains and heavier loads.
• Non-Reactive Suspension: This system does not use the axle as a suspension element; instead, it relies on other components to absorb the load.

Matching these suspension systems specifically to the vehicle’s operational needs will prevent unnecessary wear and prolong the lifespan of your commercial vehicle.

Choosing the proper axle does not need to be complicated. While there are several options to choose from, asking the right questions will help you determine the proper axle for your vehicle. Understanding the difference between payload and gross vehicle weight will limit premature failure and costly downtime.

Road conditions, duty cycle and terrain are important when choosing the proper axle for optimal performance. This will reduce emissions and overload to your vehicle and limit unwanted repairs and maintenance. Compatibility with vehicle suspension is essential to vehicle load stabilization and reduces stress on the axles, preventing unnecessary wear and keeping you on the road. Source

This offers prospective buyers a personalized, virtual truck exploration from the comfort of their home or office

As the first OEM to offer this type of experience, Mack connects buyers directly with dedicated product specialists who provide comprehensive, one-on-one virtual tours of its truck models.

The Mack Live Tour demonstrates the commitment to meeting customers where they are, providing unprecedented access to the product line while respecting their time and convenience. This approach allows Mack to showcase their trucks' features and capabilities in a manner that is most convenient for the potential customer—all in an interactive way.

During each 30-minute session, segment-specific product specialists guide customers through detailed tours tailored to their interests. The platform features a one-way video format, allowing customers to view the specialist's perspective while maintaining the customer’s privacy. Participants can communicate through either audio or chat options.

Product specialists provide insights into the selected truck model's exterior and interior features, with customers directing attention to the details that matter most to their operations. This approach focuses on information and answers, ensuring a pressure-free environment for customer decision-making. The program is currently available to qualified buyers in the United States and Canada. Source