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Supplier Newsline

Tigercat 620D skidder hits the market

Tigercat has launched its 620D, the third machine in the Tigercat skidder lineup to receive the D-series upgrades.

Refinements made to the hydrostatic drive line have resulted in improved performance and fuel economy. An optional variable/reversible pitch Flexxaire engine mounted fan further contributes to energy efficiency in cooler climates by automatically matching the fan blade pitch to cooling requirements. 

The next generation IQAN control system has improved functionality and is a simpler, more intuitive user interface. The arch has been redesigned for improved visibility, more powerful arch holding force and quicker cycle time.

Inside the cab, the 620D is equipped with Turnaround. This revolutionary rotating seat has a two-position mechanical lock providing full rear-facing drive capability. The steering wheel has been replaced with an armrest mounted joystick for improved ergonomics. Drive pedals are located at both the front and rear of the cab. Combined with Tigercat's hydrostatic driveline, Turnaround allows the operator to travel in reverse while comfortably facing the rear. The full speed range is available, whether in forward or reverse.

The D-series are the most efficient, high production and operator friendly skidders ever produced by Tigercat, the company says.

www.tigercat.com

Enhancements made to Prentice wheel feller bunchers

Caterpillar Forest Products has upgraded the hydraulic system and made other enhancements to improve performance of the 173 horsepower Prentice 2470, the 190 horsepower Prentice 2570 and the 220 horsepower Prentice 2670 wheel feller bunchers.

The company also recently made enhancements to the Prentice SC-57, a new centre post saw. Together the upgraded carrier and sawheads greatly improve the productivity and reliability of the Prentice feller buncher system, the company says.

The saw pump flow capacity in the feller bunchers has been increased, resulting in a 15 per cent improvement in saw recovery time on the Prentice 2570 and a six per cent improvement in the Prentice 2670.

Multi-functioning, an advantage of Prentice wheel feller bunchers, has been enhanced with improvements to the front control valve. Simultaneous lift-tilt and lift-steer functions are over 60 per cent faster than major competitive machines. Additional adjustments provide better acceleration and faster ground speed. Operators will notice more power on hills, wet ground and rough terrain.

Hydraulic hoses have been improved to protect them from damage and reduce wear. Hoses are longer and made of an abrasion-resistant material designed to withstand abuse.

The Cummins QSB 6.7 L Tier III-compliant engine powers Prentice wheel feller bunchers.

www.prenticeforestry.com

Morbark signs dealership agreement with Strongco

Morbark has signed a dealership agreement with equipment dealer Strongco in Western Canada. With Strongco's five locations in Alberta, Morbark says its customers in western Canada now have convenient access to equipment, service and sales.

Strongco, in business for over 50 years is one of the largest multi-line industrial equipment distribution providers in Canada. It provides service in locations serving Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie.

"The partnership with Strongco closes a gap we had in terms of distribution and we're excited about the benefits this joint venture will bring to Morbark customers," says Barry Delau, Morbark International Sales Manager.

Also, Morbark has announced an agreement with Heat Transfer International (HTI) of Kentwood, Michigan. HTI is a technology company providing turnkey waste-to-energy systems, which create renewable energy through SALT gasification of biomass.

Morbark says its investment in HTI is perfectly in line with the company's decades old vision of sustainable energy through responsible forestry.

"Not only will we manufacture the finest wood reduction equipment, but we'll be producing the systems which convert wood and other organics into usable electricity and steam," says Lon Morey, President and CEO of Morbark. "Our agreement with HTI will allow us to do what we do best--manufacture large custom equipment systems with world class quality, and allow HTI to focus on managing the rapid growth of its exciting sustainable energy technology."

www.morbark.com

Progressive Solutions celebrates 20 years

Progressive Solutions Inc. (PSI), a supplier of software systems for the forestry, lumber, and building materials industries, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with the launch of a new logo. PSI also marked the occasion with the launch of a redesigned website that provides greater ease of use and faster service to its customers.

Founded in 1989, PSI has grown from a start-up to a recognized leader in the industry, thanks in large part to its commitment to product innovation, customer-focused management practices and employee development.

PSI continues to enjoy consistent growth in earnings, market share and customer base, with more than 6,000 customers using PSI systems at more than 800 locations around the world. Supporting them are 125 employees in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

www.progressive-solutions.com

Fecon refining Bio-Harvester for logging slash

The Fecon Bio-Harvester is a machine that simultaneously fells, chips, and collects small diameter woody biomass. It's said to be ideal for pre-commercial and commercial thinning applications, non-merchantable timber and brush.

The Bio-Harvester helps provide a non-agricultural renewable biomass energy supply that enhances forest management practices. It harvests fire-prone fuel material, producing wood chips from previously unutilized biomass sources. Wood chips can then be used to produce bioenergy via the generation of electricity or liquid fuel production.

The Bio-Harvester can be mounted to the Fecon FTX440, a 440 horsepower, forestry guarded, crawler tractor; or to a large, high horsepower PTO tractor. The FTX440 is also capable of towing and powering an agricultural dump wagon to collect material.

Material is chipped using Fecon Bull Hog chipper knives or carbide tools, then augured to a material processing fan and blown into a collection unit. It can discharge from the rear or the side enabling a variety of collection units.

Fecon is currently refining design of the Bio-Harvester to help increase productivity and to help make it viable for other applications such as logging slash.

www.fecon.com

Timberline tree shear now has wireless control

Sidney Manufacturing Co., LLC continues to be an industry leader in design and quality for tree shears with the addition of a wireless control option to their line of Timberline power rotating tree shears. 

Conceived in response to demand for a universal machine set-up, the wireless control allows the operator to wirelessly activate the electric diverter on the Timberline tree shear to alternate between shearing and hydraulic rotation. This capability increases the ease of operation, and reduces installation time. Placing the technology in the shear rather than the machine allows Timberline tree shears to be effortlessly mounted on any variety of available skid steer loaders, compact excavators, telehandlers and tractor loader arms.

Timberline Tree Shears offer many advantages including the ability to rotate allowing a felled tree to be cut into firewood without ever leaving the safety and comfort of the cab.

www.sidneyattachments.com