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TECH UPDATE
______________________
Tech Update: SKIDDERS
Tech update editor: Helen Johnson
Please fill
in our Reader Request Form located at the bottom for more information
on these products.
Trans-Gesco
The TG88C grapple skidder from Trans-Gesco offers power and low ground
pressure, plus the advantages of a 45-square-foot grapple mounted on an
18-foot-reach dual boom set. The booms fold upon themselves for better
weight distribution and the ability to push in difficult ground
situations. Productive on short and long skidding distances, the TG88C has
a 35-ton payload capacity, short loading time and traction. It is an
effective, safe complement to grapple yarder and high-lead operations. The
TG88C track clambunk skidder is powered by a 350-hp engine and offers
proven 100 per cent hydrostatic drive traction with 160,000 lbs of draw
bar pull. Other features include productivity, manoeuvrability, 80.5-inch
bogies, a choice of track shoes from 28 to 60 inches wide. The robust TG
loader, with a gear reduction swing box, is controlled by load sense
hydraulics for fast and smooth functions. With a 35-ton load capacity, the
loader is an off-road hauling truck for long skidding distances.
www.transgesco.com Reader
Service Card #695
Berfor, Divison of RAD
Technologies Inc
The FORCAT 2000 from Berfor is a small size, low impact skidder for select
logging and soft areas. Powered by a 24-hp Onan engine and a hydrostatic
drive, the FORCAT 2000 is impressive when it comes to pulling logs, the
company says. The hydrostatic system gives an independent drive on both
tracks for better manoeuvrability and ground traction. The machine
operates well in soft areas because of its low ground impact that is
lighter than a footprint at 2.3 psi. The FORCAT 2000 is equipped with a
powerful winch, a front blade and a rear back plate—all hydraulically
powered. www.radinter.com
Reader Service Card #696
Tigercat
The line-up of Tigercat skidders includes the 620, the 630, the 635 and
the C640 series. The mid-sized, 174-hp, 620—for thinning,
selective
logging and final fell applications—has the greatest torque and largest
grapple in its class, the company says. The hydrostatic drive combined
with Tigercat’s single-range transfer case provides variable speed control
from 0-12.6 mph. Maximum horsepower is available regardless of wheel speed
and gear shifting is eliminated for reduced operator fatigue. The 630
series skidders offer high production in rough terrain, on slopes and for
long distance skidding. Other features include oversized grapple
components, a long wheel base for larger loads. The 630B has a cross-flow
cooling system, side-by-side radiator and oil cooler perpendicular to
conventional arrangements. The six-wheel drive, 240-hp 635 offers a high
lift boom that elevates the load for reduced drag resistance. The 240-hp
C640 is suited to soft terrain and long haul skidding of large loads with
low drag resistance. All Tigercat skidders offer quiet, climate-controlled
isolation mounted cabs that tilt for service.
www.tigercat.com Reader
Service Card #697
Apache Forest Products Inc
The series of single-drum Tajfun logging winches from Apache Forest
Products mount easily to a tractor by a three-point linkage system. The
independent hydraulic systems are PTO shaft driven and Tajfun uses triple
and five-disc friction clutches for increased endurance and optimal
performance. The machines are available with either a mechanical or
hydraulic brake, with the hydraulic option including a remote control
system. Other features include large drums for abundant rope capacity,
safe and simple controls, robot welding of demanding parts and a bottom
pulley and coupling for towing vehicles. Using environmentally friendly
technology, the winches are useful in selective cutting. The models in the
series have pulling powers from 6,614 lbs to 22,046 lbs, and the winches
weigh from 518 lbs to 1,720 lbs. All Tajfun winches have a differential
brake band for safe operation.
www.apacheforest.com Reader Service Card #698
Caterpillar
The new 225-hp Caterpillar 545 wheel skidder has a longer wheel base of
151 inches and can handle dual-function arch and large capacity bunching
grapples. It complements the smaller Cat 525 and 515 skidders and features
a Cat 3306 DITA (direct injected, turbocharged, aftercooled) engine with a
displacement of 10.5 litres
for better pulling capability, lower internal
stresses and extended component life. The large, heavy-duty torque
converter provides torque multiplication that enhances skidder performance
by enabling the engine to operate in its optimal rpm range and by reducing
the need for frequent shifting. The torque converter has an integral
lock-up clutch that allows the skidder to operate in converter drive or
direct drive for high fuel efficiency. The five-speed transmission matches
power to the load size and ground conditions and the hydraulically engaged
differential locks can be engaged on-the-go via a fingertip control for
improved performance in soft ground conditions. The front axle cradle acts
as a working counterweight and balances the machine for skidding on
slopes. Oscillation of 15 degrees helps isolate the cab from axle
movement. Other features include load-sensing hydraulics and an Auto-Grab
feature to monitor tong pressure and securely hold grapple loads while
skidding. www.cat.com Reader
Service Card #699
Blount/Prentice
Designed with a tough, dependable drive train, Prentice 490 skidders are
dependable and productive. The 6BTA 173-hp Cummins power plant drives a
smooth pulling torque converter transmission with six forward and three
reverse gears. The torque converter transmission delivers smooth power to
the wheels allowing for efficient manoeuvring in tight spots. The smooth
power delivery also reduces wheel spin in soft ground conditions,
minimizing ground disturbance. The 490 comes in dual arch or single arch
configurations with multiple grapple selections and a direct drive winch
that match the machine to a wide range of timber harvesting conditions.
The outboard planetary design lowers stress in the axles and the wheel-end
planetary housings are supported with dual roller bearings. Other features
include rugged outboard planetary axles and a comfortable, four-step-entry
cab. www.blount-fied.com
Reader Service Card #700
John Deere
John Deere G-III skidders are powered and designed for productivity,
pulling bigger loads with versatility and technology. From the agile
540/548G-III to the 848G, the machines offer cable, grapple, solid direct
drive or torque converter powershift. Deere skidders reduce downtime, as
well as operating costs, with increased durability from reliable
transmissions and robust axles, including the Super Wide Extreme Duty Axle
(SWEDA) for flotation tires and duals. All models use dependable,
easy-starting PowerTech engines that develop a high torque rise in both
the 6.8- and the 8.1-litre versions for torque-on-demand performance. Dual
cylinder grapple design gives fast load pick-up and secure skidding hold,
while the optional single lever pilot grapple control offers effortless
productivity, the company says.
www.deere.com Reader Service Card #701
Timberjack
With many upgrades and improvements, Timberjack skidders are more durable
and versatile than ever before, the company says, with the most pull, the
latest technology and the least downtime. The lineup includes nine models
from the lightweight 360D to the 660D. Choices include cable, single and
dual arch grapple configurations, direct drive or torque converter
powershift transmissions and a choice of axles. Dependable
electronically-controlled Deere PowerTech engines and proven direct-drive
transmissions are standard for high torque. The Timberjack 460D and 560D
skidders now offer the Super Wide Extreme Duty Axle (SWEDA) option.
Grapple performance is highlighted in the dual-cylinder design and
through-the-centre hose routing that eliminates exposed hoses Single and
dual arch grapples can be equipped with a single lever pilot grapple
control for increased productivity and comfort.
www.timberjack.com Reader
Service Card #702
Allied Systems
The Ranger Model H Series II skidders from Allied Systems Company
incorporate upgrades that make the H66DS and H67 machines effective and
reliable. The rear frame on the H67 grapple models has been extended by 10
inches to produce a 150-inch wheel base, improving stability and pulling
power. By transferring some of the weight forward, the Ranger handles even
larger drags while keeping all wheels on the ground. Parker 471ST hoses
for the steering and grapple system provide durable abrasion resistance,
the company says, while the steering wheel can now be adjusted up or down
through a 40-degree angle. The new radiator in the H Series skidders has
three independent, side-by-side cooling systems for the engine coolant,
transmission/torque converter oil and hydraulic oil, providing efficient
cooling, lower operating temperatures and extended component life.
www.alliedsystems.com
Reader Service Card #703
TimberPro
Besides making recent improvements to its eight-wheel clam bunk and
forwarder, TimberPro has developed a six-wheel grapple skidder. The dual
arch grapple has a 25-square-foot grapple that opens to 144”. The large
cab allows hydraulic-powered 180-degree rotation of the seat, including
all controls, while the short wheel base makes for good manoeuvrability,
the company says. The standard engine is a 260-hp Cummins, with a 300-hp
charge air engine available. Standard tires are 30.5 in the front and 28L
on the bogie axle. The TS820-E clam bunk has a 32-square-foot clam bunk
capacity and weighs 51,740 lbs. The TS820-E arch grapple has a
25-square-foot capacity and weighs 51,760 lbs.
www.timberpro.com Reader
Service Card #704
Kootenay Manufacturing
Kootenay Manufacturing Company Ltd claims to make the only true
hydrostatic drive track skidder in the industry, with balanced weight
distribution, torsion bar sprung suspension and live high-speed steel
track. The forward mounting of the power train and the skidder’s ability
to carry the log load well forward on the machine allow the combined
weight of the machine and payload to be spread over the length of the
tracks. Each set of road wheels can move up and down independently,
allowing the tracks to conform to uneven surfaces. The track skidders are
available as choker arch, single and dual arch grapples and swing
grapples.
The 2000 series machines are powered by 174-hp Cummins 6BTA5.9 diesel engines. Designed to haul medium to large timber in any operating conditions, the KMC 2400 extendable choker arch extends hydraulically toward the load, then retracts as the load is winched in, lifting the butts onto the rear deck, close to the machine’s centre of gravity. The KMC 2500 single arch or dual function grapple is designed primarily to skid pre-bunched or medium to large diameter wood on steep slopes, in boggy or sensitive soils. The KMC 2600 swing grapple picks up loads on either side and well to the rear of the machine. It is well-suited to hand-felled wood and can help manoeuvre logs around standing trees. www.kmc-kootrac.com Reader Service Card #705
International Silvatech
The four Morgan grapple skidders available from International Silvatech
Industries Inc include the SX-704 SB, the SX-706 SB, the SX-704 DF and the
SX-706 DF. The machines feature seamless speed range forward or reverse to
approximately 18 kph. With about 8,000 fewer moving parts in the
driveline, the skidders have fewer potential failure points, less downtime
and a lower centre of gravity. The drive system provides 100 per cent
power to all wheels all the time even in turns under full load. The
SYNCROTRACK system results in reduced tire wear and full-time traction
control. Cabs are ROPS/FOPS certified, feature joystick controls and an
operator seat that rotates 355 degrees plus, in 15 degree lockable
increments. The SX-704 SB and the SX-706 SB offer a swing of 180 degrees,
a lift height of 12’ and 15’ of reach. Decking of the load on the fly can
be achieved without drawing over the deck, resulting in reduced cycle
times, higher productivity and no damaged trees, the company says. The
Morgan SX-704 DF and the SX-706 DF feature a unique design of the arch and
the rear frame of the machine to allow for greater reach, height and
visibility for quick cycle times and safety. The SX-704 DF has an
18-square-foot grapple, while the SX-706 DF has a 22-square-foot grapple.
www.morganforestry.com
Reader Service Card #706
Franklin Equipment
The Franklin/Treefarmer line of cable and grapple skidders consists of
four-wheel, rubber-tired frame articulated vehicles, available with front
axles or centre section oscillation. All the machines are powered by
Cummins engines and feature heavy-duty planetary axles. The current cable
skidder product line—designed to forward timber from the felling site to
the loading area by means of a rear-mounted winch—offers several
powershift models, including the 405 S2, the 170 S2, the 185 S2, the Q70,
the Q80 and the Q90. The models feature four - or six-speed powershift
transmissions and horsepowers ranging from 152 to 230 Franklin’s grapple
skidders move timber to the loading area by means of a rear-mounted
hydraulically actuated grapple.
The 405 S2 and the 170 S2 feature the FH-34 grapple, with a 34,000-lb capacity. The 185-hp Q70 has a four-speed transmission and two winches: the FH-34 and the M36A Franklin H-42 grapple with a 37,000-lb capacity. The 230-hp Q90 features a six-speed transmission and the Franklin H-42 grapple with a 37,000-lb capacity and a Franklin M56 dual arch grapple assembly with a 127” opening bunching grapple and continuous rotation grapple. www.franklin-treefarmer.com Reader Service Card #707
Please fill
in our Reader Request Form located at the bottom for more information
on these products.
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