Main Page

Features

Index Page
Spotlight
Hardwood Sawmilling
Harvesting1
Harvesting2
Veneer
Residual Wood
Equipment Changes
Small Sawmilling
Mill Profile

--------------------
Departments

Supplier Newsline  
TechUpdate
Calendar of Events 
Column: Industry Watch
Reader Request Form

---------------------
Site Information

Contact List
Subscription Info
Past Issues Archive
Join our Listserve
----------------------

TECH UPDATE

Harvesting & Felling Heads

Tech Update Editor:  Helen Johnson

Please fill in our Reader Request Form located at the bottom for more information on these products.  

We also have a pdf file summarizing the Harvesting Heads: Specs at a glance available for download.

*********************************************

AFM-Forest Ltd 
AFM-Forest harvester heads from Finland are designed for flexibility and versatility and can be installed on different kinds of base machines to achieve the best results. With four knives and a maximum cutting capacity of 28", the powerful 5,280-lb AFM 80 Magnum can carry out cut-to-length and tree length cutting operations. With four delimbing knives, two of them fixed, and a maximum delimbing diameter of 32", the Magnum has a .404" chain with a speed of 42 m/sec and a 30" bar. The 2,860-lb AFM 60 has a 24" cutting capacity and is suited for softwood forests, while the smaller, 2,728-lb AFM 55 Husky also has a cutting capacity of 24" and is suited to softwood clearcutting and thinning. The AFM 60 has two delimbing knives, one fixed, and a 25" bar, while the Husky has four delimbing knives, two fixed, and a maximum delimbing diameter of 20". The AFM 45 and 50 Coronas can fell trees up to 20" in diameter. With four delimbing knives, two of them fixed, the Coronas are manoeuvreable inside tight first-thinning forests, but are powerful enough to handle some clearcut operations, the company says. Reader Service Card #850

Caterpillar 
Caterpillar's four models of cut-to-length harvesting heads complement the company's wheeled and track-type carriers. The heads are designed for tasks from first thinning to final felling and range in weight from 1,565 lbs to 3,219 lbs. The HH45, HH55, HH65 and HH75 models use a patented feeding mechanism that keeps the feed rollers centred on the stem as the diameter changes. The feed roller pressure varies at the same time to ensure maximum grip without damaging the stem. Maximum cutting diameters range from 20" to 30", while maximum delimbing diameters range from 17" to 23". Fixed delimbing knives are attached to the tilt frame and movable knives, made from heat-treated steel, are hydraulically controlled to adjust to the tree's contour. The computer-aided bucking system receives and encodes the diameter measurements via single or dual delimbing knife sensors. Other features include cross calipering, an independent hydraulic arm on the measuring wheel, precise electro-hydraulic controls, simultaneous head and carrier operation, solid rubber chain-wrapped feed rollers and automatic chain saw tensioning. Reader Service Card #851

Davco Manufacturing 
The QC 1200 (quick cut) feller buncher from Davco Manufacturing Ltd weighs 1,100 lbs and has a cutting capacity of up to 14". With a high-speed 1 5/8-inch kerf and rotatable square teeth, the QC1200 has a 36-inch diameter saw and a universal quick attach mount. Optional is the spring-loaded accumulator arm. Although it is suitable for mounting on a small boom-type carrier, the recommended carriers include the Posi-Track HD4500 series or HD4810 crawler/tractor. It is also adaptable to other skid steers. Hydraulic flow requirements are 25 to 30 gpm (3000 psi). Reader Service Card #852

Denharco 
Denharco introduces the new DHT650 harvester/processor, a head designed and built in North America. Suited to all operating conditions in either hard or softwood, the DHT650 offers power and performance without sacrificing productivity or precision, the company says. Features include heavy-duty construction and rotator, a choice of rubber or steel feed rollers with 8,900 lbs of traction, new generation, high-speed trimming and bucking saws with automatic lubrication and chain tensioning system and the Denharco-designed Optilog measuring system for quick and accurate tree length, long logs or short wood production. Denharco's SH series of harvester/ processors includes the 3,300-lb SH600 with a triangular feed-roller mounting that ensures greater feed force and higher precision measuring. With a maximum cutting diameter of 25", the head has four moving and two fixed knives with an optimized design difference between the top and bottom knives. The 1,900-lb SH500 has a maximum cutting diameter of 22" and is designed for use with lighter carriers. The 1,600-lb SH400 has a maximum cutting diameter of 18". Hydraulically-powered rubber or spiked feed rollers increase productivity, while independent pressure levels on the knives ensure a stable grip during felling and gentle pressure during delimbing. Reader Service Card #853

Fabtek 
The Series 2000 from Fabtek includes the 18" four-roll controlled-fell processor, with interchangeable rubber/chain drive rollers, and the 13" two-roll CTL processor, with rubber rolls with chains. The machines feature multiple encoder measurement sensors, a standard auto chain tensioning system and simplified piston oiler. New this month is an optional high-speed saw system that allows the fixed heads to reduce cutting cycle times down to equivalent dangle head speeds, the company says. The FT180 dangle-style processing head has an 18" cutting capacity and 18" steel spike rolls. The FT240 has a 24" cutting capacity, delimb arms of high tensile steel with 400 brinell hardness and 21" steel spike rolls. Both heads can be equipped with rubber rolls and chains. Advanced digital ramped roller speed control gives smoother, more accurate measurement, reduced system stress and longer hose life. Reader Service Card #854

Gilbert Tech 
Gilbert Tech's telescopic boom stick increases working reach by 15 per cent and reduces the area taken up by trails at the cutting site. Sturdily designed and easy to operate, the boom stick is adaptable to all brand-name feller carriers and requires minimal maintenance. An efficient and profitable logging solution, the telescopic boom stick is adaptable to different felling methods including feller bunchers and multi-functional heads. Gilbert Tech's high-rotation felling saw heads include the 2022 with a 23 1/4" cutting capacity and a large accumulation capacity of five cubic feet. The saw base design has been modified for increased durability in difficult and rocky conditions. The smaller 2018 model offers accumulation capacity of 4.53 cubic feet and a 21.5" cutting capacity. Its new design features an integrated 220-degree side tilt system that is part of the saw head frame for increased sturdiness and lighter weight. Both heads are equipped with Gilbert high performance saw blades in welded or bolted segment versions. The 220-degree side tilt system is standard on both heads. Reader Service Card #855

Hahn Machinery 
An ideal head for thinning and small wood harvesting operations, the Hahn HSG series of single-grip harvesters from Hahn Machinery is designed with low horsepower and hydraulic requirements and suits installment on small excavators, skid steer loaders and small rubber-tired carriers in the 55- to 85-hp range. A number of improvements have been made to the 2002 models including beefed up roller motors, long-life length measuring sensors, a new optional four-preset counter and a new optional diameter measuring system. The HSG140 and HSG160 single-grip harvesters continue to provide excellent value in cut-to-length equipment, the company says, and feature a simple yet accurate measuring system and easy to use push button controls. With a rigid design, the heads maintain control of the tree throughout the harvesting process. Hahn offers complete installation services including guarding packages, air conditioning and remote mounted oil coolers. Reader Service Card #856

Hultdins 
Mounted on a shovel logger, excavator or feller buncher, Hultdins' versatile, continuous rotation SuperFell 851 can fell, pile, crosscut, trim, top, load and shovel. The high-capacity, 3,410-lb directional felling head is capable of felling trees up to 35" in diameter in a single cut and is ideal for large diameter timber, selective cutting of valuable species, salvaging blowdown and clearing rights-of-way. The SuperFell 851 offers high-gripping force grapple arms, hydraulic snubber for side-to-side control, cushioned cylinders, a simplified single brake system and the patented Hultdins SuperCut 300 saw unit with 11H 3/4" pitch saw chain. Automatic chain tensioning is standard. Designed for maximum hose protection, the unique upper boom link system simplifies mounting. With a rotator rated at 101,165 lbf, the SuperFell 851 is able to withstand loads in any direction and requires a 53- to 58-gpm (200 to 220 l/min) oil flow. Reader Service Card #857

Keto/Hakmet 
Keto's dual track length measuring system-featured on Keto harvesting heads-is the most accurate system available, the company says. The heads offer a track feed with a firm but gentle grip for low fibre damage, while the tracks come with a 4,000-hour warranty. A top saw is standard on the three largest heads and lower grip arms are standard on the two HD models. Hakmet computer systems equip the more than 14 models in production, from the K51 to the K1000. The heads come with built-in rotators, .404" chain saws with saw bars ranging from 21" to 29 1/2". The 800TS Supreme and 1000TS Supreme heads have 3/4" pitch and 39 1/2" saw bars. Reader Service Card #858

Loewen Forestry Equipment 
The two high-speed saw heads from Loewen Forestry Equipment offer a 350-degree high rotation wrist assembly for increased productivity and 22" and 24" cutting capacities. The heads offer a unique two-arm collecting capacity, reduced carrier movement and fewer moving parts and are ideal for cutting and bunching smaller trees, the company says. Continuous rotation is also available. The heads are adaptable to most psi and gpm requirements and parts are easily accessible, the company says. Reader Service Card #859

LogMax/Pro-Max 
Pro-Max now offers four models of LogMax harvesting heads in the new Millennium series. The heads feature patented positioning, controlled by the upper knife sensor, to minimize friction losses and maximize pulling force. The feed wheel motors' variable displacement increase delimbing and pulling power as required, while four movable cast steel delimbing knives, with extra wide cutting surfaces, handle thick limbs. A cushioned bottom plate assembly absorbs shock from ground impact and reduces stress contraction in the frame. The valves for all hydraulic functions, except the rotator, are built into the harvester head. Other features include easily accessible components, fully integrated hydraulics, case hardened pins, a find end feature and an optional top saw. The 9000 is a 3,995-lb head with a cutting diameter of 27" and a feed force if 8,787 lbs, while the 7000 weighs 3,595 lbs and has a cutting capacity of 25". The 1,881-lb 5000 has a cutting diameter of 22", while the smallest head in the series, the 1,155-lb 3000, has a cutting diameter of 20". Reader Service Card #860

Pierce Pacific Manufacturing Inc 
The PTH 24 is the largest tree harvester from Pierce Pacific and is capable of processing 24" trees. With a maximum delimbing capacity of 30", a maximum cutting capacity of 32" with the 3/4" pitch butt saw and 20" with the .404 top saw - standard on all Pierce tree harvesters-the PTH 24 features the Pierce MK2 measuring system that ensures high quality, accurate logs. Pierce Pacific's 20" tree harvester, the PTH 20, also features a high-speed .404" topping saw and the MK2 full scale measuring system. With a 3/4" pitch butt saw, the PTH 20 offers 9,800 lbs of pulling force. The PFG 630 directional falling grapple offers 360-degrees of continuous rotation, a maximum cutting capacity of 38" with its 3/4" 11BC 43" saw bar, completely enclosed hoses through its centre link, a heavy duty hanging bracket with 60,000-lb rotate bearing. All Pierce Pacific products come with a Pierce-backed commitment to uptime. Reader Service Card #861

Ponsse 
The three harvesting heads from Ponsse offer reliability, efficiency, easy servicing and accurate measurements. Featuring the Ponsse Opti or Ponsse 1000 measuring systems, the heads are suited to both final felling and thinning. A roller located at the centre of the head measures stem length and the grip on the stem doesn't change during feeding. The versatile H73 has a maximum cutting diameter of 28", a feed force of 26 kN and is designed for heavy, large-dimensioned trees. With one stationary and four hydraulically movable knives, the 2,310-lb head has a feed speed of zero to 13 feet per second. The front knives are specially designed and positioned for delimbing down to a small top diameter, while the rear knives delimb heavy limbs all the way from the butt end. The three-point grip provides accurate diameter measurement and the feed rollers' hydraulic connection guarantees a non-slip grip, extending the service life of the feed motors. Steel claw and steel plate rollers are available. The H60 is a mid-size head that handles stems to 25.6" in diameter and can be fitted with three to six delimbing knives. It is equipped with bogie-style roller assemblies that conform to the shape of the tree and can be fitted with paired rollers or tracks. The H53 is a multi-purpose head for smaller trees up to 22" in diameter. Reader Service Card #862

Quadco 
The three harvester/processor heads from Quadco are the 22"-capacity 5600, the 24" 6000 and the 30" 7500. Top saws are standard on all models and the main saw can be a disc or bar and chain. The 7500 has two-speed motors for high torque in heavy delimbing and high speed in lighter conditions. A unique processor mount yoke provides attachment control for decking and the head can pivot seven degrees side-to-side to reduce fibre damage. A snubber limits the oscillation for reduced wear. The 6000 and 7500 feature modular construction with three boom mounts, three butt saws and two feed roll types to choose from. An independent hydraulically controlled length-measuring wheel and in-cylinder diameter reading achieve accurate log measuring. The self-adjusting, proportional-pressure soft clamp system, based on tree diameter, minimizes friction and maximizes feed speed, the company says. Other features include a twin-motor rotator with a 100,000-lb capacity sealed bearing, a harvester-style tilt frame with 3 1/2" cushioned cylinders and standard bottom delimbing arms. The 5600 can handle stems up to 22", with its frame structure and delimbing arms built to handle heavy limbs and hardwoods. The accumulator arms, solid mount and measuring wheel are designed for multi-stemming, improving operations in small diameter timber stands. Reader Service Card #863

Risley Equipment 
Risley Equipment offers six models of felling heads, with either continuous rotation or high-speed intermittent cutting blades, with cut capacities ranging from 20" to 29". Available side tilt options range from 15 degrees to 45 degrees per side. The machines are suited for carriers in the 20- to 30-ton range. The 9,100-lb V2229B has a 29" cut capacity, while the 6,250-lb V1923B has a 24" cut capacity. Rotosaw's 90-degree tilt rotation 7,880-lb H2222B high-speed continuous rotate saw has a rated tree capacity of 22" and a throat width capacity of 40". The Rolly II single-grip harvester is available in several models depending on the configuration chosen. Three available saw options include the Risley 24" bar saw bottom, a Hultdins Super cut bar saw bottom and the patented Rotosaw circular cutting disc bottom available in 18" or 21" cutting capacities. Optional grab arms are available, as well as either the Risley RAMS measuring system or DASA measuring. The Rolly II single-grip harvester fells, delimbs, processes and tops at the stump. The design of the Risley side tilt and controlled wrist action bracket allows it to handle hard or softwood applications. Reader Service Card #864

Rotobec 
The Rotobec RSG250 single-grip harvesting head features unique continuous rotation and a felling capacity of 25". It requires only four electrical wires and three hydraulic lines from the carrier to the harvesting head. Valves have been located for easy adjustments and maintenance. Other features include a Motomit 4 computer, well-protected, easily accessible hoses, wires and valves, 6,300-lb feed force and one fixed, one floating and four mobile delimbing knives. Reader Service Card #865

Tigercat Industries Inc 
Dual post saws from Tigercat are used primarily with drive-to-tree feller bunchers in smaller or varying diameter timber and plantation thinning applications, while single post felling saws are applicable to track feller bunchers and larger timber operations. The 5500, 5400 and 5700 felling saws have single cut capacities ranging from 21.5" to 23" and are suited to both drive-to-tree and track feller bunchers. The 5500 series saw is a dual post felling saw with good accumulating ability, suited to mixed stands and large diameter timber. The accumulating pocket is positioned closer to centre for the improved lateral stability required for felling larger trees. The 5400, for thinning and final felling, has a unique three-arm accumulating system and patented asymmetric geometry. The single post 5700 saw is ideal for large timber clear fall applications (over 18" in diameter) and maintains excellent balance and control of large trees. The 5400 and the 5700 have wrist options for track feller bunchers including 30-, 110- and 340-degree rotators. The durable Tigercat 650 harvesting head for wheeled and tracked harvesters offers efficient hydraulics for optimal fuel efficiency and a cut capacity of 26". Reader Service Card #866

Valmet/Timbco/Partek Forest 
Partek Forest Inc offers two new Valmet harvesting heads with built-in intelligence-the 360 and 370. The larger heads-designed for rubber tire carriers and track machines in the 200+-hp range-incorporate many features of other Valmet heads including light-weight component-built design, patented cam-curve roller suspension and spring-loaded delimbing knives. Connected to the Maxi computer, the head's own well-protected computer can be programmed for rate of feed, roller pressure, knife pressure and crosscutting via a simple screen, without the operator leaving the cab. The heads also have a broader, easily accessible felling link, which stabilizes felling, as well as a double-acting felling cylinder for optimal control. The rotator has been replaced with a slew ring with a floating position function controlled by the diameter. The 300 series locates all vital parts under a readily accessible cover. Diameter measurement on the 360 is now performed with digital correction of both front knives, giving more exact measurement. The feed roller motors can be supplied in two different sizes with a single-speed and an optional two-speed model. The four main knives of the 370 are hydraulically controlled, with the fifth knife spring-loaded and the sixth knife fixed. Partek also offers the Valmet 945, 960 and 965 harvesting heads. The complementary shapes of the five delimbing knives offer dependable results down to a diameter of 1.5". Timbco harvesting heads, also from Partek Forest, include the 380 and the 385. Designed for tough conditions, they can be mounted on many different types of carriers, including excavators, for harvesting and processing applications. Reader Service Card #867

Waratah 
Waratah's hydraulic tree harvesters (HTH) handle all types of harvesting applications and are available in the 600, 400 and 200 series. The new HTH 616 is a lighter head ideal for 16- to 20-ton excavators and, in softwood applications, is effective in wood up to 16' with a maximum cutting capacity of 20". The HTH 620 and HTH 620 Warrior process decked wood up to 23" in diameter or small clear fell to 20" in diameter, while the HTH 622 Warrior was developed for rough thinning and small clear fell up to 22" and processing to 24". The HTH 624 Super fells to 24" in diameter and processes large and heavy decked wood to 29". The HTH 626 Bigwood is most successful in clear fell, the company's says, felling trees up to 26" in diameter and processing decked wood up to 34". The versatile, fixed rotation HTH 245 features two-speed feed motors for fast delimbing of smaller stems and maximum torque to handle tough hardwoods. The HTH 260 features a 25.6" cutting capacity and is suited to large wheel harvesters and tracked carriers from 20 to 25 tons. The repositioned saw unit produces fast, accurate cutting at lower stump height for a more valuable first log. The durable HTH 470-with a maximum cutting capacity of 25.6"-has the feeding power of constant four-wheel drive and two moving and two fixed hydraulically serial-connected feed rollers. The HTH 450-with a maximum cutting capacity of 22"-is a light-weight all purpose head for thinning and regeneration harvesting. The Waratah FS series includes high accumulation, disc saw felling heads for swing-to-tree feller bunchers. The FS20, with a cutting capacity of 22", increases productivity in small diameter wood and has an enlarged accumulator pocket, while the FS22 has a front discharge system that directs the main chip path away from the carrier. The FS24, with a 24" cutting capacity, has an accumulating capacity of 4.8 sq ft. Both the FS22 and the FS24 are single post, centre pocket, front cut felling heads. Reader Service Card #868

 Back to the Top

This service is temporarily unavailable

This page and all contents ©1996-2007 Logging and Sawmilling Journal (L&S J) and TimberWest Journal.
For personal or non-commercial use only.
This site produced and maintained by: Lognet.net Inc
Any questions or comments on this site can be directed to Rob Stanhope, Principal (L&S J).
Site Address: http://www.forestnet.com.

This page last modified on Thursday, October 07, 2004