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TECH UPDATE

Havesting and Felling Heads

Tech Update Editor:  Helen Johnson

Due to the Length of this features, please send us an email for any  further information required, with the Service card number at the end of each description, and the Issue Date (July 2001).  

Thanks

Spec's at a Glance  Sheet

AFM-Forest Ltd 
Used on slew-type track-based machines and designed for installation on many different makes and models, AFMForest harvester heads from Finland include the 5,280-lb AFM 80 Magnum with a maximum cutting capacity of 28", the 2,860-lb AFM 60 Euca with a 24" cutting capacity, the 2,728-lb AFM 55 Husky with a cutting capacity of 24" and the 1,738-lb AFM 45 Corona that can fell trees up to 20" in diameter. With four delimbing knives (two of them fixed) and a maximum delimbing diameter of 32", the Magnum has a 0.404" chain with a speed of 42 m/sec and a 30" bar. The Euca 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". With four delimbing knives (two fixed), the Corona is manoeuvreable inside tight first-thinning forests, but has enough power to handle some clearcut operations, the company says. Circle Reader Service Card #565

Caterpillar 
The four models of cut-to-length harvesting heads from Caterpillar complement the company's wheeled and tracktype 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. At the same time, the feed roller pressure varies 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, while movable knives, made from heat-treated steel, are hydraulically controlled for adjusting to the tree's contour. Diameter measurements are received and encoded by the computer-aided bucking system 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. Circle Reader Service Card #566

Davco Manufacturing 
Davco Manufacturing Ltd's QC (quick cut) 1200 feller head weighs 1,100 lbs and has a cutting capacity of up to 14 inches. With a high-speed 1 5/8-inch kerf and rotatable square teeth, the QC1200 has a 36-inch diameter saw and is suitable for mounting on a small boom-type carrier. The spring-loaded accumulator arm is optional. The recommended carrier is a Posi-Track HD4500 series or HD4810 crawler/tractor. Requirements include a foot pedal kit, a case drain kit and a guarding package. Circle Reader Service Card #567

Denharco 
Denharco's SH series of harvester/processors combines precision, speed and adaptability for partial harvesting, thinning and clearcutting. The 3,300-lb SH600 has 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. Designed for use with lighter carriers, the 1,900-lb SH500 has a maximum cutting diameter of 22", while 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. Circle Reader Service Card #568

Fabtek 
Fabtek's Series 2000 includes the 18" four-roll controlled fell processor, with interchangeable rubber/chain drive rollers, and the13" 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. 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. Advanced digital ramped roller speed control gives smoother, more accurate measurement, reduced system stress and longer hose life. Circle Reader Service Card #569

Gilbert Logging Equipment 
Gilbert Logging Equipment has released a new model of high-rotation felling saw heads for the North American market. The 2022 offers 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 an increased 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 a lighter weight. Both saw heads are equipped with Gilbert high performance saw blades in welded or bolted segment versions. The new 220- degree side tilt system is standard on both high-rotation felling heads. Circle Reader Service Card #570

Hahn Machinery 
The HSG series of single grip harvesters from Hahn Machinery now offers a conversion package for the new "short radius" Kobelco SK70SR. Other improvements include a new "encoderless" measuring system with rugged, sealed, stainless steel sensors and new roller motors with reinforced housings and bearings. Intended for first thinning operations, the HSG140 and HSG160 single-grip harvesters are well suited to carriers ranging from 16,000 to 30,000 lbs. The compact heads 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. The HSG series heads can be installed easily on most carriers. Hahn offers complete installation services including guarding packages, air conditioning and remote mounted oil coolers. Circle Reader Service Card #571

Hakmet/Keto 
The dual track length measuring system featured on Keto 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, 0.404" chain saws with saw bars ranging from 21" to 29 1/2". The 750TS and 1000TS heads have 3/4" pitch and 39 1/2" saw bars. Circle Reader Service Card #572

Hultdins 
Hultdins' versatile SuperFell 851 highcapacity directional felling head can fell, shovel and pile or load when mounted on a shovel logger, eliminating the need for a feller buncher. With a 33.5" cutting capacity, the 3,410-lb SuperFell 851 can be quickly installed on standard log loaders, excavators and feller bunchers. Designed for maximum hose protection, the unique upper boom link system simplifies mounting. With continuous rotation and a rotator rated at 101,165 lbf, the 851 is able to withstand loads in any direction. Other features include a Hultdins Supercut 300 saw unit with 3/4" pitch 11H saw chain, automatic chain tensioning, high gripping force grapple arms, a hydraulic snubber to control side-to-side motion, a simplified single brake system and cushioned cylinders. Circle Reader Service Card #573

Hytec 
Hytec Manufacturing offers full stroke, roller and roller/stroke configurations on all its heads. Many different models of harvester heads with a variety of options cut and delimb both hardwood and softwood trees from 3" to 28". Five different sized high-torque/two-speed roller motors fit harvester requirements and the heads are compatible with all track type and purpose built carriers. Hytec offers new, used and factory reconditioned harvester heads and carriers. Circle Reader Service Card #574

Lako Oy 
Lako's 850 Premio and 950 Premio are the latest harvesting-processing models for the North American market. The 850 Premio has been designed for harvesting and processing large decked stems as a 28" head with a 34" cutting capacity. One of the largest harvesting heads in the world, the 950 Premio weighs almost twice as much as the 650 Premio and is designed for clear felling and tree length operations in very large-scale timber. The 32" head can cross cut up to 38 inches and has a feed force of more than 11,000 lbs. Designed for heavy use, the heads can be attached to 25- to 35- ton excavators or track-based carriers. There are six basic models in the Premio product line suitable for first commercial thinning to large-scale forest operations. Circle Reader Service Card #575

Loewen Forestry Equipment 
Loewen Forestry Equipment offers two high-speed saw heads with 350-degree high rotation wrist assembly for increased productivity and 22" and 24" cutting capacities. Ideal for cutting and bunching smaller trees, the heads also offer a unique two-arm collecting capacity, reduced carrier movement and fewer moving parts. Continuous rotation is available. Parts for all Loewen Forestry products are easily accessible and the heads can adapt to most psi and gpm requirements, the company says. Circle Reader Service Card #576

Partek/Timbco/Valmet 
Partek Forest Inc offers two new harvesting heads from Timbco, 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. The maximum knife openings on both heads are 31", while the gross feeding force on the Timbco 380 is 7,000 lbs and 9,000 lbs on the 385. Measuring and control is provided by the DASA 380CX system. The 385 is also available with an optional topping saw. Valmet harvesting heads offered by Partek include the 945, the 960 and the 965. These large heads are dimensioned for large trees, but are manoeuvreable and efficient for thinning as well. The shapes of all five delimbing knives are complementary to each other for dependable results down to a diameter of 1.5". The very low friction results in a high net feeding force. Positioning of the crosscutting motor is optimized for the long guide bar. Other features include only three main cylinders, exact measurement and good accessibility for service. With 25" and 29 1/2" cutting capacities, the Valmet heads offer spring-loaded top knives. Circle Reader Service Card #577

Pierce Pacific Manufacturing Inc 
Pierce Pacific's 20" tree harvester, the PTH 20, joins the family of Pierce harvesting attachments. With a high-speed 0.404" topping saw and a Mark 2 measuring system, the PTH 20 has a 3/4" pitch butt saw and 9,800 lbs of pulling force. The PFG 630 directional falling grapple offers 360-degrees of continuous rotation, a maximum cutting capacity of 38" and a 3/4" pitch saw. All Pierce Pacific products come with a Piercebacked commitment to uptime. Circle Reader Service Card #578

Ponsse 
Reliability, efficiency, easy servicing and accurate measurements are offered in all three Ponsse harvester heads featuring the Ponsse 1000 measuring system. Suited to both final felling and thinning, the light and narrow heads leave remaining trees undamaged, the company says. Made for heavy, large-dimensioned trees, the 2,320-lb H73 has a maximum cutting diameter of 28" and a feed force of 26 kN. With one stationary and four hydraulically movable knives, the head has a feed speed of zero to 13 feet per second. The three-point grip provides accurate diameter measurement. Steel claw and steel plate rollers are available. The H53 is a multi-purpose head for smaller trees, while the H60 is a midsize head. Circle Reader Service Card #579

Pro-Max/Log Max 
Pro-Max Services Ltd offers three models of harvesting heads from Log Max-the 1,155- lb 3000, the 2,081-lb 5000 and the 3,800-lb 750-with maximum cutting diameters ranging from 20" to 28". Variable displacement allows feed wheel motors to automatically increase delimbing and pulling power as needed, while the four movable cast steel delimbing knives have extra wide cutting surfaces. The upper knife sensor controls positioning, minimizing friction and maximizing pulling force. 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 easy access to electrical and hydraulic components through a latched hood, precision machined and nitrogen hardened long-life pins and optional top saw on the two larger models. Circle Reader Service Card #580

Quadco 
Quadco offers three sizes of harvesting heads, the 22" 5600, the 24" 6000 and the 30" 7500. Equipped with top saws, they can be configured as processors or harvesters and the main saw can be a disk or bar and chain. There are now four sizes of high-speed disk saw heads, with 18" and 24" sizes added to the 20" and 22" heads. Intermittent disk saw heads with 22" or 28" capacities are also offered for special applications. A side-pocket high accumulation 20" disk saw head and a 21" shear head complete the felling head lineup. All Quadco felling heads are available with the optional outside gearbox/ two motor, 360-degree torque tilt. Quadco purchased Machinatech last year and, as a result, now offer model 3957, a 22" high-speed head with a heavier disk and drive system and a patented 360-degree tilt using a planetary gearbox through the centre of the head. Circle Reader Service Card #581

Risley Equipment 
Two new high-speed intermittent saw heads introduced by Risley this year are the V2229B, with a 29" cut capacity, and the V1923B, with a 24" cut capacity. Recommended for carriers 30 tons and over, the larger head weighs 8,700 lbs and has a 30" throat and 45-degree tilt per side. The 6,300-lb V1923B has 45-degree tilt per side and a recommended carrier size of 20 to 25 tons. As the blade rotates only when activated by the operator, there is less horsepower draw on the carrier, thus reducing fuel consumption and heating in the hydraulic system. 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". Rotosaw's Delta series high-speed saw heads include the H-1818T, the H-1920T and the H-1922B. The H-1922B has the same 45-degree side tilt, a 40" throat, while the H-1818T and the H-1920T have a 30" throat capacity and 15 degrees of side tilt. The 4,700-lb I-1921T has a high-torque circular saw head with a rated tree capacity of 21" and 20-degree dual side tilt. With three saw options, including a 24" bar saw bottom, the Rolly II single-grip harvester/ double-grip processor fells, delimbs, processes and tops at the stump. A mounting bracket with side tilt and wrist action allows it to handle hard or softwood applications. Circle Reader Service Card #582

Rotobec 
With unique continuous rotation and a felling capacity of 25", the Rotobec RSG250 single-grip harvester head features well protected, yet easily accessible hoses, wires and valves and 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, 6,300-lb feed force and one fixed, one floating and four mobile delimbing knives. Circle Reader Service Card #583

Tigercat Industries Inc 
With a single cut capacity of 23.5", the new Tigercat 5400 single post felling saw is especially designed for selective cut applications in stands with varying diameter timber. Rotating wrist options include the 30-degree wrist with a single cylinder or a 110-degree wrist with a twin cylinder. A three-motor drive system enables 340-degree high rotation, while two accumulating arms and one grab arm improve small stem bunching efficiency. Asymmetric geometry and a slightly offset accumulation pocket keeps the trees in a tightly aligned bunch, reducing residual stand damage and improving visibility. The 5700 single post felling saw, available for drive-to-tree and track feller bunchers, has a 23" single cut capacity and a 44" throat. The Tigercat 650 harvesting head handles final and cross cutting applications up to 26" and feeds at up to 15 ft/sec. Circle Reader Service Card #584

Waratah 
Waratah's hydraulic tree harvesters are available in 600, 400 and 200 Series and handle all types of harvesting applications. The HTH620 processes decked wood up to 23" in diameter or small clear fell to 20" in diameter, while the HTH 620 Warrior is designed for thinning and felling up to 22" and processing to 24". The HTH 624 Super fells to 24" in diameter and processes decked wood to 29" and the HTH 626 Bigwood fells trees up to 26" in diameter and processes up to 34". The 200 series HTH260 features a 25.6" cutting capacity, while the HTH 470 has the feeding power of constant four-wheel drive and two moving and two fixed hydraulically serial-connected feed rollers. The Waratah-Koehring FL235 multi-purpose felling head can fell trees up to 33" in diameter and rotate on a fixed mount with 355-degree non-continuous wrist articulation. Felling heads in the FS (swing to tree) series have side pocket and centre pocket accumulators and cutting capacities of 22" to 24". The drive-to-tree FD122 has a 22-inch capacity and a high-accumulation side pocket. Circle Reader Service Card #585

Harvesting Heads Specs at a Glance

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