PRODUCT  UPDATE: HARVESTING & FELLING HEADS

The harvesting & Felling Heads Specs are available on a single page as a pdf 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-tolength 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 maneuverable inside tight first-thinning forests, but are powerful enough to handle some clearcut operations, the company says.

Caterpillar
Caterpillar's four models of cut-tolength harvesting heads 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. 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 computeraided 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.

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 highspeed 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 springloaded 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).

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 auto-matic 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 feedroller 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.

Fabtek
The Series 2000 from Fabtek includes the 18” four-roll controlledfell 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.

Gilbert Tech
Gilbert Tech's telescopic boom stick increases working reach by 15 percent 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 multifunctional 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.

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.

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 highcapacity, 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, 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.

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.

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.

LogMax
LogMax offers four models of harvesting/processing heads for excavators, rubber/track harvesters and purpose built feller bunchers. New for 2002 are the 7000 head with 27 improvements that replaces the popular 750 head and a larger 9000 model. The 9000 provides more cut capacity than the 7000 and has an additional bottom knife. These two heads feature variable displacement drive motors that automatically provide the best combination of high delimbing force or speed as required. All LogMax heads control the knives using a patented top knife sensor to minimize friction losses and maximize pulling force. Cast steel delimbing knives have extra wide cutting surfaces and slopes blades to handle thick limbs. A patented cushioned bottom plate absorbs shock from ground impact and reduces stress concentration in the frame. Hydraulic valves have built in pressure test ports and all functions except the rotator are built into the head. Other features include easily accessible components, fully integrated hydraulics, case hardened pins, topping saws, find end sensors and three different feed rollers. The 9000 weighs 4,490 lb with a maximum cut capacity of 28.5" and maximum feed force of 8,787 lbf. The 7000 weighs 4,220 lb with a maximum cut capacity of 25" and maximum feed force of 8,100 lbf. The 2,560 lb 5000 has a maximum cut capacity of 25" and is the only head in it's class available with a topping saw. The 3000 at 1,540 lb is an effective thinning head with maximum cut of 20".

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 center link, a heavy duty hanging bracket with 60,000-lb rotate bearing. All Pierce Pacific products come with a Pierce-backed commitment to uptime.

Ponsse
The three harvesting heads from Ponsse offer reliability, efficiency, easy servicing and accurate measurements. Featuring the Ponsse Opti measuring system, the heads are suited to both final felling and thinning. A roller located at the center of the head measures stem length so the grip on the stem doesn’t change during feeding. The versatile H73 has a maximum cutting diameter of 27", a feed force of 26 kN and is designed for heavy, largedimensioned trees. With one stationary and four hydraulically movable knives, the 2,310-lb has a feed speed of zero to 16.7 feet per second. The front knives are specially designed 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 H60c is a mid-size head that handles stems to 25.6" in diameter and can be fitted with three to five 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.

Quadco
The 5600, 6000 and 7500 feature modular construction with three boom mounts, three butt saws and two feed roll types to choose from. 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. 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.

Risley Equipment
High Speed & V Saw Series Harvesting Heads: Four High Speed models utilize a patented belt drive. The 2:1 reduction drive multiplier system provides power and fast blade recovery. Offered with bracket tilt capacities up to 45 degrees per side. The "V" Saw series is comprised of the V1923B and V2229B Variable High Speed Intermittent saws. Based on the original Rotosaw Intermittent design with the addition of new "Intelligent Hydraulics" for a fast clean cut. Available in 24" & 29", cut capacities c/w 45 degree per side tilt brackets. Cobra Processor/Sidewinder Processor — Rolly II Harvester/Processor: Featuring Hultdins Bar Saw top and Bottom Saw for fast, precise cuts. Coupled with DASA Measuring, standard spiked drive feed rolls or rubber chain back rolls for fast accurate processing. The Cobra and Sidewinder Processors are available with controlled mounting bracket assemblies with 290 degrees of rotation and full float capability for accurate long log processing. The Rolly II Single Grip Harvester c/w Bar Saw Bottom, 24" cut capacity. Measuring is supplied by Risley RAMS or optional DASA Measuring combined with airbag loaded trail wheel for increased accuracy. The options available allow you to design this processor to suit your logging application.

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, wellprotected, easily accessible hoses, wires and valves, 6,300-lb feed force and one fixed, one floating and four mobile delimbing knives.

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 September/October, 2002 — TIMBERWEST 17 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 center 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”.

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.

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 companys 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 serialconnected 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, center pocket, front cut felling heads.

TW

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