Oregon Logging Conference

Modern Machinery displays new equipment at annual Oregon Logging Conference, including Komatsu PC230F-11 processor

Modern Machinery showcased a variety of forestry machines and attachments with one of the largest exhibit spaces at the Oregon Logging Conference (OLC). The annual event was held at the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds in Eugene, Ore.

“2023 was another great year for the OLC and Modern Machinery,” stated Jason Vaughn, Oregon Regional Manager for Modern. “Though the weather was quite cold and caused some travel complications, we still feel like the turnout was good despite the challenges. We were excited to showcase some new product offerings from a couple of our manufacturing partners, including the new Komatsu PC230F-11 processor equipped with a Southstar QS500 processing head.”

The purpose-built PC230F-11 features a rugged design, high and wide undercarriage, and a powerful swing motor, and it is designed to withstand high-debris conditions. The robust wide-fin radiator is covered by heavy-duty forestry screens, and a variable pitch reversing fan helps improve airflow.

At the 2023 Oregon Logging Conference, Modern Machinery displayed two TimberPro TL775D feller bunchers equipped with Quadco saws, including a West Coast Edition that has an oversized boom cylinder for great lift capacity.

With a 197-horsepower engine, the PC230F-11 has a powerful swing system and a large swing circle to move large trees easily. Its reach of up to 29.3 feet and excellent maneuverability help drive productivity.

An Auto Power Max feature lets operators adjust quickly to a sudden change in load weight without compromising productivity. It automatically senses the difference and reacts with an 8.5-second burst of additional horsepower to help pull the trees through during the delimbing process.

An 89,000-pound-plus Komatsu PC290LL-11 log loader was another highlight with its 40-foot live heel logging boom and arm as well as nearly 76,000 foot-pounds of swing torque.

Falcon, TimberPro

Modern also displayed a new Falcon PC290LC-11W with a tandem carriage for cable logging and Generation 4 winch assist from Falcon Forestry Equipment (FFE).

“The winch is based on a new Komatsu PC290LC-11 excavator and will offer our customers the ability to take advantage of many of Komatsu’s value-added products such as Komatsu Care and extended warranties,” said Vaughn.

The new Komatsu PC230F-11 processor that features a rugged design, high and wide undercarriage, and a powerful swing motor was showcased at the 2023 Oregon Logging Conference. The processor has a 197-horsepower engine and a reach of up to 29.3 feet.

An FFE Falcon Claw 1750 motorized grapple carriage for semi-automated cable yarder logging was exhibited. It gives timber companies the ability to handle tree-length stems without the aid of people on the ground, which keeps workers out of harm’s way and improves safety.

TimberPro (a Komatsu-owned company) TL775D feller bunchers with Quadco saws were prominently displayed, including a West Coast Edition equipped with a 27B/360. The West Coast Edition works well for cutting large-diameter stems and has an oversized boom cylinder for great lift capacity. It also has a larger lower structure and track frames for greater stability on steep slopes.

Grinding, crushing

Attendees could also view a Peterson Pacific 88,500-pound tracked 5710D horizontal grinder designed for high-volume producers with demanding end-product specifications, as well as for frequent moves between jobs. Users can choose from a standard 1,050-horsepower engine or an optional 1,125-horsepower engine that provides a high power-to-weight ratio. It has a 60-by-40-inch feed opening and can handle a wide range of materials, including stumps.

For crushing materials for road building and other applications, Modern showcased a new Astec Ranger J20 mobile jaw crusher that works great for recycled concrete and asphalt, as well as aggregates. It has a compact design and tracks to make mobility and setup easy.

In addition to crushing a variety of materials, you can change how the Ranger J20 is configured. It is a standard closed-circuit machine, but it does have the capability of disconnecting the onboard screen and making it an open circuit. That allows it to be paired with another crusher or screen, if needed. It’s mainly used as a primary machine, but it’s been used in tandem with an Astec tracked impactor or screen to make multiple products.

A set of easy-to-use hydraulic controls let operators adjust the closed side setting, reverse the jaw if needed, adjust the powerful overband magnet up or down depending on how much metal is in the recycled materials, and adjust the deflector plate to move metal away from the crusher belt.

“It was great to have many of our OEM (original equipment manufacturer) partners attending in person,” said Vaughn. “Sentiment from the attendees was positive, and we look forward to having another great year representing some of the new and older products we had on display, as well as the wide array of equipment Modern carries.”

OLC is slated to return to the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds February 22-24, 2024. ■