9 minute read
NEW PRODUCT
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Experienced forwarder operators immediately appreciate the benefits brought by a newly introduced model. Eoghan Daly reports on the early experiences of O’Dwyer Timber Contractors with Komatsu’s 2021 model 845 forwarder
Advertisement
IMAGES EOGHAN DALY
Experienced operator Keith Hanniffy with the new 2021 model 845, which recently joined the O’Dwyer fleet.
Komatsu’s 845 forwarder has recently been upgraded to 2021 spec. Capable of hauling 12 tonnes, the machine occupies a very interesting size class and thanks to a broad selection of options can be tailored for a wide range of applications.
O’Dwyer Timber Contractors Ltd recently took delivery of the first example of this new model in Ireland. Running a considerable timber harvesting operation, this County Kilkenny-based company has become one of Ireland’s largest Komatsu users and, as a result, has considerable experience of running the machines in typical operating conditions.
Working across a wide area, O’Dwyer Timber Contractors encounters various forest conditions and this makes all-round machines particularly important. Previous generation Komatsu forwarders have served the company well, but the latest 845 has taken the concept of an all-round extraction machine to a whole new level.
Purchased from Irish dealer McHale Plant Sales and delivered in June 2021, the machine went straight to work on a challenging thinning extraction assignment close to Aughrim in County Wicklow. Following the thinning of this Douglas-fir stand, the severity of the terrain was immediately apparent, as the thinned racks ascended sharply from the forest road. Fortunately, ground conditions weren’t too bad in this mineral soil-based area, although they can deteriorate rapidly with the rainfall that often falls in this mountainous area.
IN AT THE DEEP END
Consequently, the first working role for the 845 could be described as a ‘baptism of fire’, but on the flipside it provided an ideal opportunity for O’Dwyer to see what the machine was made of. In the hands of long-serving forwarder operator Keith Hanniffy, the machine’s capabilities were soon established as he got to work on extracting material on the most difficult terrain first, based on the favourable
We joined the Komatsu 845 with 10m crane reach at work in a forest near Aughrim in County Wicklow.
conditions offered by a period of dry weather.
Keith initially believed he would need to identify the most favourable line as an ascension route, as he didn’t think the machine could climb to the summit of each rack before beginning loading at the start of the downhill extraction process. However, the 2021 model 845 did the unthinkable and surpassed all expectations. “I never expected the machine to climb all the lines,” Keith said. “Even though we have only had it a short time, I can already see that it is a brilliant climbing machine. Most impressive was how effortless it made that climb seem – it just went straight to the top every time without stopping once.”
Obviously, this degree of grip and application of available tractive forces are assisted by O’Dwyer’s tyre and track configuration, which comprises 710/40x26.5 tyres encased in Olofsfors climbing tracks on the front bogies and floatation tracks at the rear. With only sporadic use of brash mats on the thinned racks, the 845 certainly did not have it easy and yet managed the climb without inflicting any form of ground damage.
SUITED AND BOOTED
Looking more closely at the 2021 model 845, it inherits many of the features seen on the larger capacity models that have already been upgraded. Nevertheless, it occupies an interesting position in the range which allows it to be tailored to all-round extraction applications.
O’Dwyer Timber Contractors’ machine is equipped with a short bunk which ensures a tight turning radius and boosts its ability to function in extensive thinnings. Meanwhile, the shorter bunk length does not affect
Above: The 845’s first job involved the extraction of thinnings in a steep forest. Above right and right inset: A spacious and functional cab; display shows view from camera in HD.
the machine’s productivity in clearfell applications; for those companies dealing mostly in clearfell extraction, the longer bunk variant is an attractive proposition.
“There are forwarders on the fleet matched to each different type of work,” Keith explained. “Since I came to work with Willie O’Dwyer back in 2009, I have been mainly concentrating on thinnings and have operated a John Deere 810E before Komatsu models including an 830, 840TX and most recently an 835 before this new 845 was delivered.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
“The 845 has been a really big step forward and even though it has plenty of power and seems a very well-built machine, it’s very much at home in thinnings with the specification that has been chosen for it. Anyone that knows me will understand I’ve always been a John Deere fan and continue to rate the 810E I used last as an excellent forwarder, but I have to say I’ve grown to
really like Komatsus in the time I’ve been operating them. Even though it is early days for this machine, I do rate it very highly.” Notable improvements made to the latest 845 include the new chassis design, and engine and control system, while the steering system has also received an upgrade. Beginning with the engine, the 845 employs an AgcoPower four-cylinder diesel unit with turbo and intercooler at the heart of the machine. Meeting Stage 5 emissions standards, TECH SPECS the engine delivers a power rating of 140kW at 1,900rpm Komatsu 845 plus 830Nm of torque at LOAD CAPACITY 12,000kg 1,500rpm. ENGINE TYPE AgcoPower, Controlled in an effective Stage 5 compliant manner by the machine’s ENGINE POWER computer system, the 845’s 140kW@1,900rpm hydrostatic mechanical ENGINE TORQUE transmission is a highlight. 830Nm@1,500rpm Based on performance in TRACTIVE FORCE 170kN TYRE OPTION CHOSEN 710/40x26.5 initial extraction assignments, the ability to apply the full rigours of the machine’s 170kN of tractive force is clearly CRANE Komatsu 105F double extension commendable. However, this feat is also as a direct
CRANE REACH 10m
consequence of the effectiveness of the machine’s driveline and the positive clearance afforded by the bogies and higher profile tyre arrangement.
Those users hoping for a high performance crane will not be disappointed by the latest 845, as Keith confirmed. “Komatsu forwarder cranes have always been fast and powerful, and this 845 takes things to a new level. It is very precise which is vital in thinnings.” Fitted with Komatsu’s 105F crane, the configuration chosen centres on the double extension unit, which affords a reach of 10m.
LINE OF SIGHT
The configuration and formation of the bunk is also key to this 845’s success as a forwarder. The hydraulically movable headboard is structured in a manner that assists visibility into the bunk area. Moving away from the normal grid like formation, outer sections of the 845’s headboard have a slanted bar design which allows the operator to better align the logs with the load bars through the much clearer line of vision.
The cabin’s low set windows and the front hood’s reformation also contribute to the
Ports for diesel and hydraulic oil much easier to access, making maintenance more user friendly on this Komatsu.
Stacking pulp logs at the road verge whilst making great use of the double extension crane.
great visibility, while safety is enhanced by front and rear cameras with footage displayed on an integrated pane on the main display screen. “The camera system is excellent and provides a very clear view of your surroundings, even in low light in thinnings or at night,” Keith said. Other aspects of note include modifications to the layout of the main MaxiXT control and operating system, and a Be-Ge 3000 Airvent seat mounted on an optional Sit Rite levelling base, which Keith reckons is a massive plus point and a must for any forwarder that doesn’t have a levelling cab.
ENHANCED ACCESS FOR REFUELLING AND DAILY CHECKS
As Keith prepared the new 845 for a day’s work, design changes made to improve refuelling and maintenance became apparent. “Komatsu is clearly listening to users of its machines, as there are a lot of new features on them that I imagine have been suggested by operators of its older equipment,” Keith explained.
This philosophy can be seen in the new procedure for refilling the AdBlue tank, which has moved away from the previous pump design that was not without its problems. Refilling AdBlue now involves the use of a specially commissioned close-fit funnel, which at first may seem like a backward step but this back-to-basics approach is hard to fault.
The diesel refill point has also changed for the 2021 model 845. Previously concealed beneath the main side panel, the ports have now been relocated to an independently accessible location on the nearside centre section of the machine. “By having the ports on the outside when their own compartment is open, it’s easy to clear away any residue after refilling,” Keith explained. “The older design made this job and also the process of finding any faults with the hoses more difficult.”
THE SIMPLE THINGS
Not done yet, Komatsu has also modified the new 845’s engine bay. After lowering this machine’s optional grille guard, you can’t fail to notice the improved access to all crucial areas, while a dedicated holding tray is provided for the toolbox. From a maintenance and service perspective, the coolant expansion tank is easily reached from the nearside, and the engine oil refill point also lurks in this area. Meanwhile, a series of filters are grouped in a single location.
To prevent debris entering the radiators, a fine mesh screen runs down the entire frontal area, which can be reached for cleaning once the hood is raised. The side wing covers open to reveal the AdBlue refill point at the nearside, while the corresponding offside facilitates the Dafo fire suppression system and electrical elements such as the fuse and relay compartment. In addition, a corresponding electrical box is positioned on the side of the engine bay, with all cables for each module colour coded for ease of identification.
