8 minute read
SHOW REPORT CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020
incorporate many modifications to ensure total compatibility with their forestry role, including use as carriers for harvesting heads to complete in the stand harvesting or roadside processing, as well as log loading duties. With their dedicated undercarriages, main frame protection and enhanced cabins, such purpose-built machines are in stark contrast to the adapted forestry excavators we are familiar with in the UK and Ireland. Of course, there were many MANY OF standard THE MACHINES construction machines converted for IN LAS VEGAS SHOWED GREAT forestry work too, POTENTIAL FOR proving that specific applications in USE OUTSIDE THE USA” the field can drive technical ingenuity. Now follows some of our CONEXPO 2020 highlights…
BANDIT INDUSTRIES
Advertisement
The Bandit BTC-150 tracked mulcher is part of a large line of equipment shown by the America company, which satisfies a wide array of roles within forest maintenance and site clearance sectors, and is complemented by a broad range of processing equipment for effective size reduction.
The BTC-150’s versatility is demonstrated by its ability to change between a high capacity mulcher offering a working width of 1.82m to a 76cm diameter stump grinder in under 10 minutes. The machine presents stalwart design throughout and blends essential refinement for its operator’s station which features user friendly and precise joystick control.
MORBARK
As one of the best known manufacturers of wood processing equipment, Morbark showed a number of machines from its broad range, coupled with machines from other manufacturers from within the group. Included in its equipment presentation was the Wood Hog 6400 XT horizontal grinder, which features a 61cm longer infeed bed than previously. Running on a tracked undercarriage of the same specification as a Cat 325L excavator, the Cat influence continues to the engine, which offers a power output of 783 to 874kW depending on the unit chosen or emissions standards to which it’s built to comply with.
Standard features include the incorporation of the Morbark Integrated Control System, which presents full machine control in a user friendly interface.
TIGERCAT
included the largest 480B model utilising the manufacturer’s 4061 mulching head. Offering a power output of 407kW from its FPH engine together with high performance hydraulics, the 480B features Tigercat’s comprehensive Remote Log telematics system which allows ease of access to machine performance data and scheduled service planning.
Running on oscillating tracks, greater ground contact is thereby maintained allowing its tractive efforts and greater uniformity of ground pressure to be applied at all times. Offering high boom lift geometry, the machine offers a high level of working flexibility in varying material types adding to the versatility of its operation.
MORBARK
ASV
The ASV Posi-Track range of tracked loaders are popular among forestryorientated users. On display in Nevada was the firm’s RT120 fitted with a Loftness Carbide Cutter G4 mulching head and
Another highly capable, Cat-engined machine was the Morbark Wood Hog 6400 XT horizontal grinder with tracks.
forestry-oriented rubber track suspension system – the latter ensuring more uniform ground contact improving stability and traction. Weighing 5,110kg, the machine is powered by an 89.5kW Cummins engine, while its maximum 170 litres per minute hydraulic flow confirms it’s up to the job of driving mulching heads.
The Loftness Carbide Cutter G4 mulching head includes a two-stage mulching action for improved performance and greatly reduced incidence of material drag. This is achieved by an adjustable shear bar, which opens in accordance with material type and production requirements. Material is mulched not once but twice before it exits the unit.
LOFTNESS
Equipment for the effective clearance of power lines also formed part of the Las Vegas showcase, including the Loftness Kwik Trim non-conductive boom mounted on a Takeuchi TB260 midi excavator
FECON
Purpose-built TTX 300 Trax Plus by Fecon is Tier 5 compliant and boasts a 76cm attachment lift height.
LOFTNESS
base. Employing an extendable boom with 16m-reach, which can attain a compact transport position, it utilises a 60cm diameter saw blade for effective cutting performance. The conversion is completed by the incorporation of a winch integrated into the dozer blade which has also received a degree of modification to ensure compatibility with the application.
FECON
The Fecon exhibit displayed one of the most impressive ranges of purpose-built tracked mulchers at CONEXPO and included the company’s TTX 300 Trax Plus model which is the latest generation Tier 5 compliant machine. Employing IQAN control Fecon telematics and equipped with an oscillating undercarriage, the machine offers an impressive attachment lift height of 76cm clearance below the cutting tools, which gives greater performance in dealing with a wider range of material types. The mulcher itself boasts variable speed motors and Fecon depth control rotors which prevent the head from cutting into the terrain ahead. The TTX 300 weighs 14,402kg when equipped with the standard BH120 mulcher.
JARRAFF INDUSTRIES
Above: Jarraff’s 142010 Line Backer quad track mulching base unit features an incredibly robust-looking design.
JARRAFF INDUSTRIES
Another industry first was presented in the form of the Jarraff 142010 Line Backer quad track mulching base unit. Combining tractive and floatation characteristics with the greater mobility of a wheeled machine, Jarraff’s base unit is understood to be the first machine of its type to adopt the Quad Track design. While the quad track design gives good ground contact for floatation and stability, the machine’s articulated format benefits its manoeuvrability while offering impressive ground clearance to cope with the most adverse environments.
With the mulching unit mounted on a loader arm design format, an impressive mulcher raise height of 3.35m is possible, which delivers controlled mulching performance when working in larger material as a degree of top down mulching is possible. Such is the design of the base machine, it reflects a degree of durability almost on par with a machine destined for mine clearance.
KOMATSU
Komatsu introduced its latest addition to the feller buncher range at CONEXPO, with the XT465L-5 making its world debut. Even though such machines are aimed at markets where full tree approaches to harvesting are practiced, it is interesting to savour the benefits of the base machine which will ultimately filter through to dedicated tracked harvester variants for cut-to-length harvesting markets. Fitted with a Quadco disc saw feller buncher head with 60cm cutting capacity, the machine has a
KOMATSU
Left: Forestry spec Komatsu XT465L-5 with Quadco disc saw feller buncher head.
Right: Chinese-built XCMG XE300UF with cut-tolength processing head.
Below left: Doosan DX300LL-5 with heavy duty undercarriage.
Below: Dedicated log loader from Kobelco packs a 188kW Hino engine.
DOOSAN
complete operating weight of 33,800kg with power provision by a Cummins 247kW engine. Mounted on a dedicated forestry specification undercarriage, the upper structure presents levelling capabilities and has a reduced swing radius design. Service access is impressive thanks to the distinctive gull-wing panels, which lower outwards to give safe access to all components.
DOOSAN
Among the excavators modified for use as log loaders was the DX300LL-5 from Doosan. Employing a heavy duty undercarriage with admirable ground clearance, the machine features a standard 6.3m boom and 3.91m dipper arm, while a range of other alternatives can be specified.
The upper structure incorporates comprehensive guarding, and the forestry theme also extends to the cabin which is of a dedicated design. The unit has an operating weight of 37,059kg in its standard log loader format. which gives some insight into the level of modification for this application.
XCMG
The only forestry excavator fitted with a cut-to-length processing head at CONEXPO was the Chinese-built XCMG XE300UF. While the base machine itself presented a range of dedicated forestry-oriented features, the Southstar head was just as eye-catching. Built in Canada, the Southstar head is largely unknown in European markets, but its designers have considerable
KOBELCO
KOBELCO
At this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG, Kobelco reaffirmed its commitment to the forestry sector through the presence of the SK300LL log loader. Like its standard excavator counterparts, the machine draws power from a 188kW Hino engine, while the hydraulics deliver a combined flow rating of 492 litres per minute.
Even though the machine is based on a 30-tonne excavator, the SK300LL log loader’s total weight is quoted at 41,800kg,
XCMG
experience with other proven manufacturers before establishing this venture. These prominent designers include the original founder of the Waratah Group, Dave Cochrane who launched Southstar in 2007, together with other key personnel from New Zealand and Canada. Offering a range of innovative features, the Southstar head features a four-feed roller design for maximum grip, with the delimbing knife profile said to favour both standard harvesting and ease of stem retrieval in processing roles.
Among the features of the Cummins powered XCMG base are its 180kW power rating and 266 litres per minute hydraulic oil flow from each of the two main pumps. The machine’s 10.8m reach is achieved with a 6.1m boom and 3.11m dipper arm, whilst good stability and ground clearance is achieved by the dedicated forestryspecification undercarriage. The upper structure features a high level of protective measures plus a dedicated forestry cabin, while cameras positioned around the upper frame afford greater safety awareness for the operator.
JWS has recently expanded its workshop capabilities with a new four-bay facility providing space for machine inspections, wagon storage and more.
