The new Forest Crawler was first presented at the FORST live exhibition in Offenburg.
The Forest Crawler CTL 250FR is based on the "HFR 504 Plus" designed and built in Switzerland. Manufacturing started at the CTL Technology GmbH in Sehmtal in May. The Forest Crawler can be transported on a motor vehicle trailer as it is only 1700 mm (5.6 ft) wide and has a total weight of 2.5 t. HSM explains that the specially manufactured track mechanism with bogie pendel wheels provides very good traction, even on rough terrain. It has a very low centre of gravity and uses a parallel rear plate (including height adjustable rope guides (250 mm / 9.8 in)) to provide good stability even when the rope has high payloads. The Forest Crawler is described as being best suited for use on very steep slopes and in areas which are hard to access.
The Forest Crawler can also be equipped with an easily removable front traction winch which has synchronous power control and a tractive power of 0 to 2.3 t. A 37 kW (50 hp) Yanmar 4 cylinder diesel engine supplies power to drive the rear ADLER EHY-5 winch which is driven hydraulically and proportionally (when winding/unwinding). Easily accessible service hatches, well-designed stowage compartments and an integral battery changer ensure smooth operation. The rear plate and the hydraulic system can be fitted with a hydraulic three-point add-on unit. The Forest Crawler CTL 250FR can be purchased directly from HSM or their dealers at a price of € 86,000. CTL is also currently searching for interested new dealers who would like to include the Forest Crawler in their product portfolio. Source: http://www.hsm-forest.net/cms/news/items/forest-crawler-goes-into-production.html