Interesting information - Innovative steep slope logging products from Herzog

Herzog Forsttechnik produces innovative equipment modifications to enable logging on steep slopes.

The newest innovation is the bogie lift. Its function is to lift the front axle (as seen in the picture). This makes it easier to enter sites where steep embankments are found, achieve a smaller turning radius and level the machine on steep or uneven terrain. The bogie lift is activated by the machine operator from the cab. The operation of the bogie lift is simple, as there is only one lifting function and floating position.

Herzog also produces a retro-fitted crane tilt. The OEM crane of the manufacturer is removed and a Herzog crane is fitted that tilts to 26.5 degrees (46%), allowing better crane performance on steeper slopes and in thinning operations.

The traction winch (Herzog Alpine Synchrowinch) can be fitted to harvesters and forwarders. It enables the machine to operate on steeper slopes. The end of the cable is attached to a suitable point at the top of the slope, and the winch then assists the machines by providing more control over forward and reverse movement. The forwarder winch is permanently attached to the rear frame of machine, while the harvester winch is attached with a quick-release adaptor, which enables it to be used on more than one machine. The winch can be fitted with 280 m (306 yd) of 15 mm (0.59 in) cable. The winch requires a hydraulic supply of 170 l/min (45 gal/min) and a minimum pressure of 280 bar from the base machine. The crane pump is usually used as the power source for the winch. In order for the machine operator to remain comfortable while working, a seat tilt plate is fitted between the seat spring and the ground of the cab. This enables the seat to level up to 23 degrees (40 %) along the horizontal axis of the machine. A colour camera that monitors the winch unit is optional.

Also of interest from Herzog is the Grizzly 400-Yarder excavator based cable yarder, and the Ponsse Wisent forwarder, which consists of a Ponsse forwarder modified to make the best use of cutting edge technology.
Source: http://www.herzog-forsttechnik.ch/english/home_en.htm