The new grapple has been designed for use on the 875 and 880D loggers.

The three grapple models, the PC08, PC10 and PC12, are sized for load capacities of 0,8 m² (8 sq.ft), 0,9 m² (10 sq.ft) and 1,1 m² (12 sq.ft). Using fatigue resistant welded construction, Tigercat power clam grapples feature durable box-style tongs fabricated from high strength steel. All weld-on tine tips are made from abrasion-resistant steel and can be replaced. The jaw profile rolls the logs into the grapple to quickly achieve a full load capacity. The profile is also designed to grip a single 150 mm (6 in) diameter stem when completely closed.

The power clam is available with an optional powered outrigger that provides exceptional control of various sized trees. It has a tapered tong profile and a large 45-degree sweep and is controlled by a cylinder with the same rod and bore diameters as the jaw cylinders. Routing the hoses over the boom and under the connecting pin maximizes boom hose protection. The cylinder guard design allows easy hose access and reduces the need for large covers.

A multi-section proportional control valve provides good flow and enhanced timing as spools can be independently tuned. The fixed displacement piston motor is coupled with a two-stage planetary gearbox that provides ample rotational speed and torque. A Tigercat designed crossover relief valve, directly bolted to the piston motor, features a float setting and provides charged make-up oil for smoother control, and to prevent jerky stops.

Large covers can be removed to easily service all hydraulic components. The main control valve is situated for easy service access to both sides. A sealed electrical box keeps all wiring connections well protected from the elements. Source

John Deere ventures into the world of specialised vehicles for applications such as fire fighting.

John Deere is proud to bring to market a new line of Special Application Vehicles to suit the needs of federal, state, and local governments, and first responders. This custom line of utility vehicles was designed in conjunction with International Automated Systems (IAS) to provide solutions for state and local government agencies and first responders. These vehicles address the unique needs of police, fire, rescue and security as well as the broader needs of governmental customers.

The daily challenges government agencies and first responders face are unique, and require heavy-duty, reliable vehicles that are built for the job. Building on their collaboration with IAS, which first began in 2013, John Deere are providing customers with a turn-key, customized solution designed with their specific needs in mind.

Built on the John Deere Utility Vehicle chassis, these machines can be customized to match other fleet vehicles, are available in red, white, blue and black and end-users can determine location and placement of custom decals. These vehicles, under agreement with IAS, are available to the Department of Defense and governmental agencies at all levels. They are currently not available for commercial or residential purchase. Source

JCB gives insights into the trends associated with the introduction of innovative electric technology.

JCB indicates that for large scale excavators, electric power is quite simply too costly both financially and environmentally. It would cost £160,000 for a lithium-ion battery large enough to power a 20-tonne excavator for an eight-hour shift - not to mention the vast amount of carbon-dioxide produced in the battery's manufacturing process.

Diesel, on the other hand, contains more energy than petrol, natural gas, a variety of battery types and many other fuels or power sources. In fact, by mass, diesel contains around 54 times more energy than current lithium-ion batteries. Diesel is safe to use and can be delivered to site easily - even in remote locations. Finally, with their high torque nature and robustness, diesel engines are perfectly suited to heavy duty applications, including use in construction equipment.

Given these benefits, it is a major concern that the basic power systems the majority of our industry's machines use - diesel engines - are in danger of being caught in the collateral damage caused largely by the automotive sector diesel scandals.

Cutting exposure to air pollutants and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is something JCB take very seriously and, just as innovation has been at the heart of their first fully electric models, it has also been integral to their clean diesel engine development too. JCB is aware that creating cleaner machines starts with creating cleaner engines. As stricter legislation drives innovation, that innovation drives technological revolution and provides a genuine opportunity to differentiate from competitors.

For Stage V, the next phase of emissions legislation, JCB is using Particulate Control Technology to meet requirements but has once again sought an alternative to bolting on a DPF. The next generation particulate technology is more than just a particulate filter. It combines a low emissions combustion system with catalysts and filters, all managed by a sophisticated engine and after-treatment control system. This ensures the exhaust emissions are minimised over a wide range of operating conditions. It's completely integrated, highly reliable, highly effective and invisible to the customer. This latest generation of engines have almost eradicated harmful emissions. NOx is down 97% and soot particulates are down by 98%. Beyond that, JCB’s clean diesel technology has helped deliver a 43 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions from JCB machines by improving fuel efficiency, saving 2.5 billion litres of diesel.

JCB sees a balanced future, where the optimum machine should be selected for each application. Right now, that is a future where clean diesel machines deliver on the majority of projects. But in sensitive environments - demanding quiet operation or zero emissions at point of use - the innovative new E-TEC range from JCB could be the perfect solution. Source

A most unusual theft took place at a Log Max warehouse, where nine harvester heads were stolen.

​​During the weekend of 19 to 20 October, thieves broke into one of the Log Max warehouse buildings and stole nine harvesting heads. Eight of them were new and one was used. Log Max is not sure exactly how they did it, but they would have needed a large truck to accommodate nine big heads, which weigh almost two tons each. They broke into the building at night time, and probably used one of the Log Max forklifts to load their vehicle.

Unfortunately, this incident will impact Log Max’s delivery time, and they are hoping that all customers waiting for heads, understand their situation. They are doing everything they can to minimise delays. All the stolen heads have a serial number, so if you suspect a stolen Log Max head, please check the number to see if it belongs to one of those listed below. They will also need control systems to be able to run the heads, and therefore Log Max kindly asks you to pay attention and ask for more details if someone is seeking separate control systems.

Log Max have announced a reward of 2000 Euro per head to anybody who can provide information about these heads that leads to Log Max getting their head back. The following heads/serial numbers were stolen:

• Log Max 6000V with serial number 161028
• Log Max 6000V with serial number 161029
• Log Max 7000C with serial number 170401
• Log Max 7000C with serial number 170402
• Log Max 7000Twin with serial number 570049
• Komatsu S132 with serial number 460298
• Komatsu S132 with serial number 460299
• Komatsu S132 with serial number 460301
• Used Log Max 5000 with serial number 150257

If you know anything please contact Log Max at info@logmax.com, or ulla.hannerz@logmax.com or +46(0)240 - 59 11 00. Source

The tyres have soil-friendly grip, durability and excellent support for chains and tracks.

Avoiding damage to the soil has become more and more important in forestry work all around the world. At the same time, mechanised harvesting of timber must be carried out even on the most challenging terrain, making the use of chains or tracks more common. The new Nokian Forest King TRS 2+ tyres are designed to provide the widest possible ground contact, providing good traction without tracks as well as improved support for chains and tracks.

For harvesting operations, stability is an important feature for a tyre. Good tyres give the work a solid foundation, improving precision and efficiency. The Nokian Forest King TRS 2+ features a 24PR bias structure that’s very efficient in absorbing swings and shocks. For long operating life, the Nokian Forest King TRS 2+ tyres have extra rubber on the shoulder area. The tread pattern itself is protected with steel reinforcements. These add to excellent cut and puncture resistance, making the tyre a safe choice for the most demanding terrain as well.

When designing the Nokian Forest King TRS 2+ tyre, special attention was paid to best possible track support. The tyre’s deep tread pattern with track grooves and extra wing bars create optimal surface for track contact, minimising track slipping and tyre damage. For use without chains or tracks, the tyre features sharp rib edges, extra wing bars and wide contact area to maximise grip even on demanding terrain. This enables maximal grip with minimal damage to the soil.

An important economical factor for both OEM and replacement tyre users is that the new Nokian Forest King TRS 2+ maintains backwards compatibility with Nokian Forest Rider components such as chains, tracks, tubes and rims. The 600/65-34, the 710/55-34 and the 710/70-34 sizes will be available from the end of 2019. Source

Logset Oy appoints a new Vice President of Services

Jukka Kivipelto has been appointed from November 1st, 2019. He will move to the position from the Logset’s Technical Director job. Kivipelto has worked for Logset since 1996 and within the forest machine industry since 1985. Logset’s current Product Development Manager Jonas Hedström has been appointed as R&D Director from November 1st, 2019. Hedström has worked for Logset since 2002. Source

Eco Log in cooperation with Waratah

To widen their product range and to attract new customers, Eco Log has introduced the possibility to equip their harvesters with Waratah heads. The first two Waratah heads that can be fitted are the 413 and 415. Source

Kesla’s Large Z-boomed 2121Z & 2124Z crane models are now available with extensions

The recently launched large Z-boomed 2121Z and 2124Z crane models for timber handling are available with both 1 and 2 extensions. The outreaches are 8.2 m and 9.7 m, respectively. The cranes are installed behind the truck cab. Source

To see the full list of conferences and exhibitions, please click on "Events" in the menu at the top of the page.