The large directional felling head, designed for 30+ metric ton carriers, improves productivity and increases durability.
Waratah Forestry Equipment has released a new large felling head model, the FL100. The felling head extends uptime for steep slope, shoveling and traditional felling applications. It has high-capacity grapple arms engineered for improving operational picking and holding force of logs – this provides good operational capabilities in traditional felling and steep slope shoveling applications. It also includes a valve-in-head design and the new TimberRiteTM X-20 control system, simplifying installation.
New features on the FL100 that contribute toward maximum productivity include continuous rotation and dual rotate motors that enable high rotation power requirements. As a large class of directional felling head with a 1 m (39.3 in) cut capacity, the FL100 also features extra-long, continuously curved opposing arms for enhanced grapple capacity and picking capability and a 1.47 m (57.8 in) opening and 0.78 m2 (8.4 ft2) payload capacity.
The FL100’s forward placed saw unit allows for easier cutting of larger timber. For power in small or large capacity loads, the FL100 has one cylinder per arm plus a synchronizing link for maximum grapple holding force and control.
This new head also leverages Waratah’s TimberRiteTM measuring and control system. The TimberRiteTM X-20 stand-alone controller provides configurable settings for improved head performance, productivity and measuring accuracy. Features include a stem counter, sawcut/home indication, production reports and individual operator settings. Together, the new features allow enhanced flexibility in operation that improve overall productivity by allowing operators more capabilities to properly position timber.
In addition to maximized productivity, the FL100 has a robust and sturdy design for increased durability. Its one-piece, welded, high-strength steel frame is coupled with large pin diameters and a grapple geometry with an arm profile designed to handle various sizes of timber. The FL100’s grapple force remains high even with its arms at capacity. For simplified integration, the FL100 has a valve in-head design. Its fixed saw box design also contributes toward increased durability in a variety of applications.
The FL100 utilizes proven Waratah saw system components, some rotate components and electrical and oiler systems while providing extended uptime with a variety of new features. For improved serviceability, the chain oil capacity is 35L (9.2 US liquid gallons), and a large chain oil reservoir minimizes frequent top ups. The new machine also can adapt to any carrier and provides efficient pump control, hydraulic system protection and required safety/service lock-outs for added uptime and efficient serviceability. The Waratah FL100 is available to customers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Latin America and New Zealand. Source