The new HTH 624CW “Control Wrist” processor head allows for handling of trees and processed logs.
Waratah had a wide range of heads on display. This included at least three new heads, which Logging-on will be covering over the next few issues. Upon being shown the different heads, it is clear that Waratah is examining the market very closely, and trying to develop heads that are ready when the market is ready. This means that the heads have been through rigorous field testing to accumulate sufficient hours so that any shortcomings are evident before the head is commercialised. This innovative spirit resulted in three new heads that caught our attention. These were the fixed-head processor (HTH 624CW) covered in this article, a new multi-stem head (HTH 623C) and directional felling head (FL-95).
The new HTH 624CW head weighs 3,628 kg (8,000 lb) and has a maximum sawing diameter of 81 cm (32 in). It is designed to be used on excavators of at least 27 metric tonnes. Because the head does not dangle at the end of the boom; but is instead fixed to the end of the boom, it is able to turn trees and logs, place logs accurately on stacks and even load logs onto trucks. Much design focus has been placed on its log handling capabilities, especially regarding log control. It also boasts good log heeling capabilities through the use of a floating and locking carrier tool, resulting in no heel rack being required.
The head has 360 degrees of continuous rotation, which improves head mobility in all applications. The “Control Wrist” head also allows for optimal hose routing, which reduces hose-related downtime. Waratah has been testing the new head for some time, with the field test heads already obtaining over 20,000 hours of operation. The head has a new split hood for improved service access. It also has an integrated trailer lifting hook for safe log trailer removal. Waratah claims that the head has best in class rotator torque. The 624CW has optional grapple style delimbing arms available. The fixed head option can be retrofitted to all HTH 624C models through the use of a retrofit kit. The other specifications are the same as the dangle head HTH 624C. More information will soon be available at http://waratah.com/