The H216 is a new two-roller head added to the Waratah 200 Series lineup.
Built for hardwood, the H216 is strong enough to handle the toughest tree forms with accuracy and efficiency. Its simple design with excellent feed power, delimbing, and large cut capacity provide productive tree harvesting. This head not only provides Waratah customers reliable performance in hardwood but is equally capable of handling softwood, debarking and everything in between.
Weighing in at 1,495 kg (3,296 lb.), this 200 Series head features a two-roller design ideal for hardwood harvesting, late or final thinnings. Floating roller arms allow for superior and easy tree horizontal movement and easy log transport through the head. High performance single or multi-speed options keep timber moving quickly.
The H216 features the efficient SuperCut 100S saw unit with improved auto tensioning and easier servicing. With large sawing capacity, this head can cut logs up to 750 mm (29.5 in.) in diameter, while an optional top saw tackles heavy branching. The delimb arms provide excellent delimbing power across all diameter ranges, while drive wheel options offer maximum traction for crooked wood. The H216 harvester head utilizes the TimberRite™ H-16 control system for optimum head performance, productivity and measuring accuracy.
The H216 is built to tackle the toughest, crooked timber to the straightest postwood and everything in between. While also naturally capable in softwood, debarking or multi-tree handling, this head is designed for efficiency and agility in thinning and harvesting applications with quick cycle times.
A heavy-duty main chassis saw box, as well as tilt frame and guarding, provide added protection and reliability. Maintenance is simplified through one position daily servicing and easy open/close hinges on the valve cover.
The Waratah H216 is available to customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin America. Source
The globally recognised iF Design Award is considered a symbol of outstanding design.
Granted since 1954, the iF Design Award is one of the most significant and prestigious design awards in the world. The jury paid particular attention to the functionality and usability of the Ponsse Opti 5G information system. The user interface makes the forest machine operator’s work easier and produces other harvesting information, including operator working hours, production, machine operation and fuel consumption.
The Opti 5G system is designed to be easy to use to reduce the cognitive load of the forest machine operator and improve productivity. The user interface was completely rethought in our project to meet the users’ needs in the forest industry of today and the future. Design based on a user study and the large-scale testing of results are key factors behind the development of Opti 5G.
Ponsse states that this award is for everyone who has participated in the software development of the 5G system. Software development is almost always the result of the efforts of a large group of people. Software is at the core of modern forest machines to facilitate the use of the machine and make their operation more efficient. The user experience also plays an important role in improving efficiency, coping and comfort. Development at Ponsse focuses on understanding user needs.
A total of 10,800 products and projects from 72 different countries were sent to the 2024 competition for evaluation. This year’s iF jury consisted of 132 high-profile design specialists from 23 countries. Source
Husqvarna’s Battery Competence Center is in its fourth year of operation
Aligned with the rapidly accelerating trend of electrification, Husqvarna embarked on a journey in 2020, by establishing a Group Battery Competence Center (BCC), gathering all our battery expertise under one roof. The aim was to be at the cutting edge of battery technology and maintain their leading position in battery-powered products.
The BCC works as a central hub facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration in the battery field across divisions and business units. Operating globally, the BCC provides support to all divisions through battery engineering, industrialization, and supply chain management. The BCC team has expanded to encompass approximately 85 experts spread across four strategic sites: Huskvarna and Jonsered in Sweden, as well as in Ulm, and now Karlstein, in Germany.
The new center will serve as a hub for a team of 30 experts dedicated to pioneering the development and testing of groundbreaking battery solutions tailored to Husqvarna’s products and services. The team in Karlstein will collaborate with colleagues from other sites and engage with our customers and partners, including suppliers, industry collaborators, and academic institutions. This expansion reinforces Husqvarna’s commitment to electrification and pioneering advancements in battery technology. Source
A track loader is the one machine that can do it all – clear, load, dig, carry, fill and more – even in tough or slick ground conditions.
The new Cat® 973 Track Loader combines versatility with up to 10 percent better fuel efficiency, more productivity, cab improvements and optional Payload technology. The 275 hp (205 kW) crawler loader has an operating weight of 65,901 lb (29 892 kg) and replaces the 973K worldwide. It joins the 953 (160 hp/119 kW) and 963 (202 hp/151 kW) in the Cat track loader line.
The 973 is the largest track loader in the industry, but still offers agility and ease of operation. The updated cab features a suspension seat and adjustable armrests/controls. An intuitive 10-inch (254 mm) touchscreen dash display is easy to use and features a standard High Definition rearview camera. Slope Indicate helps make operation easier by showing machine mainfall and cross slope right on the display.
Select joystick or V-lever and pedal steering for transmission controls and either joystick or 2-lever implement controls. The joystick option provides familiar controls for operators experienced with skid steers/compact track loaders. With either control scheme, operators can set implement response – fine, normal, coarse – to match operator preference or application. Repetitive lift, lower, rack, dump and float functions can be preset to make jobs like truck loading easier. Smoother implement and steering response, and improved steering performance provide more controllability.
The 973 is powered by a Cat C9.3B engine. Fuel consumption is reduced up to 10 percent with the Auto Mode that will adapt the engine speed to the load. Eco Mode will use even lower speed for further reduction in fuel consumption in lighter duty applications. Power Mode will keep engine speed high for a feel of readily available power at all times.
An optional Performance Series bucket boosts productivity up to 20 percent. An optional Fusion™ Quick Coupler enables fast attachment changes. A variety of buckets, forks and other tools can be shared among track loaders, wheel loaders and other Fusion compatible machines. Buckets come from the factory with Advansys™ bucket tips/adapter/locking system. Advansys tips are built for maximum productivity and the lowest bucket lifecycle cost. Hammerless retention system means safe, fast removal and installation without special tools.
Purpose-built Low Ground Pressure (LGP), Waste Handling/Demolition and Ship Hold arrangements are factory equipped with specialized undercarriage, guarding and other features designed to take on the toughest tasks. The 973 Steel Mill package includes a specialized cab, insulated steel fuel tank, high temperature undercarriage and insulation throughout the machine, making it suitable for handling slag.
Cat Payload* technology delivers precise bucket load information with on-the-go weighing, which helps prevent over- or under-loading. More accurate loading reduces cycle times to help save time, labor and fuel costs.
Cat Equipment Management telematics technology helps take the complexity out of managing job sites – by gathering data generated by equipment, materials, and people – and serving it up in customizable formats. Source
Both are low emission vehicles that run on electric power
Battery Electric Vehicles operate using energy stored in batteries, while Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles are powered by a fuel cell that creates electricity using hydrogen as a fuel, with water and heat as the only byproducts. Wider adoption of these vehicles and their low-emissions technology represent a significant path to decarbonizing commercial transportation.
Cutting-edge software and electronics play a crucial role in various aspects of operations, from managing power in the powertrain (comprising the electric motor, battery, and fuel cell) to controlling electronic components throughout the vehicle and human interface systems like throttle response and range estimates. This article from Cummins gives an overview of how essential software, and electronics components work in BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) technologies.
BEVs and FCEVs share common powertrain components such as fuel cells, battery packs, inverters, and controls, but with some differences: in BEVs the internal combustion engine is replaced with batteries. FCEVs on the other hand, combine fuel cells with batteries. Vehicle software is important in both technologies and plays a role in managing power distribution and heat regulation. BEVs need advanced software to maintain battery performance and safety, managing temperature, charging, and discharging. While electronic components ensure precise power delivery for efficient performance. FCEVs too use similar software to optimize power distribution between the battery and the fuel cell. The software also helps in monitoring fuel consumption.
The chassis is made up of frame, wheels, brakes, and suspension. It is important for keeping the vehicle stable and easy to control. Electronic systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) help make it safer by applying brakes on certain wheels, which helps keep the vehicle steady and maintain direction when you need to make quick turns. Additionally, there are software-operated air suspension systems that change the height of the vehicle depending on speed and condition of the road. This helps to enhance aerodynamics and make it more comfortable to drive long distances.
The body includes the vehicle's structural and interior components. The body utilizes power electronics in the vehicle for features like automated door locks and advanced safety systems. Vehicle software and electronics use sensors and electronic control units (ECUs) to manage everything from window operations to driver-assistance systems, increasing both convenience and safety.
Electronics and software in vehicles can not only help control climate, lighting, and multimedia systems, but can also provide real-time vehicle data. Electronics also feed critical data to the onboard computers, ensuring systems like automatic headlight adjustment and rain-sensing wipers operate without a hitch.
The Autonomous Driving or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) includes sensors, radars and controllers that provide critical driver assist and automation features. These features include controlling signals going to the steering, braking and powertrain controllers, using real time and high-powered control units running advanced software.
Connected services are where vehicle software plays a significant role by extending the vehicle's functionality. BEVs often feature an app that allows users to remotely check the charge level, start the vehicle, or even pre-condition the cabin temperature. Navigation systems also use connectivity to provide live traffic updates, ensuring efficient route management.
By embedding intelligent software and electronics throughout the vehicle, BEVs and FCEVs can enhance user experience, and help meet environmental goals. As these technologies evolve, they will further lead the charge towards a cleaner, and more reliable transportation future.
In the next issue we will explore the role of software, electronics and other factors. Source
Tigercat announces new Factory and product Support in the USA
Tigercat has expanded its factory support by hiring Larry Nelson in the position of product support representative. In his new role, Larry will be responsible for providing technical support for Tigercat's products in the Lake States, Appalachia, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the USA. Travis is a seasoned field service technician with over 25 years of experience in heavy equipment, ranging from Forestry to Railroads. Based in Anderson, Alabama, Travis will be responsible for providing technical support for Tigercat's products in the southern region of the United States, including Alabama and Mississippi. Source
Loup MF becomes exclusive Eco Log Dealer in France
Eco Log welcomes Loup Machines Forestières (Loup MF SarL) as their new Dealer in France from May 1st. Loup is the sister company to Eco Log’s German Dealer WFW (Waldburg Forstmachinen), who has been an Eco Log Dealer since Eco Log was founded twenty years ago. Source
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