The 612 dual winch skidder is specially designed to operate in selective harvesting applications.
It is designed to extract high value timber in steep or sensitive terrain conditions. The Tigercat 612 series skidder platform was created to manage the extraction function in challenging terrain selective felling applications, while preserving the value and quality of the residual stand. The machine can be equipped with a dual winch, a movable back shield and fairlead system, as well as a crane, and front blade tongs.
The 612 is equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 Stage V engine, delivering 155 kW (208 hp). Combined with Tigercat’s efficient drive system, the 612 impressively handles adverse terrain while minimizing wheel spin.
A narrow stance allows easy navigation through tight trails and rough ground conditions. The movable shield can be used as an anchor while winching. The dual winch and moving fairlead system allow the operator independent control over two separate cables when operating in tight stand conditions. The optional heavy-duty crane and blade tongs offer even more versatility for extracting, maneuvering and sorting logs.
The operator’s cab is spacious with generous sized windows providing clear sightlines. Creature comforts include a climate-controlled cup holder and dedicated storage. Key to ergonomics and operating the machine effectively is the Turnaround seat. Turnaround provides increased comfort, clear sightlines, and easy entry and exit from either side of the machine. The operator enjoys full control of all machine functions in any position within the 220° range. Source
Read MoreThis allows more comprehensive and diverse backhoe options to fleet owners.
The five new backhoe loader models are for construction, landscaping, rental, agriculture/forestry and utilities. Two models are available immediately: the Case Utility Plus and the Case 580SV Construction King center pivot. Three additional models will be available later in 2023: the Case 580SV Construction King side shift, and two Case 695SV Construction King models — one with center pivot and one with side shift.
The new Case Utility Plus delivers full-sized backhoe performance in an efficient platform that’s easy to own, easy to maintain, and cost effective to run. This new 74 hp (54kW) machine delivers a big cab with good sightlines to all work areas, good ease of service with a maintenance-free emissions system (no DPF and no DEF), and easy controls (including a choice of pilot or mechanical). Mechanical controls are offered for the more experienced operators who like the traditional backhoe “feel”, while pilot controls are available for rental businesses and contractors with less-experienced operators.
The new Case 580SV Construction King brings a tool carrier-style front end back to the Case backhoe line, ideal for businesses who use the loader end of their backhoe as a primary material handler – loading and unloading pallets, moving pipe and other bundled material around the yard. Adding a 4-in-1 bucket, a 6-in-1 bucket, or any of the many other attachments available for Case backhoes turns this into a multi-purpose jobsite solution — and a hydraulic quick coupler makes it easy. The new center pivot model is immediately available to the North American market, and Case will be rolling out a side-shift model later in 2023.
At 97 hp (71 kW), the Case 580SV Construction King is a simple yet robust addition to a backhoe fleet and, like the Utility Plus, can be optioned up into a more premium backhoe experience with features such as the Extendahoe and Auto-Ride Control. The new side-shift model, available later in 2023, will deliver even greater jobsite flexibility and performance in confined spaces. It will feature in-line vertical stabilizers for offset digging and working in applications where operators have to get right up against structures, or take up less space (such as in roadside utility work).
Later this year, Case will be introducing two 695SV Construction King models — a center-pivot model and a side-shift model. The 695SV Construction King is a larger, more powerful backhoe loader with four-wheel steer and equally sized tires. The four-wheel steer and large tires make it an ideal machine for loading operations while still offering the versatility to switch out loader and backhoe attachments. It also includes the parallel lift tool carrier style loader arms for more intense material handling operations. Source
Read MoreVisionLink manages all equipment and attachment assets regardless of brand.
The new VisionLink® provides an integrated full-fleet management solution for asset tracking to maximize machine uptime and optimize utilization. The platform’s refreshed intuitive interface helps customers efficiently manage their entire fleet, regardless of manufacturer. Improved asset insights retrieve a broader range of data from owned, leased, or rented equipment and attachments, allowing companies to make better informed asset management decisions.
Cloud-based and accessed through desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, new VisionLink consolidates My.Cat.Com, the Cat® App, and the previous version of VisionLink applications into one centralised solution for fleet management. Simplifying the process for customers, all user accounts, personal settings, account configurations, and equipment subscriptions seamlessly transition from these previous platforms to the new VisionLink.
Allowing users to access their data on the go and in the field, the new VisionLink mobile app replaces the Cat app. The App is available for download on both the Android and iOS platforms The new mobile app allows users to stay up to date on key metrics, location of assets, fuel level, idle time and more, all through a smartphone. Using all the key elements of a smartphone, it was built with mobility in mind.
Several updated features help serve customers in a variety of everyday situations. VisionLink’s new “Needs Review” feature allows customers to focus on critical items, bringing to focus areas where actions need to be taken and providing a workflow to schedule tasks. Within “Needs Review,” the new “Task Management” function allows customers to create quick tasks or a task from scratch. It allows for task assignment and ensures task progress and completion are documented.
The new VisionLink monitors machine health, fault codes, S∙O∙S℠ fluid analysis, and inspections to plan maintenance. Key personnel can be assigned to receive alerts when an asset requires immediate service to prevent downtime. Customers can also request service and order parts from Cat dealers directly using the new VisionLink mobile app.
With fleet management unique to every operation, customers can assign machines the in-app name of their choosing. Easy-to-use dashboards allow for asset management by projects, groups, and geofences. Additionally, customers decide who can and cannot access VisionLink by defining access levels for personnel. Customized reports can be generated and sorted automatically to facilitate tasks such as identifying underutilized equipment.
To make it easier for Cat customers to manage their assets and increase their productivity, they have announced a further evolution of VisionLink® to include the rebranding of Cat® Productivity to VisionLink Productivity. Renaming Cat Productivity is the first step in integrating it with the new enhanced VisionLink.
VisionLink Productivity is a cloud-based application that can help customers analyse jobsite performance and improve productivity based on actionable information, making their businesses more efficient and ultimately more profitable. It is scalable to any size operation, regardless of asset brand, and can be accessed wherever they are via mobile, tablet, or desktop.
VisionLink also offers customers streamlined subscription levels designed to reduce complexity and provide the right combination of features for customers of any size. The new VisionLink continues to offer core telematics data standard with every machine to answer important questions about assets, including daily machine location, utilization, fuel usage, maintenance reminders, and integration with Caterpillar’s extensive digital ecosystem. Source
Read MoreMore than 50 prototypes have already been manufactured at JCB’s UK engine plant.
A team of 150 engineers is working on the pioneering initiative to develop hydrogen combustion engines. The wraps came off the brand new JCB hydrogen combustion engine - the company’s zero-carbon emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment - at the Conexpo 2023 show in Las Vegas as part of the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE).
JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford is leading the project to develop JCB’s hydrogen technology. Prototype JCB hydrogen engines are already powering backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler machines. JCB has also made a major breakthrough in proving the wider appeal of hydrogen combustion technology by installing one of the super-efficient hydrogen engines into a 7.5 tonne Mercedes truck - a retrofit which was completed in just days. JCB has also unveiled its very own designed and built mobile refuelling bowser to take the fuel to the machines. The bowser has enough hydrogen gas to fill 16 hydrogen backhoe loaders and is able to be transported either on the back of a modified JCB Fastrac tractor or on a trailer.
The JCB engineering team has gone back to first principles to completely re-design the combustion process to work for hydrogen. In doing so they have achieved two major things: secured JCB’s place in history as the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and steered JCB towards the production of a landmark 50 hydrogen combustion engines.
As part of its hydrogen development, JCB also investigated its use in fuel cells and in July 2020 unveiled the construction industry’s first ever hydrogen powered excavator - a 20-tonne 220X. For the time being, JCB has come to the conclusion that fuel cells are too expensive, too complicated and not robust enough for construction and agricultural equipment. In challenging the JCB engineering team to think differently using technology that is around us in a zero-carbon way, the JCB hydrogen engine was born.
The unique combustion properties of hydrogen enable the hydrogen engine to deliver the same power, the same torque, and the same efficiency that powers JCB machines today, but in a zero-carbon way. Hydrogen combustion engines also offer other significant benefits. By leveraging diesel engine technology and components, they do not require rare earth elements and critically, combustion technology is already well proven on construction and agricultural equipment. It is a technology which is cost effective, robust, reliable and well known throughout not just the construction and agricultural industry, but the whole world. Source
Read MoreJohn Deere showcases the new 85 P-Tier and 510 P-Tier current generation excavator models.
In addition to these new model updates, John Deere will also be unveiling the first look at their all-new future generation excavators. Both types of updates are examples of how John Deere can leverage technology from across the enterprise to extend advanced features and smart solutions to its full line-up of John Deere excavators, helping to revolutionize the portfolio and deliver the John Deere customer experience.
Compared to the 85 G-Tier model, the new 85 P-Tier boasts an 18% engine horsepower increase and the addition of a turbo for high altitude performance. Hydraulic performance improvements include increased pump torque and improved dig forces. The larger, redesigned cab is equipped with an eight-inch monitor with Bluetooth and a 270-degree camera system integrated into the main monitor. Improved service access and optional features, such as angle blade with float and continuous flow auxiliary hydraulics, round out the updates that improve the performance and versatility of the 85 P-Tier machine.
On display at this year's show, customers can experience the future generation machines, including the 145 P-Tier, 210 P-Tier and 360 P-Tier models. These models are designed to offer industry leading performance, reliability and durability features, including the industry exclusive full-size cab on the reduced tail swing 145 P-Tier machine. Leveraging a full suite of John Deere advanced technology solutions, the future generation excavators will provide enhancements in connectivity, safety, automation and grade management. Source
Read MoreTigercat provides more factory support in New Zealand
In response to a steadily increasing machine population, Tigercat is pleased to announce that Ryan Petersen has been appointed to the position of product support representative for New Zealand. Based in Porirua, just north of Wellington, Ryan will provide after-sale technical and operational support to Tigercat’s customer base across New Zealand, with a focus on the lower north island region. Ryan has many years experience in the trucking, earthmoving, gas, mining, and forestry sectors as a high level service technician, service supervisor and advanced service trainer. He previously worked for New Zealand Tigercat dealer, AB Equipment. Source
Eco Log approaches the exit from the reconstruction process
The District Court of Hälsingland has today established the reconstruction plan, including debt settlement, that Eco Log has offered their creditors. This means that the company is expected to exit the financial reorganization shortly. The fact that the creditors have approved the debt settlement is an important landmark that marks the end of the reconstruction process. Eco Log is expected to exit the financial reorganization during April. Source
New Cat® Wheel Loaders feature advanced technologies
The next generation of Cat® 926, 930 and 938 Wheel Loaders offer a range of new technologies and features designed to boost productivity by simplifying machine operation. Adding flexibility by design, the versatile Cat small wheel loaders offer industry-specific configurations to efficiently handle agriculture, waste, forestry, aggregate and snow removal applications. Customized models can be equipped direct from the factory or through aftermarket upgrade kits installed by a Cat dealer. Source
Society of American Foresters (SAF) National Convention 2023 – Call for Proposals
The 2023 theme is “Forestry: It’s in Our DNA,” referencing both the proud legacy and the ongoing challenges and opportunities that forestry. The 2023 convention will bring together novel science and on-the-ground management applications, while focusing on how to better communicate to the public and tackle a changing climate. The Call for Proposals submission process is now open! Submissions relating to the convention theme and subthemes are encouraged; however, submissions are welcome on any of the many facets of forestry. Source
Read More“Detailed scheduling of forest harvesting at the operational level incorporating decisions on multiple machine assignment”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2023. Rohit Arora, Taraneh Sowlati & Joel Mortyn. Source
“Optimization of forest harvest scheduling at the operational level, considering precedence relationship among harvesting activities”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2023 Rohit Arora, Taraneh Sowlati, Joel Mortyn, Dominik Roeser & Verena C. Griess. Source
Read MoreTo see the full list of conferences and exhibitions, please click on "Events" in the menu at the top of the page.
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