May 2023 - Issue 2

Eco Log´s crane tip control system is developed in collaboration with Epsilon.

Eco Log Tip Control, ETC, has been introduced on Eco Log´s 574F, 584F and 594F forwarder models, where the focus has been on developing a robust, reliable and service friendly driver support that also is intelligent and therefore adapts and develops itself as you use it.

The strengths of ETC are several, where Eco Log has focused on optimising the function and placement of the sensors to make sure that the system works in the best possible way for the operator and to ensure a smoother and more precise crane movement and position. As an operator you can easily choose if the crane tip control should be activated or if you rather operate the crane manually with your regular settings.

This is a big advantage that allows the operator to be flexible and to adapt the work to different situations and conditions. Also, one can avoid unnecessary down-time, for example if the crane tip control system needs servicing. Then one can operate the crane manually just as usual until a service technician arrives. Eco Log´s crane tip control is available for the following crane options and forwarder models:

• 574F – Epsilon S110F 10,3m (33.8 ft)
• 584F – Epsilon S110F 10,3m (33.8 ft) and Epsilon X120F 10,5m (34.4 ft)
• 594F – Epsilon X120F 10,5m and Epsilon X140F 10,5m (both 34.4 ft)

Source

The new eight-wheeled clearfell or final felling harvester from Komatsu Forest.

The Komatsu 951XC is a new harvester for final logging in steep terrain and on soft ground. The eight-wheel design, combined with the stable Komatsu concept, ensures a machine with great stability, excellent manoeuvrability, and low ground pressure. The Komatsu 951XC is also optimised for use with the Komatsu C164 – a harvester head specially designed for logging large trees – although it works just as well with a range of other heads.

The Komatsu 951XC is part of Komatsu Forest's product series of machines specially designed for challenging conditions. The machine design is much like that of the Komatsu 951, although there are some differences. The Komatsu 951XC has the same wheel size as the 931XC, lending the machine a more compact design and giving the 951XC a total machine length that is shorter than that of the Komatsu 951.

The Komatsu 951XC has 242 kN of underlying tractive force and unique interaction between engine, control system and power transmission. The hydrostatic transmission enables engine power to be fully utilised, providing considerable advantages in difficult terrain as well as excellent climbing ability. This is much due to the machine's large hydrostatic pump, which can maintain higher speeds at high tractive forces.

The 951XC is also equipped with hub reductions. They provide an advantage when working in challenging conditions, such as steep, snowy, or wet terrain, as they increase the life of the bogie and thereby machine reliability.

The Komatsu 951XC has new working hydraulics to better utilise the diesel engine. The new hydraulics also provide faster feeding from start to maximum speed and allow the saw motor to work even more efficiently. Although the working hydraulics are new, in all other respects the Komatsu 951XC shares the same proven design as other Komatsu harvesters, meaning 3PS. This enables several crane and head functions to be used simultaneously with retained maximum hydraulic power, all thanks to the machine's hydraulic power coordination.

All Komatsu harvesters are equipped with parallel cranes, this has been the case since 1999. With the Komatsu Forest design concept, the lifting booms and outer booms are linked, thereby eliminating an entire aspect of crane control. This concept simplifies crane operation by ensuring that the head is always in level regardless of crane cycle stage. The parallel crane is also cleverly designed to be fast in its outward movements, when the head is unloaded, and powerful in its return movements, when the head is heavily loaded.

Compared to the 951, the Komatsu 951XC has a significantly shorter distance from the centre of the crane to the front wheels. This creates a larger working area in front of the machine, that enables the operator to work at shorter reaches. The new larger working area in front of the machine means more powerful crane movements. And for those who equipes their machines with Smart Crane they get an even more easily manoeuvred crane with excellent precision.

Thanks to the machine’s stability and levelling cab, the operator is always seated level without the need to stretch and strain to maintain a good seating position. The 951XC is based on the tried-and-tested Komatsu concept that offers favourable weight distribution and has a low centre of gravity. In addition, the eight-wheeled XC series harvesters have a double oscillating bogie on the rear frame giving the machines completely unique handling characteristics. Source

Customers will receive even better service than before and in a more efficient way when the solution streamlines and automates processes.

Ponsse continues to utilize technology to develop its operations and invests in a new, global ERP solution. The new ERP solution has already been successfully implemented in Ponsse’s Swedish and Norwegian subsidiaries. Particular attention has been paid to the user experience, and all functions can be used anywhere in the world, with any device.

The new solution will enable continuous improvement and give Ponsse greater transparency throughout their operations – which in turn helps them to serve their customers better in the future. The new ERP solution is being used for a number of things, such as material and stock management, procurement, sales, deliveries, field work control and maintenance, invoicing, and financial management and reporting. The ERP solution will also be used for aftersales processes, such as spare parts sales and maintenance.

Following a thorough selection process, Ponsse chose the Microsoft Dynamics 365 complemented by the Annata 365 designed for the manufacturing and distribution industry of vehicles and heavy machinery. The solution will be delivered to Ponsse by Fellowmind, which has plenty of experience in ERP solutions for the manufacturing industry.

With the Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management solution, Ponsse can manage the entire production and the life cycles of products and services with a single digital platform. The Annata 365 industry solution based on the Dynamics 365 environment also enables Ponsse to have a structured process for registering and monitoring all asset items with a serial number throughout the products’ life cycles. The solution also supports all aftermarket processes, such as warranty management, maintenance agreements, and spare parts management. Source

Power packs can supplement generator power by saving costs where the generator only needs to to produce low power outputs.

JCB is building upon the success of its two 230V single-phase electric powerpacks, with the launch of three new 400V three-phase units. When used in conjunction with existing on-site power generation equipment, JCB battery powerpacks allow customers to reduce their dependence on diesel-powered generators when electrical demand is low. This increases efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, for a cleaner, lower carbon worksite.

With typical site use, generators can spend as much as 80% of the time running inefficiently at or below 30% load. However, even at this load, they require fuel, produce emissions and noise, and will need regular servicing. Project offices and cabins, for example, can be powered by a diesel generator set for up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though at night they may simply be powering CCTV and security lighting.

The solution is an electric powerpack. Powerpacks can be used to support the low load requirements on a site, reducing reliance on noisy diesel generators. Powerpacks also deliver a green solution for charging JCB E-Tech electric machinery, such as mini excavators, compact telescopic handlers and site dumpers. The powerpack can be charged with green electricity and then transported to site, to recharge machines as required. This allows the use of environmentally-friendly electric machinery in remote locations without a site supply of mains electricity.

By utilising electric powerpacks, rental companies and contractors can reduce their reliance on diesel power, cutting service and maintenance, as well as operating costs. The JCB electric powerpack can help customers to reduce their CO2 emissions, to lower noise on site and extend generator life.

The three new powerpacks are the 3.50QE, the 3.75QE and the 3.100QE. With an output voltage of 400V, they have a total storage capacity of 46kWh, 69kWh and 104kWh respectively. With a continuous output of 36kW at 25C, each unit offers multiple socket connections, with RCD protection and input and output busbars, for ultimate connection flexibility.

The powerpacks are JCB LiveLink enabled, providing remote monitoring and ensuring that power is available when and where it is required. LiveLink also gives users the option to control some of the output sockets, enabling operators to remotely turn off sockets that are no longer required, to improve the efficiency of their site.

Each JCB electric powerpack is installed in a robust full steel enclosure, with lifting points and fork lift pockets, making it easy to transport on site. There are no fluids, no filters and no routine service requirements, ensuring low running costs and maximum availability. Equipped with energy-dense lithium-ion battery technology, JCB electric powerpacks deliver maximum power in the smallest package, reducing dependence on diesel power generation in every application. Source