MaxiXT Head is an attachment control system that turns a tracked machine into an efficient and high-performing harvester.
With seamless integration and user-friendly controls, it enables operators to work with precision, reliability, and ease. Whether maximising output, improving safety, or simplifying daily operations, MaxiXT Head delivers tangible benefits that help businesses stay productive in demanding forestry environments.
MaxiXT Head is designed to work with tracked machines of various types, making it a versatile solution. It enables the use of a Komatsu harvester head on tracked base machines of any brand, providing operators with advanced harvesting capabilities. The system’s intelligent sequence control technology ensures precise execution, allowing for optimised knife pressure, feed roller control, and saw functions—all contributing to higher productivity, reduced waste, and high stem quality.
MaxiXT Head is built with a focus on usability, ensuring that operators can work efficiently. The interface is intuitive, and customisable buttons adapt to different work modes, allowing operators to tailor functions to their specific needs. A built-in troubleshooter simplifies diagnostics, reducing downtime and ensuring continuous operation. With different user profiles available, both experienced operators and newcomers can quickly get up to speed and work confidently.
Forestry operations require durable equipment that can handle tough conditions. MaxiXT Head is built with industrial-grade components that provide long-term reliability. There’s also support for monitoring the base machine via external sensors.
MaxiXT Head is integrated with the Smart Forestry digital solutions, giving operators access to insights that improve efficiency and decision-making. Whether tracking harvested logs, coordinating a fleet, or enhancing collaboration, the Smart Forestry solutions provide valuable insights to optimise workflows. Connectivity options such as 4G, satellite, and offline sync ensure smooth data access, keeping operations running seamlessly in all conditions. Source
Assisted Steering is a concept prototype featuring entirely new functionality and will be presented for the first time.
This feature offers numerous benefits that contribute to increased safety and productivity, as well as improved operator comfort. The concept prototype is equipped with a range of advanced sensors that enable enhanced reading and analysis of environmental data. This information forms the basis for several significant advantages—for example, the machine can navigate along a predetermined route. This is not about remote-controlled operation, but rather a driver-assistance system designed to boost machine productivity.
A common behaviour among operators is to stop the machine while operating the crane. With Assisted Steering, there is an opportunity to support the operator by allowing the machine to steer while the operator controls the speed and focuses on crane work. Significant productivity gains can be achieved when loading and driving are performed simultaneously, and this can also lead to a better operator environment and a more relaxing workday.
An important benefit of the machine’s ability to read and analyse its surroundings is improved safety. The machine can detect if people are within its safety zone, providing peace of mind for the operator who can fully focus on the machine’s tasks. Also being introduced is an advanced future planning tool for harvester and forwarder operations, based on detailed, site-specific conditions. This tool enables work planning that avoids soft ground, minimizes emissions, maximizes productivity, and optimizes driving routes. The planning system is based on extensive geodata analysis, including terrain, wetlands, ditches, and tree volumes. Source
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This issue of Logging-on focusses on the SP 461 LF Next Generation.
This head combines low weight, compact dimensions, and impressive productivity. It is a good fit for both boom-equipped harvesters operating on strip roads and smaller, stand-operating machines. Thanks to SP’s unique Low Friction Concept, one gets a head that offers rapid feeding, low energy consumption, and high operational reliability. With patented solutions such as LogHold and proportionally angled feed rollers, the SP 461 LF NG delivers impressive efficiency even when thinning larger diameter trees.
The head reaches its peak capacity in stands with a diameter of 8 to 35 cm (3.1 to 3.8 in), but thanks to the LF concept, it can also handle larger diameter stems efficiently. Some of the specific benefits and features include:
- More productive and faster multi-tree handling.
- Reduced fuel consumption and increased productivity with a new generation hydraulic valve.
- More efficient with 50% larger chain oil tank with larger filling capacity and an improved strainer.
- More stable design with change of saw unit from SuperCut 100 to 100S.
- Faster feed speed with new generation of roller motors with improved energy efficiency, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and increased production.
- More reliable with improved hose routing.
- Knife Design - The delimbing knives are cast in high-strength steel and equipped with long cutting edges. This means that the limbs are cut off instead of being broken off. This minimizes friction during delimbing and allows the trunk to be fed through easily.
- Proportional pressure: Proportional pressure ensures that the harvester head automatically works at the correct pressure in relation to tree diameter. This means that the friction between the trunk and harvester head is minimized and that the harvester head run at peak efficiency. Individual settings per tree species maximises production further.
- LogHold - an evolution of proportional pressure and means that the delimbing knife pressure against the trunk can be reduced, without the risk of the trunk being dropped. If the trunk is about to fall, LogHold regulates the knife pressure so that the trunk is held in the right position. The amount by which the diameter may increase before LogHold takes action is set in the control system. No additional sensors are required.
- Proportionally angled feeder rollers - This smart solution means that when the harvester head is fully open, i.e. at maximum tree size, the feed rollers are at their greatest angle and provide maximum carrying force against the trunk. As the feed rollers carry the trunk, the pressure on the delimbing knives can be reduced, which means less friction and the harvester head can feed the trunk through quickly and easily. Source
The new long-distance electric truck has batteries that can be charged in 40 minutes
For the very first time, Volvo now shows its new heavy-duty electric flagship truck. Volvo Trucks will formally launch and start taking orders for its new electric truck for long distances, the Volvo FH Aero Electric with e-axle, in the second quarter of 2026. However, already now, images and more details about the new electric truck are being revealed, while customers can also sign a letter of intent to buy the new truck.
The new FH Aero Electric has been designed for long-haul transport assignments, a segment that stands for a big part of truck transport CO2 emissions, and which has been challenging to electrify – until now. The new truck will have fast-charging capacity and up to 600 km (373 mi) pure electric driving range.
Charging the batteries in the new long-range Volvo FH Aero Electric will be done more rapidly as the new electric truck is adapted to the new MCS (Megawatt Charging System) standard. Charging the truck’s battery pack (from 20% to 80%) will take approximately 40 minutes, which means it can be done within the legislated rest period for truck drivers within the EU, thereby contributing to high productivity. With fast charging, this truck will allow for truly long-distance electric transport to take place within one day.
The new electric truck can have a total weight of 48 tonnes and has a payload capacity close to that of a conventional diesel truck. The payload capacity is possible thanks to an extra supporting tag axle (6x2 axle configuration) that allows for more batteries onboard and provides benefits in terms of weight distribution, considering the weight of the extra batteries in combination with heavy trailers.
The long range of Volvo’s new truck is enabled by its new driveline technology, the so-called e-axle, which creates space for significantly more battery capacity onboard. The new FH Aero Electric can have 8 batteries onboard with 780 kWh installed battery capacity.
The new truck, which will also be available with a standard cab, is an important addition to Volvo Trucks’ broad offer of electric trucks and related services. The services include everything from evaluation of suitable routes to electrify, efficient charging of electric trucks on the road and in the depot to detailed follow-up of the performance of the electric truck fleet.
Volvo Trucks drives the transition towards fossil-free transport to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2040 using a three-path technology strategy. The three-path technology approach is built on battery electric, fuel cell electric and combustion engines that run on renewable fuels like green hydrogen (produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity), biogas, biodiesel or HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). Source
Caterpillar announces multiple updates for its Cat® Hydraulic Excavator line as part of its annual product update (APU) program
With 2025 model builds, Cat Grade with Advanced 2D features and functions are now integrated into standard Cat Grade with 2D. Compared to traditional grading methods, Cat 2D technology empowers operators to work more efficiently in a range of applications by delivering real-time guidance for accurate vertical and horizontal control. It helps to ensure that cuts and fills are made to exact specifications, without undercutting or overcutting, and can eliminate the need for ground stakes in most applications. The 2D grading technology provides easy adjustments to target depth and slope using joystick commands, the touchscreen interface, or a jog dial. It displays target grade with visual guidance plus height and depth.
For customers grading complex designs, Grade with 3D technology is now a factory-installed option that can be ordered for track and wheeled excavators. This new option includes all the hardware required for the 3D system, installed and tested from the factory. It provides an easier upgrade path for customers who want to add Cat Grade with 3D after initial purchase.
Cat Payload for excavators and material handlers delivers precise bucket load information with on-the-go weighing to help prevent overloading or underloading. From reordering work tool lists to creating new work tool combinations, the display’s new UI starts quickly and enables operators to easily set up machines and access information so they get to work without delay. Operators keep track of the amount of material moved and can split tasks between truck loading in Weigh Mode and moving material around the site in Stockpile Mode. The ability to input couplers and attachments into the system makes setting up work tool combinations highly efficient by significantly reducing calibration time.
While Cat Payload helps operators to accurately hit load targets and avoid underloading, overloading or misloading materials customers with track excavators can upgrade the system to Advanced Payload for expanded capabilities such as custom tags, daily totals and electronic ticketing. When combined with VisionLink®, Advanced Payload enables customers to analyze job sites and individual assets for remote management of production targets and key metrics.
All the latest APU 2025 features in action can be viewed on Cat Operator Training at www.catoperatortraining.com. Caterpillar’s Equipment Training Solutions (ETS) team develops and executes training programs for Cat equipment operators and jobsite supervisors and certifies operators in the Cat dealer network. The comprehensive training solutions help operators maximize production and improve safety through a variety of training solutions, including eLearning, instructor-led, simulators, and custom training programs. Source
Tigercat Announces New Product Support Appointment for Uruguay and Argentina
Tigercat Industries is excited to announce that Pablo Renato de los Santos Ramos has joined the Tigercat product support team in South America. Based in Rivera, Uruguay, Pablo will serve as the factory support representative for both Uruguay and Argentina. In this role, he will collaborate closely with Tigercat dealer Latin Equipment Uruguay and Argentina to provide after-sales technical and operational support for the growing number of Tigercat machines in the region. Source
Einari Vidgrén Foundation rewarded forestry professionals
The Einari Vidgrén Foundation rewarded merited forestry professionals for the 20th time at the award ceremony held in Rientola in Vieremä on 3 June. The awards totalled EUR 180,000. The Einari Award, the Einari Vidgrén Foundation’s key recognition, was granted to forest machine contractor Simo Kuittinen. Source
John Deere commits $20 Billion investment to U.S. Manufacturing
This will take place over the next 10 years. Deere is sending a powerful signal of their long-term commitment to building and growing in the USA. The investment includes ongoing investment in advanced products, solutions, and manufacturing capabilities. Today, more than 30,000 John Deere employees across 60 factory and office locations in over 16 states are designing, building, and delivering equipment solutions for forestry, farmers, ranchers, construction crews, landscapers, and more. Source
Read More“Forestry workers’ perceptions on occupational safety: a comparative study of British Columbia and South Korea”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2025. Cha, J., Mologni, O., Moonen, R., & Roeser, D. Source
“Analysis of Operational Performance and Costs of Log Loaders Under Different Conditions”
Forests 2025, 16(6). Lima, C.F.; Silva, L.F., Souza, C.M.A., Ferreira, F.A.C., Minette, L.J., Mendieta, F.M.P., Lima, R.C.A.; Freitas, L.C., Vieira, J.K.M., Oliveira, V.C. et al. Source
Read MoreTo see the full list of international logging, roading and trucking conferences and expo’s, please click the “Events” tab at the top of the page.
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