Forwarder Roundup - Forestry Journal

Forwarder RoundupFurther refinements to existing machines and anumber of introductions to the marketAlthough the trend in the UK isclearly for 8-wheel models, issues ofground impact and soil conservationmean that 10-wheel modelsare now being introduced to themarket. Other interesting developmentsinclude lightweight andhybrid machines, both of whichwere on show at this year’s ElmiaWood Fair.Importance is also placed onoperator control and comfort, withgood visibility and ergonomicallydesigned cabins. There are surelyonly minor details that remain to befurther refined.Choosing the most suitablemodel comes down very muchto individual choice, but the ultimateaim should be to identify themost terrain-friendly machine whilstnot compromising earning potential.This may sound difficult butit is achievable, with many of themachines having proved themselvesover the years.GremoThe 1050F thinning forwarder fromGremo has a Cummins engine withcommon rail system. The engine isTier-3 approved and has a torqueexceeding 600Nm over a wide rpmrange.The 1050F is equipped withGremo’s in-house-developed software,GreControl, which allowsmodification of any of the machine’sfunctions giving the possibility ofreduced fuel consumption andincreased profit.The 1350VT is the largest modelin the range, again powered bya Tier-3 common rail Cumminsengine, this one with 6 cylindersand developing 191hp at 1700 revsand 900 Nm at speeds of between1200-1475 rpm.The 1350VT is equipped witha continuously working, variablespeed hydrostatic transmissioncalled Gre-VT (Grevete). This uniquetransmission cuts the working cycles,increasing performance and profitability.The hydrostatic pump drivestwo hydrostatic motors which aremechanically coupled to the cardanshaft via a gearbox. In order toobtain a shiftless speed range, thesystem consists of two hydrostaticengines.For speeds up to 11.8 km/h, bothmotors are engaged, but the largerof the two is disengaged automaticallyas soon as the speed exceeds11.8 km/h. Engaging and disengagingare controlled by GreControl.To save fuel, the cooling fanis driven by a hydraulic motor.Fan speed is also controlled byGreControl. Every 30 minutes itreverses the fan rotation for 10seconds to blow debris off the radiator.The 145 cc boom pump toois controlled via GreControl. Thismeans that the operator can choosedifferent flow rates at predeterminedspeeds to suit different tasks, boomtypes and ways of driving.Both the 1350VT and the 1050Fhave the same type of driver’s cabfeaturing close range visibility withan easy-view working area.HSMSmallest in the HSM range, the208F 8.5 tonne is designed primarilyfor first thinning operations, and isideal for fuel and pulp wood extraction.This compact 8wd machineis designed to carry 2x2 metreassortments and equipped with theLoglift F51 crane enabling fast loadingand unloading – an ideal choicefor handling small round wood efficiently.The 208F 9-tonne forwarder,designed for handling shortwood,is fitted with a Loglift F51 crane asstandard and bunks suitable for carrying2x2.5 metres.The HSM 208F 12-tonne forwarderhas 2-motor-hydrostaticdrive and high performance workinghydraulics. Powered by an Iveco6-cylinder engine, it has the capacityto carry 2x3 metre payloads andhas crane size options up to theLoglift F111.A compact version (208F 11tonne) with bunks suitable for 2x2.5metres is also available, with a maximumpayload of 11 tonnes, the largestcrane option being the Loglift(Left) The 1050F from Gremo. (Right) The John Deere 1510E has taken over from the 1410D.The unique design of its NAF bogies means that the 12-tonne HSM 208F isjust 2800mm wide if fitted with 800mm tyres.F91. Both machines have extremelytight turning angles in relation tothe wheelbase dimensions.The 208F Kombi, based on theproven design of the 208F 12-tonneforwarder, is the ideal solution wheremultiple harvesting methods arepractised. Extremely versatile, this8wd combination machine is availablewith high quality Adler winches,quick-change-system clambunk or aslewing last bunk.The 14-tonne 208F is ideal wherelarge volumes of heavy timber arerequired to be hauled over longdistances. HSM’s flagship forwarder,the design objective of the 208Fwas to combine maximum performancewith the lowest possibleoperating costs.John DeereAll Deere E-Series forwarders comewith the levelling and rotating cab.They also utilise the TimbermaticF-09 control system which allowsthe use of additional software,such as GPS mapping. Machineproduction and optimisation canalso be monitored from the newTimberLink-F software.The smaller 810E and 1010Emodels will be introduced into theIrish market shortly and whilst the810 needs no introduction, the new1010E represents a new size classfrom Deere which they hope willprove popular in Irish and UK thinningoperations.The new 1210E also offers customersan extended choice in themid-size forwarder segment and isbased on the very popular 1410Dforwarder, whilst the 1110E continuesto suit those with versatility inmind – nimble enough to operatein final thinnings but also offeringsufficient strength and durability forclearfell use.The 1510E has become the28www.forestryjournal.co.ukForestry Journal 12/09

Ponsse’s Wisent (pictured) and Buffalo, can both be fitted with 10 wheels.choice of Deere customers whowould have previously opted for the1410D model, compared to whichit has increased power and tractiveeffort.For extreme conditions and steepslopes, Deere have introduced the1910E which will replace the 1710in the line-up. The new forwarderboasts almost 250hp, increasedtractive effort and an increased loadrating compared to the 1710.All Deere forwarders are fittedwith an intelligent, reversible coolingfan which changes direction toclean debris from machine coolersand off-line filtration to improvefluid cleanliness and prolong componentlife.Operators are also well lookedafter in the Deere E-Series. As wellas a rotating cab, all Deere forwardersare specified with high poweredxenon lights, climate control, andfood cooler and oven to ensurecomfort over the longest of days.Komatsu ForestThe 830.3’s 145hp Tier-3 enginedelivers 10% more torque than itspredecessor, providing a full 600Nm. The increase in power alsoapplies to the CRF5 loader, withlifting force increased from 67 to74 kNm. The 830.3 is a low weightmachine with a flexible 9-tonnecapacity bunk.New to the Valmet forwarderrange is the 840TX with the initialsTX standing for Thinnings Expert.Like the 840.4 the TX model hasa 12000kg load capacity. Valmethave worked hard to make the TXboth agile and powerful with thefull 750Nm of torque coming inat 1500rpm from the new 49CWA4-cylinder engine. By redesigningthe chassis and bolsters for workingin tighter spaces, being just 2.76mwide the 840TX should be capableof living up to its name. The 840.4features the Comfort bogie, whichprovides exceptional manoeuvrabilitywhen travelling up and downsteep inclines. The new bogie alsoincreases climbing ability and maintainsride comfort when drivingover obstacles.The spacious cab includes remotePC display, good visibility, and hasevery control positioned close athand. Valmet say the improvementsto the 840 have been popular withcontractors and drivers alike withsignificantly increased sales of themodel after its first year in service.Also featuring the Comfort bogie,the 860.4 is a nimble 14-tonnemachine which continues to be astrong seller for Valmet. Over itspredecessor, the 860.3, the .4 modeldelivers more work capacity witha 10% increase in tractive effort.Added to this the crane strength hasbeen increased by 10%.A major feature of both the840.4 and the 860.4 is the inclusionof hydraulic height-adjustablesupports on the Valmet LoadFlexoption for easier bunk operation.The hydraulic supports make thinningand biomass energy harvestingmore efficient as the heightof the supports is easily adjusted.Another advantage is that the supportscan be lowered even morethan the manually-adjustable supports,which facilitates transport ona trailer.The largest and most powerfulforwarder in the range is the18-tonne 890.3. Increased stabilityis gained from the unique articulateddesign. With what Valmet claimsto be the most powerful crane onthe market, no other forwarder, saysValmet, offers more lifting power orslewing torque.The 890’s high-performance cabstill manages to keep the most commonlyused controls well placed, toensure fast and effective operation.MaxiForwarder is the machinecontrol system for Valmet forwarders.It controls and optimises theforwarder’s various functions andalso facilitates efficient operationand production reports. As cranecharacteristics and other functionsare controlled directly from the PC,the operator can quickly access andchange settings as necessary.LogsetLogset forwarders have spaciousand modern cabins, with visibilityfrom the cabin unobstructed inboth the drive and load modes. Thecabin has excellent sound insulationand comes with climate control asstandard, keeping it comfortable allyear round.Titan forwarders are equippedwith Logset’s TOC – the TotalOperation Control system – enablingthe operator and contractorto achieve the best possible output.The TOC controls the main functions,such as the engine, crane,transmission, lights and air conditioning,cruise control, as well assome optional functions such asPC, cameras, central lubrication anda mobile phone controlled engineheater.Cruise control is fitted as standardon all Titan forwarders, and thistakes a lot of work off the driver,who can set the machine to a particularspeed and then raise or lowerthis by simply using a potentiometeron the armrest.The machine can have up to 20driver settings and each driver canhave their own USB stick, whichdoubles as an ignition key. The TOCsystem automatically loads thatindividual’s settings and they arethen ready to go to work withouthaving to go into the computer andchange the driver.Agco Sisu Power has developedcustom-made engine software forLogset which, together with theTOC control software, optimisesfuel injection in accordance with theprevailing engine load, hydraulicpressure and oil flow requirementsin all circumstances. The engineresponds quickly to changing conditionsto balance power, torqueand engine revs.A new option available on the5F Titan is a unique Nokian ForestRider 650/45 R 24.5. The new 24.5”rim size offers increased mobilityand load-bearing capacity. The tyrekeeps the machine firmly on theground during loading and thuscontributes to efficient, safe work.In addition to the various loaderoptions which have always beenavailable, Logset now offer theLoglift 61 FM100i (4F) and 71FM100i (5F) which can be specifiedwith internal hosing. Tiltingking-post loaders are now availablethroughout the forwarder range.On the 5F, 6F and the 8F Titansthe bogie balancing system minimisesthe lifting torque of thewheel. The new kind of bogie willcontribute to the driver’s efficiency.It also improves grip, stability andtraction by optimising the weightdistribution on all the wheels. It willalso improve comfort and operationalproductivity by allowing themachine to manoeuvre more easilyand safely on rough or steep terrain.PonssePonsse’s range begins with theGazelle, aimed at the thinning contractor.Available with a variety offrame extension and ‘glide bunk’configurations, the Gazelle can bemade to meet most thinning loadrequirements.The range grows further with theWisent and Elk. 12- and 13-tonnecapacity machines respectively,these are at home in both thinningThe 14-tonne F15, one of the new models in Rottne’s range.Forestry Journal 12/09 www.forestryjournal.co.uk29

(Left) Logset’s 5F with bogie balancing system to minimise the lifting torque of the wheels. (Right) Valmet’s 14-tonne 840.4.and clearfell crops.The Buffalo slots into the14-tonne range, one of the mostcompetitive market areas. Poweredby a 6-cylinder, 205kW Mercedes-Benz 906 engine, the Buffalo has achoice of single or double extensioncrane, giving it the ability to reach afull 10 metres at full extension.Ponsse offer a unique featurein a 10-wheel conversion whichcan be added to either the Buffaloor Wisent forwarder. This conversionhas been developed to lessenground impact and make it possibleto extract timber in places thatwere previously out of bounds fora forwarder. The addition of a fixedaxle at the rear of the back bogieadds the extra wheels which, whenfitted with flotation bandtracks, givea machine that can work on thesoftest of sites.The range is topped by theBuffalo King and Elephant, bothwith an 18-tonne carrying capacity.The Elephant comes with a PonsseK100 crane, available in both singleand double extension, reaching upto 9.5 metres at full stretch. A grosslifting moment of 145kNm makes itone of the most powerful loadingcranes in its class.A huge of list of options is availableacross the range. A Ponsseforwarder can be tailored to suitmost requirements. Loading bunksand chassis size and shape can beordered from a variety of narrowand wide, as well as long and short,variations.Balanced bogies have been availableacross the range, with theexception of the Gazelle, for wellover 18 months.RottneRottne can now offer their fullrange of forwarders equipped withthe ‘Comfort Line’ cabin suspensionsystem which has proven verypopular in Sweden and other partsof Europe. This suspension systemprovides a much smoother ride overrough conditions without compromisingthe operator’s view or feel ofthe machine’s movements underneath.The cab features a modern designwhere the operator sits in the centre,and the large windows andlow-built instrument panel providean excellent view of the immediatesurroundings and upwards. Theoperator’s seat with air suspension isequipped with air vent and infinitelyadjustable armrests.Rottne D5, a new user-friendlymachine control system developedbetween Rottne and Dasa, is standardin all the models.The F10 thinning forwarder,which replaced the popular F9-6,has a 156hp Tier-3 diesel engine,4-valve cylinder heads, a commonrail injection system and a vari-Model Weight Load Width on Height Length Tyre Size Ground Engine TypeCapacity std tyres ClearanceKg Kg m mm mm mmGremo 1050 F 12130 10500 2.6 (600) 2.75 (700) 3400 8390 710/50x22.5 580 Cummins common rail 4 cyl intercoolerGremo 1350 VT 12130 16730 2.6 (600) 2.86 (700) 3900 9155 600/50x26.5 580 Cummins common rail intercoolerHSM 208F 8.5 11500 8500 2.5 (710) 3650 8350 710/40x22.5 590 Iveco common rail 4 cylinderHSM 208F 9 12800 9000 2.5 (700) 3500 9435 710/40x22.5 600 Iveco common rail 4 cylinderHSM 208F 11 14000 11000 2.5 (710) 3700 9910 710/45x26.5 675 Iveco common rail 6 cylinderHSM 208F 12 14800 12000 2.6 (710) 3700 9180 710/45x26.5 675 Iveco common rail 6 cylinderHSM 208F Kombi 16800 12000 2.6 (710) 3700 9886 710/45x26.5 685 Iveco common rail 6 cylinderHSM 208F 14 15500 14000 2.86 (710) 3790 9980 710/45x26.5 690 Iveco common rail 6 cylinderJohn Deere 810E 8wd 12950 9000 2.68 (700) 3780 8240 700/40x22.5 595 John Deere 4045 PowerTech PlusJohn Deere 1010E 8wd 14700 11000 2.82 (700) 3600 9290 700/45x24.5 600 John Deere 4045 PowerTech PlusJohn Deere 1110E 8wd 15500 12000 2.89 (710) 3800 9570 710/45x26.5 605 John Deere 6068 PowerTech PlusJohn Deere 1210E 8wd 16200 13000 2.95 (700) 3.05 3800 9570 710/45x26.5 605 John Deere 6068 PowerTech PlusJohn Deere 1510E 8wd 16500 15000 2.95 (700) 3.05 3800 9570 710/45x26.5 605 John Deere 6068 PowerTech PlusJohn Deere 1910E 8wd 18490 19000 3.17 (700) 3900 10370 750/55x26.5 685 John Deere 6090 PowerTech PlusLogset 4F Titan 13500 10000 2.46 (600) 3685 9121 710/40x22.5 600 Sisu 44 CWALogset 5F Titan 15500 12000 2.62 (600) 3732 9121 710/45x26.5 650 Sisu 49 CWALogset 6F Titan 17000 13000 2.78 (600) 3818 9658 710/45x26.5 660 Sisu 66 CTALogset 8F Titan 17500 15000 3.04 (700) 3818 10612 750/45x26.5 660 Sisu 74 CTALogset 10F 22000 18000 3.00 (750) 4000 10800 750/55x26.5 730 Sisu 74 CTAPonsse Gazelle 11900 10000 2.44-2.60 (600) 2.69 (710) 3700 8820 (9670) 600/50x22.5 (710/40x22.5) 600 MB OM904 LAPonsse Wisent 8wd 14100 12000 2.69-2.80 (600) 2.84 (710) 3700 9050 (10020) 600/55x26.5 (710/45x26.5) 645 MB OM904 LAPonsse Elk 8wd 15600 13000 2.69-2.80 (600) 2.84-2.90 (710) 3800 9120-10345 710/45x26.5 (600/55x26.5) 670 MB OM904 LAPonsse Buffalo 15900 14000 2.69-2.80 (600) 2.84-2.99 (710) 3750 9405-10525 600/55x26.5 (710/45x26.5) 695 MB OM906 LAPonsse Buffalo King 18500 18000 2.99 (710) 2.99-3.30 (750) 3900 10525-11225 710/45x26.5 (750/55x26.5) 727 MB OM906 LAPonsse Elephant 8wd 21000 18000 2.99-3.3 (750) 3900 10130-11225 750/55x26.5 800 MB OM906 LARottne F10 8wd 12000-13200 9000 2.53 (600) 3580 8722 600/50x22.5 580 John Deere 4045 HF 485Rottne F13 8wd 17200-17900 12000 2.53 (600) 3801 9708 710/45x26.5 630 John Deere 6068 HF 485Rottne F15 8wd 17200-17900 14000 2.96 (700) 3800 8700 710/45x26.5 600 John Deere 6068 HF 485Rottne F18 8wd 22000-23200 18000 3.05 (750) 3776 10717 750/55x26.5 773 John Deere 6090 HF 485Tigercat 1045B 16900 11000 2.64 (600) 3580 9625 600/55x26.5 (710/45x26.5) 690 Mercedes 906 Tier IIITigercat 1055B 17700 14000 2.97 (710) 3580 9825 710/45x26.5 (600/700) 690 Mercedes 906 Tier IIITigercat 1075B 23150 20000 3.36 (750) 3760 11190 750/55x26.5 735 Mercedes 906 Tier IIIValmet 830.3 10500 9000 2.6 (600) 3526 8122 600/50x22.5 (700/45x22.5) 622 Sisu Diesel 44 CWAValmet 840.4 8wd 15600 12000 2.69 (600) 3810 9750 600/55x26.5 680 Sisu Diesel 66 CTAValmet 860.4 8wd 16060 14000 2.76 (600) 3810 9570 600/55x26.5 680 Sisu Diesel 66 CTAValmet 890.3 8wd 19100 18000 2.99 (650) 3809 9296 650/65x26.5 683 Sisu Diesel 74 CTA30www.forestryjournal.co.ukForestry Journal 12/09