Features Harvesting New Gear
Equipment Spotlight: Feller Bunchers

Barko
Tracked feller bunchers from Barko Hydraulics are built for serious work. Every design feature was influenced by experienced professionals who expect the best from their equipment. Electrohydraulic controls offer smooth maneuverability, and a dedicated attachment pump delivers optimal performance. Barko’s patented forward sliding cab was created for operators, offering a comfortable, spacious, and safe environment. Barko’s two models are powered by a 225-hp Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 4 Final diesel engine for industry-leading power and superior fuel economy. Barko tracked feller bunchers feature high-quality components designed to work under the toughest conditions.
www.barko.com

John Deere
The powerful line of John Deere tracked feller bunchers includes six models and provides loggers with the reliability and productivity they need for a variety of applications. Equipped with a 300-hp or 330-hp engine based on the model, the M-Series tracked feller bunchers provide reliable multifunction performance. A longer, wider machine undercarriage provides maximum power and stability, no matter the environment, and strong tractive effort increases capability for difficult or steep terrain or deep snow. The comfortable operator station features fully adjustable armrests, fingertip control of all machine functions and an air-conditioned seat that offers daylong comfort in the climate-controlled cab.
www.deere.ca

Lo-Bar Log Transport operator Donald Winter on the John Deere 1270G harvester bought for the company’s commercial thinning trial. Photos courtesy Mark Erickson.

Komatsu
The new Komatsu XT430-5, XT445L-5 and XT465L-5 models feature a 331-hp engine which provides more horsepower and torque with lower fuel consumption. A gull-wing style engine hood folds down to provide an elevated service work platform. The rear-mounted cooling system features a larger radiator, charge air cooler and a single hydraulic cooler. Lift capacities at full reach have been significantly increased for improved productivity. Rugged new undercarriages provide significantly longer service life. Komatsu’s Komtrax remote equipment monitoring and management telematics system transmits valuable machine information such as location, utilization and maintenance records.
www.komatsuforest.us

Pierce Pacific
Pierce steep slope booms are clearing the way to the extreme slopes of west coast forests. Mounted on leveling feller bunchers, these purpose-built booms are able to reach a significantly greater segment of the terrain where traditional forestry equipment is only able to reach a portion of a steep job site. Pierce live heel configurations are available for directional felling, as well as shovel logging. Also, for directional felling, two-piece booms are available. Pierce boom configurations can operate in conjunction with a tethering system which will allow operators to virtually eliminate dangerous and costly hand cutting.
www.piercepacific.com

Tigercat
The Tigercat X870D and LX870D track feller bunchers excel in tough terrain, high-cycle felling, oversized timber and extreme temperature applications. Powerful and extremely fuel efficient, the X870D is a high-performance feller buncher equipped with ER technology and closed loop track drives for speed and response. The machine is well matched to highly skilled operators who demand machine performance at its extreme limits. The LX870D uses Tigercat’s patented super-duty leveling base featuring massive pins and cylinders, tapered roller bearings, and thick steel plate throughout. The new R7-163L track frames are 13 inches longer for increased stability on steep slopes.
www.tigercat.com

Weiler Forestry
Introducing two new reduced tail swing track feller buncher models, the B457 and B458. These productive new machine platforms feature excellent multi-function capability with dedicated pumps and a new cab that maximizes operator experience. The Weiler B457 and B458 track feller buncher models have the latest Tier 4 final Cat C9.3 engine that produces 298-hp. The B457 and B458 provide a leading combination of lift capacity, swing torque, and drawbar. Multi-function performance is achieved through dedicated pumps and optimized circuit configurations.
www.weilerforestry.com