New Gear Harvesting New Gear
Equipment spotlight: Newest skidders for moving Canadian wood in 2020

CFI has a rundown of the newest skidder models for moving wood in Canadian forests in 2020.

John Deere
The L-Series II Skidder models have been simplified to enhance customer experience. Streamlined electrical and hydraulic systems increase uptime and have been redesigned to ensure better guarding and protection of key components. Increased grapple squeeze pressure and a two-speed winch enhance productivity and tackle tough terrain with ease. Articulation steering sensors improve the operator experience, ultimately increasing productivity. The durable axles, including the Outboard-Extreme axles, standard on the 848 and 948 and optional on the 748 machines, maximize durability and boost stability. Cab amenities like the efficient HVAC system, improved ergonomic controls and storage space offer the creature comforts loggers desire. Joystick steering and an optional rotating seat reduces strain on the operator’s body. The continuously variable transmission feature combines the smoothness of a hydrostatic transmission with the benefits of a lockup torque converter, offering excellent fuel efficiency, longer engine life and enhanced operator comfort.
www.johndeere.ca

Tigercat
Tigercat builds the most advanced, efficient and refined skidders, as well as the only six-wheel drive skidders on the market. The 625E is a medium sized high-capacity six-wheel drive skidder. The combination of pulling power and agility makes the 625E best suited to steep slopes and tough terrain. With hydrostatic drive, full tractive effort is available at any engine speed. The EHS provides the tractive effort of the deepest gear ratio, as well as the top speed of the shallowest gear ratio offered in the standard Tigercat transfer case. Tigercat’s patent-pending cable routing and mounting system for skidders is offered as a factory-ready cable assist package. The concept routes the cables through the blade and attaches to the frame structure behind the front axle, closer to the payload. Not only is the risk of cable damage eliminated, but the operator can raise the cable if required, say to clear an obstacle, merely by raising the blade.
www.tigercat.com

Tanguay
By far the world’s largest skidder, the eight-wheel drive TG88E skids up to 35 tonnes per payload. It is available as a clambunk or grapple configuration with up to 60-inch-wide tracks for low ground pressure. The TG88E clambunk, with its powerful loader, is the machine of choice to economically load and skid on long distances. The ‘’L Boom’’ grapple configuration has proven very productive on shorter distances and longer timber stands. The TG88E features the reliable and proven 100 per cent hydrostatic drive for incredible manoeuvrability and a perfect traction for minimum ground disturbance.
www.tanguay.cc

KMC Kootrac
The all new Kootrac 3600 Series is a hydrostatic drive track skidder designed specifically for safe and efficient skidding on steep slopes, wet ground and sensitive soil. This new design features a forward mounted cab, increasing frontal visibility. The engine compartment is now located behind the operator’s cab and is easily accessed for servicing and maintenance, while also helping retain the machine’s excellent weight distribution. Combined with Kootrac’s unique KMC track and suspension, this machine continues to impress loggers nationwide with its ability to easily traverse even the most wet and boggy terrain, making this machine the perfect asset for wetlands skidding operations. www.kmc-kootrac.com

Weiler
Weiler Forestry has launched the S250, S350, S450, and S550 wheel skidders, which range from 203-hp (151 kW) to 275-hp (205 kW). The lock up torque converter powershift transmission and independent front and rear differential locks deliver powerful, efficient pulling while strong multi-functioning hydraulics boost overall performance. Visibility to the grapple is enhanced through a new arch design and new lighting options enable easier night-time operation. The cooling system keeps the engine, transmission, and hydraulics cool, while dual tapered roller bearing hitch pins, optimized hitch spacing, bolt on panels, and a tilting cab maximize durability and serviceability.
www.weilerproducts.com