New Gear Harvesting New Gear
Forestry Gear

Ponsse has really, really soft touch

CTL supplier Ponsse has been working with researchers and forest companies in Finland to develop a timber harvesting system for very soft peat soils. It says it has come up with a prototype that allows profitable and environmentally friendly harvesting on these sites, as well as those with bad bearing capacity. The concept is based on a 10-wheel, five-axle forest machine with soft-ground tracks, which together significantly reduces the ground pressure when compared with even conventional CTL gear. More info at www.ponsse.com.

Olofsfors EX tracks grab the dirt
Huldtins was on hand at Logfor 2007 in Quebec City to show off a new line of “Extreme Traction” bogie track cross members from Olofsfors. The EX cross members are meant for rugged terrain and bigger gear, Hultdins technical road warrior Paul Contant told CFI. Whether working in steep slopes or deep snow, for regions like Gaspé or the North Shore in Quebec, or the BC Interior, this may be the option for you. Paul also showed us a new HD link designed for added track durability. It adds beef where it matters, but without extra weight or bulk that will drive fuel consumption up. More info at www.hultdins.com.

Tigercat teams up with Wajax
Full-phase forestry supplier Tigercat Industries of Paris, ON, has appinted Wajax Industries as its exclusive, full-line distributor for Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, effective Dec. 1, 2007. Wajax employs over 2,600, and has extensive forest equipment experience through its almost 150-year history. Today, it has branches in all the key forest
markets and staff with experience in all types of logging gear and operations. Both Tigercat and Wajax say they will work hard to ensure there is no interruption of service to existing Tigercat customers during the transition. More info at www.tigercat.com or www.wajax.ca.

John Deere 700J Series cuts mean swath

Above all the other changes made to the 753J and 759J track bunchers, John Deere says loggers will most enjoy the massive 50% uplift in cutting swath. Suited for a range of applications, from thinning and regen cuts, to swamps and steep ground, the J Series boast a new hydraulic system that offers 26 percent more flow and more multi-functioning capabilities. The smart hydraulics are also able to prioritize, so operators don’t have to. Finally, boom geometry has been re-designed to offer what Deere says is the best in class minimum and maximum reach. The machines are hitting the woods in the US already, so look to future issues for more news. More info at www.deere.com.

Twigs & Branches
•    John Deere dealer Ontrac Equipment Services Inc. has been recognized by the National Safety Council to receive three awards for its concerted efforts to improve the health and safety of its employees – The Significant Improvement Award; the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award; and the 2007 National Safety Achievement Award. www.ontracinc.com.
•    Ponsse has delivered 67 cut-to-length machines and 44 harvester heads to Brazil and Uruguay, a deal with Brazil’s Bahia Pulp and its Uruguayan contractors that also includes training and service. Also at the Finnish supplier, Hannu Kivela has been appointed development director, responsible for co-operation between Ponsse and forest companies, and to develop the CTL method in all markets. www.ponsse.com.
•    Silas Nichols has joined the Oilgear Company as vice president,     Aftermarket Business Unit. www.oilgear.com.

November 22, 2011  By  Scott Jamieson