New Gear Harvesting New Gear
Forestry Gear, Tops & Branches

Prentice skidders gain power, not fuel use
Higher horsepower on Prentice skidders allow loggers to reduce cycle times and boost production without any increase in fuel cost per ton, the manufacturer says. A boost from 173 to 190 hp has improved cycle times and drawbar pull by almost 7% and load start-up torque by 8.5%. A new Prentice continuous rotation grapple also boosts productivity, Caterpillar Forest Products says, as the curvature of the tongs roll wood better and makes loading easier, while the clamp force and raised edge increases the grapple’s grip on a load to prevent log slippage. While lighter, the grapple is also stronger Cat says, and is designed for a longer wear life. www.prenticeforestry.com.

Branches & Tops
•    The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) is moving its 30th Forest Products & Machinery Equipment Expo from its regular Atlanta venue to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. EXPO 2009 will be held June 11-13, and will allow visitors to enjoy  the city’s totally re-vitalized tourist areas. www.sfpaexpo.com.

•    A study on the performance and cost-effectiveness of flotation tires for gravel trucks in forestry roadbuilding applications is available from FP Innovations – Feric. www.feric.ca.•    Precision Husky Corp., which carries a range of whole tree chippers (520-1050 hp), horizontal grinders, and  wastewood chippers, is welcoming dealer inquiries. www.precisionhusky.com.

•    3LOG Software has completed the acquisition of Moore Software Solutions Inc., a leading provider of forestry sector raw material procurement and lumber manufacturing software. www.3log.com.

•    Tuthill Drive Systems has introduced what it calls the first commercially available steerable hydraulic drive axle for trucks that require both on- and off-highway
capabilities. The install does not alter the truck’s ride height, and maintains the existing steering axles and suspension. www.tuthill.com. 

November 17, 2011  By  Scott Jamieson

Higher horsepower on Prentice skidders allow loggers to reduce cycle times and boost production without any increase in fuel cost per ton