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Harvesting
New on display at CNRE 2019
May 28, 2019 By CFI staff
Photo: Annex Business Media Canadian Forest Industries was among the exhibitors and attendees at the 2019 Canada North Resources Expo (CNRE), which took place in Prince George, B.C., from May 24-25. Several forest products companies exhibiting at this year’s CNRE showed off the latest new products available for the industry. CFI has a wrap-up of some of the exhibitors showing the latest in forestry equipment. For a recap of the show, click here.
Directional felling head
Waratah’s large outdoor booth was kept busy with a number of different machines on display. The FL-85 Series 2 directional felling head, an updated version of the original FL-85, was on display. Built for steep slope, shovel logging and timber harvesting, the FL-85 now features an open concept saw box with increased grappling capabilities, twin tilt cylinder design with integrated deflection shields for added protection, and a heavy-duty compact design that adapts to smaller carriers with live heel options. The upgraded FL-85 is ideal for use with a heel rack on smaller levelling base units. With a maximum cut diameter of 36 inches and a 43-inch max opening diameter, the FL-85 features simple installation with no automation required.
Although not on display, Waratah also shared news about its newest directional felling head, the FL-95, which features a saw box retracted into grapple mode, and can use full grapple capabilities when shovel logging. The FL-95 also features a steep slope specific tilt design that allows felling on 65 degrees without hitting stops.
Dangle-head grapple
Weldco-Beales also had an outdoor booth, which saw a lot of traffic throughout the two-day show. The manufacturer showed off its new CTL Dangle-Head Grapples, built for loading and unloading cut-to-length wood in the bush or mill yard. Featuring an HD pivot frame, the grapple is made of high strength alloy steel to allow for maximum durability, and its jaw profile maximizes capacity, increasing productivity while reducing loading cycles. The grapple also has a large bottom opening for easy maintenance access and a Swivel core with a one-piece rotary seal. Available in various jaw configurations and sizes, the grapple features a motor equipped with cross-over relief valves for protection against externally applied loads.
New track increases traction
At the CNRE, Olofsfors featured its newest track, part of the Eco-Tracks product line: CoverX. CoverX features alternating indentations on the leading edge, which increases forward traction without compromising flotation in soft conditions. Available in three cross member versions – the Standard Cross Member, the Soft Cross Member and the Narrow Cross Member ¬¬– the track can be used on many machines, in a variety of operating conditions.
Automated measuring system
Axis Forestry previewed a new measuring system from Cypress Robotics. The system is powered by Neuron Technology, which allows operators to fully operate a processor head without the use of a head or cab module. A neuron is an interchangeable, plug-and-play, in line device located on the wire between the coil or sensor and fuel box. A tablet connected to the neurons on the head displays any issues and offers instructional repair videos. Users can order parts directly from the tablet.
Power clam grapple
Viking West, a fairly new company in the forest industry, showcased its GEN 2 power clam grapple, built for demanding forestry conditions, with a four over three jaw design with a heavy-duty torque plate and box section construction. Available with eight, 10- and 12-foot jaws, fixed or hydraulic outriggers, and pin-on or wedge-lock lugging, the grapple is customizable, and features precision jaw control with an opening or closing cycle time of 2.5 seconds. The grapple features replaceable cast steel grapple tips with timber-friendly rounded profile and an industry-first double row main bearing to manipulate loads in all positions.
Harvester, slasher and chainsaw bars
Inside the CN Centre, Wallingford’s Inc. showed off the latest harvester, slasher and chainsaw bars from GB Bars. The Titanium series of bars are made of ultra-high strength Titanium alloy steel, which reduces bending. The harvester and chainsaw bars feature the new “Lube Direct,” internal oil feeder grooves which direct lubrication into the bearings to reduce friction and wear on the harvester bars and keep the chainsaw bars cool. Meanwhile the BG ¾ inch pitch double ender bar, also made of Titanium alloy steel, has precision ground grooves which can be re-grooved as needed and can flex without bending.
Portable sawmill
D&L Timber Technologies’ booth featured two new products. The first, the 180SB Series Portable SwingBlade Sawmill, features a proprietary 180-degree SwingBlade, and is capable of processing entire logs into S4S lumber and value-added products without moving or turning the log. The sawmill is designed as a one-man operation and features a unique D&L Six Tooth Carbide Tipped ThinKerf blade, ideal for soft and hard woods. The 180SB also edges as it cuts, and comes with a variety of additional features, including a slabbing bar, planer blade, orbital sander, router and drill attachment.
Utility arch
D&L Timber Technologies also debuted the D&L Utility Arch for the first time. The arch is ideal for smaller loggers, and can be used for a number of tasks, including pulling trees to a mill. The arch has a folding design that allows for easy flat packing transport, and comes with an optional wheel rack transporter. With a 2300-lb. winch, optional 12V electric winch, and durable design, the arch can two 20-inch by 20-foot logs, and is ATV and UTV ready.
890 Logger
Inland Group’s massive outdoor booth featured a variety of big machines, including Tigercat’s newest logger, the 890. Designed to be the toughest logging machine, the 890 features a powerful Tigercat FPT engine, with Tier 2 or Tier 4 configurations available, an efficient, high-capacity cooling system, and a twin swing drive system. Featuring heavy wall side bumpers and solid cast counterweight, the logger is designed to be durable and built to withstand full-time forest duty applications. An ergonomic cab with rear entry and full-length front windows and additional floor windows provide operators with a clear sightline.
Kenworth truck
Inland Group was also showcasing the new Kenworth W990 nine-axle truck. The W990 features Kenworth TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics and Service Management, a fully-integrated system designed to streamline fleet maintenance. The remote diagnostics technology helps drivers diagnose and solve potential problems, and proactive diagnostic and repair planning assistance is also available. Featuring a 12.9 litre PACCAR MX-13 engine, the truck is able to move large payloads even on steep grades. Kenworth’s integrated powertrain has been engineered to maximize fuel economy and reliability.
Nine-axle trailer
Peerless also had a booth at the CNRE, showcasing a number of trailer types, including a nine-axle configuration featuring electronic scales on the rear unit and traditional air ride suspension on the lead unit.
*A previous version of this article stated that the Hitachi ZW370-5 wheel loader was new to Wajax. In fact, Wajax has had that unit since April 2017. The information about the Hitachi ZW370-5 wheel loader has consequently been removed.
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