IFI REPORTS FROM ELMIA WOOD 2017
Palfinger offers a new crane for forest machines
Cranes from the Austrian company Palfinger Epsilon are a common sight on logging trucks . But at Elmia Wood the company extended its reach into the forest in the form of a prototype specially developed for forwarders .
Palfinger Epsilon launched its first forwarder cranes in 2006 . At Elmia Wood the company ’ s red crane booms were visible on some of Rottne ’ s forwarders , among others .
During the fair the next stage was presented : a prototype of a complete unit including the hydraulics , all ready for installation by machinery manufacturers . The version shown at Elmia Wood was the S11F107 . It has a reach of 10.7 metres and is made of high-tensile steel , making it up to 8 % lighter than comparable cranes . LED work lighting is built into the crane . The design of the telescopic extension makes it smaller in the transport position .
However , Palfinger ’ s sales manager , Markus Prenninger , says the crane ’ s design offers even greater benefits in the forest :
Markus Prenninger , Head of Sales , EMEA bei Palfinger Epsilon
“ All the electrics and hydraulics run inside the crane . Nothing hangs outside but it ’ s easy to access all the cables and hoses if you need to replace anything .”
Palfinger Epsilon also presented another prototype at the fair : a crane for logging trucks . This is a radical upgrade of the company ’ s existing Q series , which are intermediate-class cranes .
The exhibited model was the Q14L . The crane is made of hightensile steel , making it 10 % lighter . It has the longest reach of its class at 11 metres , and its speed has been increased by 15 % thanks to higher hydraulic pressure and new cylinders .
This crane also has all its cables and hoses built in , giving it a sleek outer surface . Built-in LED work lighting is standard .
Palfinger Epsilon ’ s crane boom shown in cross-section . All electric and hydraulic systems run inside the crane
The world premiere at Elmia Wood for Palfinger Epsilon ’ s new Q series upgrade . Made of high-tensile steel , it is 10 % lighter than comparable cranes
All-terrain logging truck with all-wheel drive
The Czech truck manufacturer Tatra came to Elmia Wood with a logging truck in a special anniversary edition .
“ Tatra produced its first vehicle 120 years ago ,” explains the Swedish general agent Svante Cordestam .
Tatra ’ s speciality is all-terrain vehicles . All-wheel drive plus individual suspension on all wheels have been standard on them for many years . All this enables the best possible accessibility off road . The vehicles are also equipped with air suspension for a comfortable ride at on-road speeds .
“ This is a sturdy truck that can handle off-road driving ,” Cordestam says .
The rig exhibited at Elmia Wood is the anniversary model , the Tatra Phoenix Präsident , produced in only 120 units . The last part of the name is also the name of the first vehicle – a passenger car – made by Tatra 120 years ago . Today ’ s Präsident truck is equipped with bunks , crane and a trailer , with drive on all of its six wheels .
Tatra uses a cab and engine from the Dutch manufacturer DAF , plus automatic or manual gearboxes with 16 gears from ZF . The units sold in Sweden are also equipped with a two-gear distribution box for greater power in low-speed zones .
Svante Cordestam says the most interesting version of the Tatra Phoenix is a gravel truck
The anniversary special edition of the Tatra Phoenix Präsident , made in 120 units to celebrate Tatra ’ s 120 years as a vehicle manufacturer , on display at Elmia Wood
with eight wheels . Its all-terrain features mean that it can serve as both a dumper and a road vehicle .
Cordestam has sold four of them to contractors working on the E20 highway in Sweden .
10 International Forest Industries | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017