2017 International Forest Industries Magazines IFI Aug Sept 2017 v2 | Page 13
LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS
Komatsu 931XC Harvester launched in North America
Komatsu’s 931XC’s unique double
Comfort Bogie system provides
maximum maneuverability and
productivity on steep, rough or
soft terrain. The new eight-wheel-
drive system dramatically reduces
ground pressure compared to the
six-wheel-drive model: 54 percent
lower psi with tracks and 23
percent lower psi with tires.
Forestry work often involves
navigating challenging terrain.
Komatsu’s 931XC (eXtreme
Conditions) eight-wheel-drive
(8WD) harvester stands up to the
task with a unique double Komatsu
Comfort Bogie system that
provides maximum maneuverability
and productivity on steep, rough or
soft terrain.
The 931XC builds upon the
proven 931 six-wheel-drive (6WD)
platform with its innovative
hydraulic pump system, best-in-
class ergonomic cab, four-way cab/
crane leveling and 360-degree cab/
crane rotation. What sets it apart
from other 8WD harvesters is the
unique drive system that starts
with Komatsu’s proven articulated
frame joint, rear-swing axle with
+/- 16-degree left/right oscillation
and the high-oscillation Comfort
Bogie front axle. The trademark
Komatsu Comfort Bogie is added
to the rear-swing axle to provide
excellent uphill/downhill and left/
right oscillation.
“The Comfort Bogie drive
system gives the 931XC superior
handling characteristics as the
harvester follows the terrain more
closely than 8WD machines with
a fixed rear-axle design,” said
Steve Yolitz, Manager, Marketing
Forestry, Komatsu America. “This
8WD system dramatically reduces
rear ground pressure, resulting in
54 percent lower psi with tracks
and 23 percent lower psi with tires
compared to the 6WD 931 model.”
Lighter footprint with
powerhouse abilities
Yolitz points out that the lighter
tire footprint reduces the need
for tracks and chains, potentially
increasing fuel economy.
Additionally, the 931XC has 12
percent more tractive effort,
1.8 inches of additional ground
clearance and 14 percent greater
crane slewing torque.
“Combine those features with
the 8WD double Comfort Bogie
drive system, and the 931XC
becomes a harvesting powerhouse
able to take on nearly any terrain
a forestry contractor may face,”
said Yolitz. “To further enhance
its abilities to work in tough
conditions, it features heated
batteries, diesel exhaust fluid,
Steve Yolitz, Manager,
Marketing Forestry,
Komatsu America
engine coolant and hydraulic
oil systems, which improve cold
weather starting.”
International Forest Industries | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 11