2017 International Forest Industries Magazines IFI Aug Sept 2017 v2

I t was probably a little over a decade ago that machine suppliers starting taking big strides toward improving operator comfort. Sure, previously manufacturers talked about it and made improvements but as the global economy boomed and competition for good operators intensified, contractors looked for any means possible of keeping good people and so manufacturers began to focus in earnest on comfort. This has of course involved incorporating more modern conveniences in the cab such as climate control and audio systems, as well as efforts to improve the ease of operations with options on seating, control systems and displays also expanded. What business owners quickly realised was that not only were they able to retain workers but productivity improved considerably. In an industry where the big technology gains seem to have been made and there is a lot of tinkering around the margins, new areas where significant improvements to operations can be registered is a big deal. This is what has led to the recent wave of operator and maintenance-friendly improvements. There are too many to name but a read through this year’s skidder technology review will give you a taste of what the modern-day operator can expect to enjoy when he or she steps into the cab of today’s forestry machines. Tigercat offers a full line up of four-wheel and six-wheel skidders built for a wide variety of timber extraction jobs around the world. All Tigercat skidders are designed for extreme forestry conditions with strong frames, robust and well-protected hydraulic cylinders and a sturdy centre joint. Tigercat’s latest innovations extend to new models of the largest skidders built (the 632E four-wheel skidder and the 635G six wheel skidder) to a new entry in the compact skidder market (the 602). Tigercat skidder technology Tigercat skidders are powered by fuel efficient and reliable Tigercat FPT engines, which are fully International Forest Industries | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 61

2017 International Forest Industries Magazines IFI Aug Sept 2017 v2 | Page 63