Tigercat ’ s six-wheel skidders are built for extreme duty and super high production logging operations such as this eucalyptus plantation in Brazil backed by Tigercat support and warranty . Tier 4f and Tier 2 engine choices are available depending on regional emissions requirements .
Tigercat ’ s unique hydrostatic drive system increases efficiency and performance while reducing operator fatigue . Tigercat skidders operate at variable engine rpm , automatically increasing engine speed when additional horsepower is demanded .
Because full torque is available at any engine speed , breakout performance is “ significantly better than competing skidders ”, the manufacturer stated . The result is reduced site disturbance , longer tire life and improved performance in soft or steep terrain .
Tigercat ’ s exclusive EHS ( efficient high-speed drive ) consists of two variable displacement hydrostatic motors as inputs to the Tigercat transfer case , which drives the front and rear axles . When operating conditions demand high tractive effort , both motors are working .
When tractive effort requirements are reduced – for instance , when traveling empty or loaded on flat terrain – all of the pump flow is directed to one motor for higher travel speeds .
“ EHS provides fast travel speeds , extremely high tractive effort and excellent fuel efficiency ,” Tigercat stated .
EHS is standard on the 602 , 610E and 615E and optional for the 620E , 625E and 632E skidders .
Tigercat designs and builds its own forestry-grade axles . Axles are built from the ground up for tough off-road duty and come in a wide variety of configurations supporting single and dualtyre installations to maximize performance in tough terrain .
The 632E four-wheel skidder The 632E is one of the industry ’ s highest production four-wheel drive grapple skidder , suited to the toughest jobs , the most demanding terrain , heavy loads and aroundthe-clock operations , according to Tigercat .
The 632E can be equipped with the largest grapple offered on any four-wheel skidder on the market . The larger 2.1 m ² ( 23 ft ²) grapple option has a tip-to-tip opening of 3,860 mm ( 152 in ). Complementing the higher horsepower and larger grapple , the hydraulic system and driveline have been extensively upgraded . Several components and structures have been upsized for improved durability .
The 632E uses a larger main hydraulic pump and valves for faster operation and better multifunctioning . The hydraulic cylinders are larger , allowing the machine to run pressures that are 10 % lower while increasing performance by 10 % on average .
Cylinder rod sizes have been increased by 25 %. Load sensing control and a simplified steering circuit lead to more responsive and adjustable steering control . A newly enhanced EHS transmission produces more torque — with the same top speed as the previous generation of EHS .
The new Tigercat OB20 rear axle – specially designed for the 632E – provides 47 % more torque capacity and nearly twice the life on all bearings . The service brakes and park brake are incorporated into the new axle .
Operators will see additional improvements in the cab starting with the new air-ride seat . A new instrument panel layout improves placement of electrical outlets and the electronic control system display . Operators will enjoy finer joystick control of the travel speed .
The new high visibility arch means a 10 % improvement in visibility to the ground through the arch . LED lights , improved boom light location and a new arch light further enhance visibility to the grapple area .
The 635G six-wheel skidder The 635G builds on the capabilities of Tigercat ’ s six-wheel skidders along with the technology introduced with the 632E .
The 635G features the enhanced EHS , load sensing hydraulics , and larger hydraulic cylinders found on the 632E . As well , the 635G is equipped with the new Tigercat bolt-in WOB17 bogie or the optional high clearance HOB17 bogie .
The largest grapple in the industry at 2.32 m2 ( 25 ft2 ) with a maximum opening of 3,835 mm ( 151 in ) – is available on the 635G .
The 602 compact skidder At the opposite end of the size scale is the new 602 platform . The Tigercat 602 skidder is a compact , lightweight skidder that can be adapted to a number of niche applications such as cable skidding high value timber in mountainous terrain or selective thinning operations in environmentally sensitive areas .
The 602 model is equipped with a Tigercat FPT Tier 4f N45 four-cylinder engine for maximum fuel efficiency and power in a small package . The 602 uses an oscillating centre joint to achieve an overall width of just 2.8 m ( 110 in ) while still maintaining “ excellent stability ”.
The narrow width and light weight of the machine maximizes productivity while maintaining the value and quality of the residual stand . The 602 can be fitted with a swing boom or a dual drum winch for European selective felling and mountain skidding applications .
Bobby Goodson , star of Discovery Channel ’ s Swamp Loggers was on hand for the introduction of the 602 skidder by Tigercat dealer Clohse Group at the Les Cognées forestry show in Les Gets , France on the 24th of June , 2017
62 International Forest Industries | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017