2017 International Forest Industries Magazines IFI Aug Sept 2017 v2 | Page 75

IFI REPORTS FROM ELMIA WOOD 2017
John Deere presents crane-tip control for harvesters
John Deere launched
a longed-for global
first at Elmia Wood.
The company has
now developed its
crane-tip control for
harvesters too
The opportunity to test operate
several forest machines plus do
tests on simulators was available
at the John Deere stand.
“Visitors could try out the new
technology during the fair,” says
Dieter Reinisch of John Deere.
Crane-tip control for forest
machines is a true Elmia Wood
innovation, which has been
developed over the past three
fairs. John Deere presented
the concept with the help of a
forwarder simulator in 2009,
which contractors could test and
comment on. At Elmia Wood 2013
it was time for the world premiere
of forwarders with crane-tip
control, which has become a
much-appreciated function.
“Our customers say they move
an extra load every shift thanks to
crane-tip control,” Reinisch says.
And now it’s time for what the
industry has been talking about
for ten years: crane-tip control for
harvesters. This world first was
presented at Elmia Wood, installed
in a John Deere 1270 harvester.
Visitors to the fair could test the
function both in reality and on
simulators.
John Deere also presented an
updated version of its crane-
tip control for harvesters. The
innovations are in the software,
which means that contractors
who already have the function on
their forwarders can obtain the
innovations at their next service
opportunity.
All of John Deere’s machine
models were exhibited at the fair,
At the tip of the crane is a world first – crane-tip control for harvesters
It could be tested at Elmia Wood mounted on a John Deere 1270
including the three new mid-size
forwarders in the G series: the
1110G, 1210G and 1510G. Also
shown was the first harvester
in the G series, the 1170G with
eight wheels. It is a smaller-size
machine with a broad range of
uses from thinning to easier final
felling.
One recurring request at
previous fairs has been for the
opportunity to test operate
the machines. That wish was
granted when John Deere offered
the chance to test operate its
forwarders with a rotating and
levelling cab. This function is
almost standard in the Nordic
markets but elsewhere contractors
often choose a fixed cab for cost
reasons.
“At Elmia Wood visitors were
given chance to experience the
Dieter Reinisch, Information
Officer at John Deere Forestry
added value of a rotating and
levelling cab,” Dieter Reinisch
says.
New OFA products launched at Elmia Wood 2017
OFA Paragon 16 Soft is a
development of the original
Paragon 16 with a more open chain
pattern, resulting in improved
performance on soft terrains.
The longitudinal studded chain
lines enable simplified adjustment
and reduced maintenance.
Paragon 16 Soft suits very well
for forwarders, as the transverse
chain lines make the chain very
stable on tyre, regardless of the
driving direction. The tensioning
chain protects the tyre sidewall and
shoulders.
OFA U-Grip 22 is a new heavy-
duty skidder chain. The U-stud,
which is welded under the chain
link, ensures constant power and
weight transfer from the tire for
excellent grip.
The casehardened 22 mm
(7/8”) chain link, made from
German high-grade boron steel,
ensures best-in-class lifetime for
the most extreme conditions. 100
mm high stud profile provides
maximum traction in snow and mud
and the round sharp studs ensure
high traction on ice and hard
ground.
International Forest Industries | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 IBC