2017 International Forest Industries Magazines October November 2017 | Page 38
Komatsu’s range of
harvester heads is
exceptional, with one
for every occassion
upgrade, new options are available
and several quality improvements
have been made.
Komatsu C144 is the typical
‘big and strong’ head. To increase
the head’s versatility, there is now
the option of smaller feed roller
motors. This feature provides an
energy efficient and fast feeding
start, which is particularly useful
for customers who have a forest
where most of the stems are
thinner.
Another new option is the
possibility to equip the head with
a 90 cm saw bar. It is a demanded
feature that allows the head to
handle big trees with buttresses,
thus increasing the productivity
and the head’s range of use.
A practical new function for
logging and processing is the
option ‘Find End’. When Find End
is activated, the head returns to
the root end and resets the length
measurement without the need to
trim the stem. This maximises the
length of the stem and thereby the
profit.
An important performance
improvement is that the clamping
force when positioning the head
against the tree has increased. The
effect is a better grip on the stem,
which results in more power in the
felling moment.
Several quality improvements
have also been made to the
Komatsu C144, such as an
improvement of the force of the
saw bar return and the head now
also has cast knives for increased
service-life.
Constant cut
The Constant Cut saw unit is fitted
as standard on all C heads since
last year. The saw unit is designed
The C124 is a versatile harvesting head that
offers maximum productivity, quality and
reliability
Komatsu
36 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2017
for maximum durability and
minimum maintenance. It has an
intelligent saw motor control that
maintains a constant chain speed
of 40 m/s, this gives high speed
without the risk of over-revving
while also reducing log splitting.
Fewer splits appear and those that
do are shorter and more favourably
located.
Integrated working light
Integrated work lighting is another
new option that has many benefits.
To begin with, it makes it easier for
the operator to position the head
against the tree. It also reduces the
risk of sawing in rocks and other
obstacles in the terrain. These
factors contribute to increased
productivity and less risk of
downtime.
Length measuring aAdvanced
A new feature, which is available to
all C units, is the Length Measuring
Advanced option. It improves the
measurement accuracy by ensuring
an even pressure on the measuring
wheel throughout the feeding
process. A second measuring
wheel for measurement under bark
is included in the option.
Eco-GLS
The Eco-GLS option is an
environmentally friendly, adaptive
lubrication system for harvesting
heads. The chain and bar are
lubricated with eco-friendly
grease instead of oil. The grease
has better adhesion, minimizing
both consumption and waste,
which leads to environmental as
well as financial gains. It also has
advantages like less oil mist, thus
minimizing problems like soiled
windows and clogged cooling
units.
Service
Komatsu Forest heads are designed
to be service-friendly in order to
keep up service and thus high
productivity. That service can be
performed in a safe way is also
important, and to meet these
needs, Komatsu Forest strives to
develop heads that do not need to
be re-positioned during service.
That’s why the daily service
points can be performed with the
head in a folded-down position as
there are centralized lubrication
points for topping up grease and
oil.