LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS
Tigercat releases 602 cable skidder
In 2017 , Tigercat developed and released its most compact skidder platfrom , the 602 series . The prototype 602 skidder was sent to France last summer to be fitted with a Belgian designed and manufactured swing boom for use in mountain regions of Europe .
Now the 602 is available as a cable skidder suited to pockets of North America and other traditional winch skidder markets . The 602 cable skidder is ideal for high value selective hardwood logging and for retrieving timber from steep slopes and gullies .
The 602 is equipped with the Tigercat FPT Tier N45 engine which provides full emissions compliance for Tier 2 and Tier 4f , along with excellent fuel economy . Both engines deliver 125 kW ( 168 hp ) at 2,200 rpm .
The machine has a fixed front axle with an oscillating centre section to achieve a very narrow overall width of 2,7 metres ( 106 in ). The agility of the 602 is ideal in selective felling applications . The machine can access high value timber in steep terrain , while minimizing damage to the residual stand .
Maximum fuel efficiency is achieved by the use of Tigercat ’ s load sensing hydraulic system – only supplying the amount of oil that the various functions require for reduced engine load .
The 602 cable skidder offering has already attracted a lot of attention in the United States , where the first machine debuted at the Paul Bunyan show in
Cambridge , Ohio this past October .
Bill Shufflebotham , based in Rockport , Illinois purchased the first 602 cable skidder . He states , “ It ’ s the only quality small machine on the market . It ’ s easy to move at nine feet wide and it ’ s powerful ”.
CN Rail to purchase 350 lumber cars
CN Rail has announced it will buy 350 centrebeam lumber cars to serve growing demand from lumber producing customers across its North American network .
“ We are investing to move the economy as we put the rolling stock , infrastructure and people in place to serve the growing needs of our valued customers ,” said JJ Ruest , interim president and chief executive officer of CN . “ These additional centrebeams , combined with our recently-announced acquisition of 350 additional box cars , give us the tools to put more capacity at the disposal of business partners such as West Fraser . CN needs to and will do better moving lumber to market .”
The new-build , 73-foot riserless centrebeams , with a maximum load capacity of 286,000 pounds , are expected to be delivered starting in September . CN is also looking at an option to purchase or lease an additional 300 cars . “ West Fraser looks forward to continuing to work with partners who can provide an effective supply chain serving the solid U . S . housing market ,” said Ted Seraphim , president and chief executive officer of West Fraser .
The new cars will be manufactured in Canada by
National Steel Car Ltd . at its assembly plant in Hamilton , Ont .
“ National Steel Car has been building new freight cars for CN since 1919 and we are honoured to have the opportunity to continue to support CN and the customers they serve throughout North America ,” said Gregory J . Aziz , chairman and chief executive officer of National Steel Car Limited . “ This order will result in the hiring of over 250 employees at our Hamilton assembly plant , which currently employs more than 1,500 people , and will provide extended benefits for Hamilton and the Canadian economy .”
Bob Bratina , Member of Parliament for Hamilton East – Stoney Creek , said : “ CN ’ s investment in new cars to be built at National Steel Car ’ s Hamilton plant is huge for the city , but its impact ripples far beyond the Ontario steel and manufacturing economy . This is an investment in the Canadian economy and workers across the country .”
Said Hamilton Mayor Fred
Eisenberger , “ Hamiltonians are proud of the role CN plays in our community , and this announcement is another vote of confidence in Hamilton and our skilled workforce .”
As part of CN ’ s record $ 3.4 billion capital program in 2018 , the company is investing in new trade-enabling infrastructure and equipment . In addition to rail cars , CN expects starting in June to take delivery of the first of 60 new GE locomotives due in service in 2018 .
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8 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2018