2018 International Forest Industries IFI April May 2018 Digital | Page 58

Hard & fast
Three major feller
buncher suppliers
compare wares as they
battle for market share
T
he industry has been
treated with a range of
feller bunchers focused on
durability or speed, though none
of the suppliers featured in this
year’s technology review fall down
in either category.
If anything has been left
behind in recent research
and development efforts, it is
arguably operator comfort. That
said, this area of refinement and
advancement has come so far in
the past half-a-decade, it is difficult
to see where the next significant
leap can be made.
Caterpillar Forest Products track
and wheel feller bunchers help
loggers boost production in
the woods, and their efficiency
and durability help increase
profitability. The company offers
four proven track machine models
as well as the new D series wheel
feller buncher.
Cat track feller bunchers are
designed with an industry-leading
combination of lift capacity, swing
torque and tractive effort ratios to
56 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2018
boost production in the woods.
The Cat 541 and 552 Series
2 machines are full tail swing
machines designed for high-
production clear-cutting or
final fell applications in rough
environments; the 552 Series 2 is
a levelling machine for improved
operation in steep terrain.
The Cat 521 and 522 B
Series machines are near-zero
tail swing machines, which are
more attractive for felling and
bunching in select cut and thinning
applications because they help
reduce damage to the residual
stand. The 521B is a non-levelling
model best suited for plantation
thinning, biomass harvesting,
and medium-production select or
clear-cut applications; the 522B
is a levelling machine for select or
clear-cut logging.
The 541 and 552 Series 2 and
521 and 522 B Series machines are
equipped with the Cat C9 ACERT
226 kW (303 hp) engine, which has
a proven track record of reliability
and durability. Power-management
software is tailored for the unique
engine-hydraulic interactions in a
forestry application and delivers a
high level of machine performance.
The closed-centre hydraulic
system includes fully adjustable
electric over hydraulic controls
and plentiful flow capacities. Three
pumps power the hydraulic system
to give loggers smoother multi-
functioning.
An on-demand reversing fan
helps keep the radiator debris-
free, and the high-capacity cooling
system keeps the engine running at
the proper temperature, optimizing
performance, durability and fuel
economy.
Large structures such as
swing bearings and booms have
been designed for longer life
and durability. The tracks and all
undercarriage rolling components
are high-grade to extend track life,
reduce repair costs, and increase
stability. The machines have
excellent ground clearance and an
open car body design, increasing
mobility by eliminating interference
with obstacles.
The Cat PRO (Parallel Reach
Operation) System gives operators
the ability to complete a smoother,
fluid harvesting motion. One
joystick either extends or retracts