2018 International Forest Industries IFI Feb March 2018 Digital | Page 56
The levelling system on all
Komatsu units benefits from
the ‘Komatsu concept’
Komatsu’s harvester line-up of six
individual models goes from the
smallest Komatsu 901, optimal for
thinning, to the large Komatsu 951
for final felling.
All harvesters are based on
the same pioneering technology,
although the technology has
been adapted for each machine to
provide its unique characteristics
– whether that entails creating
an agile thinning machine or a
powerful final felling machine. All
models have a focus on operator
ergonomics, machine stability,
low energy consumption and good
visibility. All to achieve maximum
productivity.
New to market:
Komatsu 901XC
The newest edition to the Komatsu
harvester line-up is the eight-
wheeled Komatsu 901XC, following
the concept of the Komatsu
931XC. The 901 XC is a harvester
for thinning in steep terrain and
on soft ground. The eight wheels,
combined with the Komatsu
concept, ensures a stable machine
with great manoeuvrability and low
ground pressure.
The cab-levelling function,
which keeps the cab horizontal, is
a feature common to all Komatsu
harvesters. It provides a particular
advantage when working in steep
terrain since the crane’s slewing
force are, by this function, retained
whether the machine is working
uphill, downhill or sideways in hilly
conditions. The crane functionality
together with the stability of the
Komatsu 901XC makes it easier to
perform precise crane movements
and select the right tree, especially
at long reaches when the crane is
fully extended.
The 901XC, as well as the
931XC, is part of Komatsu Forest’s
new product series designed for
challenging conditions where XC
stands for eXtreme Conditions,
such as steep terrain and wet
ground. The series also includes
tools such as the Komatsu Traction
Aid Winch.
Hydraulics
All Komatsu harvesters have
Komatsu Forest’s unique three-
pump hydraulics, 3PS, with
two-circuit hydraulic system.
The unique pressure and flow
optimisation enables significantly
faster operation without losing
power as the 3PS enables several
crane and head functions to
be used simultaneously with
maximum hydraulic power and low
energy losses.
“Which means that you can
utilise the engine performance to
its maximum,” the manufacturer
said.
Transmission
Komatsu Forest’s unique
transmission gives the machines
impressive starting tractive force
and offers unique interaction
between engine, control system
and transmission. The hydrostatic,
power-optimised transmission
enables engine power to be fully
utilised, providing excellent
climbing ability.
The Komatsu 901XC has
reinforced Cardan shafts in the
powertrain – everything to ensure
top performance in demanding
terrain. There are also several
pre-set and task-specific driving
The newest edition to the
Komatsu harvester line-
up is the eight-wheeled
Komatsu 901XC
modes.
“The result is maximised
productivity and benefit from every
ounce of horsepower and every
litre of diesel,” Komatsu stated.
Operator environment
Visibility and operator comfort are priorities in all Komatsu harvesters
54 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
All Komatsu harvesters have
a high-performance operator
environment. Some of the many
benefits include the large cab
volume, good visibility, noise
reduction, smart placement of the
screen for maximum visibility and
remote control/key for controlling
the electrical switch on and off,
controlling lights, central locking of
the cab and controlling the diesel
heater.
The levelling system keeps
the cab horizontal, which means
the operator is always sitting
comfortably and relaxed. The cab
itself, together with the crane, can
be rotated 360°, providing a large
working area.
There are also a number of
options, such as a variety of
choices for optimal and effective
working lights, floor heating, as
well as three different joystick
systems, including the model
EME, which is especially designed
for good ergonomics with more
functions that are easily accessible
on the joysticks, like sequence
functions.
The daily inspection can be
performed simply and efficiently
without needing to open the
hoods. It is easier to access the
inspection points and the most
important ones can be monitored
from the cab.
Stability