Komatsu’s 2020 machines have begun landing in the UK and Aberdeenshire-based CPS Forestry was lucky enough to be one of the first to take delivery of the new 931XC. A visit to hills around Loch Lomond provided the chance to see this exceptional harvester in action.
OVERLOOKING the stunning Loch Lomond on an exceptionally clear late summer’s day, operator Clint Howland manoeuvres through steep forest terrain behind the controls of the new Komatsu 931XC. Owned by Aberdeenshire-based CPS Forestry, the new harvester is one of four Komatsu machines in the firm’s fleet. And conditions couldn’t be much better for an exploration of its features and capabilities.
With over 17 years as a family-run business, CPS Forestry consistently seeks to invest in top-of-the-range machinery to keep its operation as competitive and profitable as possible. This new 931XC harvester is its latest investment.
With a new durable design, said to require less maintenance and repair costs, and extend life, the 931XC is a direct replacement for CPS Forestry’s previous model, allowing Clint to draw from experience while exploring the upgraded changes. Part of Komatsu’s 2020 range, it is described by the manufacturer as bringing a host of both major and more subtle innovations – such as improved off-road manoeuvrability, and greater user-friendliness – designed to increase the simplicity, efficiency and profitability of the operator’s working day.
Powered by an all-new Stage 5 engine, the 2020 range is said to offer a maximum power of 190 kW DIN at 1,850 rpm, with more torque at low engine speeds. Conforming to the latest emissions legislation, the new engine is described by Komatsu as offering low fuel consumption with a hydrostat system that makes efficient use of engine power to go further on less and reduce emissions to the environment. The new design also reduces ground damage, helping to protect forests for the future.
The engine has been designed to offer an enhanced driver experience, with reduced noise. Other features include a new AdBlue system and hydraulic tappets. The new system works with AdBlue filtration to further reduce particle emissions while automating the process for the driver. While operating the machine, Clint noted the enhanced responsiveness and extra power felt throughout all functions of the harvester.
An underlying tractive force of 200 kN is said to make light work of inclines and difficult terrain, while pre-set and task-specific driving modes offer simplified control. The interaction of the hydrostatic, power-optimised transmission with the engine and control system, Komatsu says, makes it easier to navigate gradients, upping productivity and lowering fuel consumption. Stronger drive shafts also enable a greater capacity to transfer torque and engine power while keeping the harvester secure.
Stability has been a key consideration for Komatsu with the 2020 range. Years of expertise, development and innovation are fully on display in the design and construction of the 931XC. The eight-wheeled harvester combines tried-and-tested principles with cutting-edge technology to maximise efficiency while ensuring the safety and stability of the machine and operator. A rigid articulated joint and a swing axle work together with the cab tilt cylinders to create what the manufacturer describes as the ‘Komatsu Concept’. The swing axle is paired up with the Komatsu Comfort Bogie, lowering the machine’s centre of gravity and increasing ground contact.
Komatsu’s harvester heads are designed to match specific models with two concepts, three- and four-wheeled feed (C-heads) and two-wheeled feed (S-heads), intended to ensure the operator always has the right tools for the job.
Another key consideration of the new model is user-friendliness. Clint commented: “From an operation and maintenance point of view, a lot of the suggestions from the previous model have been taken on board.” Features aimed at increasing machine ease of use include an improved step, increased internal and external storage, and additional lighting.
Clint also remarked on the 931XC cabin, describing it as “quieter and more spacious”. The Komatsu 3000 seat offers superior comfort and support with 180-degree rotation, seat ventilation and heating. Other premium cabin features include Komatsu Media Zone (USB and aux), a smartphone holder and hi-fi speakers, air conditioning, a 24V cooler, and a 24V lunchbox heater.
Several new productivity features have also been implemented in the cabin, intended to improve efficiency and ease of use. These include an improved screen placement and a remote-control key for electrical systems. Three joystick systems are available, including a finger-operated steering wheel.
Komatsu’s forestry fleet management system – MaxiFleet – has been upgraded for the 2020 range. The 931XC comes ready for MaxiFleet installation to enable searches, compilations, and presentations for all machine and production data generated.
Clint said: “MaxiVision mapping software makes planning the site so much easier, both for the harvester and the following forwarder.”
A 360-degree work area using the 4-axis crane with cabin levelling allows for more productivity at each stop, Komatsu says, while the Autolev Advanced offers automatic cab damping, intended to provide all-day comfort. Despite a more powerful engine, a slim design contributes to the unobstructed vision from the cabin, improving operator performance.
With a huge 736-litre hydraulic capacity, the 931XC uses a three-pump system to increase speed and power while using different functions. According to Komatsu, several crane and head functions can now be performed simultaneously with maximum hydraulic power, such as slewing the crane, feeding a log, and manouevring the machine with optimally low fuel.
When summarising his experience of the new 931XC compared to the previous model, Clint highlighted: “A lot of small changes add up to a big difference.”
A Komatsu spokesperson added: “Komatsu’s unique and competitive edge has made us a leading force in developing machinery for the forest. Komatsu takes pride in supplying the industry’s top companies with the tools and machinery they need to do their work.
“The new 931XC is no different in the innovative approach used by Komatsu to serve solutions that cannot be found elsewhere on the market.”
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