Launched last year to much fanfare, Eco Log’s new G Series of harvesters also featured an updated cabin. Here we take a detailed look at its development, and how world events delayed the project. 

AT last year’s Swedish Forestry Expo, Eco Log’s new G series was launched and with the new machines came an entirely new harvester cabin. The development behind the cabin is one of the manufacturer’s longest projects so far, and the road was lined with quite a few challenges – not least ongoing conflicts and a global pandemic. 

This all meant that a project which first began in earnest in 2017 faced several unforeseen delays, but now that the end is in sight – with production due to start this year – it looks like it has been well worth the wait; even if the disruption forced Eco Log’s hand in introducing updates earlier than it had planned. 

“A new cabin has been requested from our customers for a long time and, initially, production was set to start during the winter 2020/2021,” Emil Forsblom, head of development at Eco Log, said. “When a project gets delayed like this, it is more than just the time schedule that is affected. 

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“Several, large updates were going to be introduced on the harvesters at the same time as the new cabin and the G series – for example our new control system, NexSci, new improved frames and updates in the hydraulic system. 

“To phase different components in and out is complex and takes a lot of planning. So, when the cabin project was delayed several times, we couldn’t postpone the other updates any longer. Therefore, they were first implemented on the F series harvesters during 2022 and became what people call the F series – Phase 2.” 

To develop an entirely new cabin was an extensive task and the factors to consider were many. In a pilot study, all input from the market was gathered with a variety of different parameters, such as manufacturing costs, legal requirements, technical limitations, choice of suppliers and the conditions to manufacture and produce the product in an efficient way.

Emil added: “Of course, the operator comes first regarding visibility, ergonomics, comfort and functionality. But there are a lot of things to consider and it is a huge job involving many people. Therefore, it feels great to be able to present this modern premium cabin, which we are very proud of. 

“It has really been a team effort from start to finish with many people involved who have performed an amazing job.” 

When the development work really started, there were a variety of thorough tests and simulations that had to be conducted to ensure that everything from climate, materials and electronics, to, above all, safety was functioning well and met various requirements and standards. 

Forestry Journal: A special carriage was manufactured to be able to move the cabin between different tests. A special carriage was manufactured to be able to move the cabin between different tests. (Image: Supplied)

Or, as Magnus Pettersson explained, something as simple as how an operator eats lunch was taken into consideration.   

“A slightly different request is the turnable seat,” Magnus, who also headed the project, said. “The main reason for this was to create a space for having lunch without sitting with the food in your lap. 

“This solution has then resulted in several advantages. As an example, there is plenty of space behind the seat to store your cooler bag or lunch bag and you can also spin the seat to get out of the cabin more easily. 

“Another advantage is an easier service. Now, you can turn your seat around and easily access fuses, relays, diagnostic sockets and many other things that are placed under the panels behind the operator.”

Storage possibilities were a recurring request from the customers, and Eco Log’s development department put in a lot of effort to find smart storage solutions – a task that came with a lot of challenges. The cabin had to also accommodate large amounts of electronics, a ventilation system suited both for summer and winter, noise isolation and, now, the turnable seat.

Magnus added: “There are a lot of things that must be fitted into the cabin and so finding various storage options is definitely challenging and the engineers have really used every space available. 

Forestry Journal: Project manager Magnus Pettersson, left, and Emil Forsblom, head of development.Project manager Magnus Pettersson, left, and Emil Forsblom, head of development. (Image: Supplied)

“Also, the operator needs an optimal visibility and the fact that we have the crane at the side of the cabin is another thing that affects that complexity.

“So yes, there have definitely been quite a lot of things to work out, but we are very pleased with the result.”

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Tests and simulations

The tests and samples that needed to be conducted were numerous. While many could be performed through simulations, some of the tests needed a real model. For this, Eco Log created a prototype with a wood interior to give a realistic feeling of the final result.

Safety tests

To Eco Log, driver safety was crucial. The manufacturer performed a lot of calculations on how easy it would be to get out of the cabin in the case of an emergency. To verify, a couple of cabins were tested. Eco Log simulated a machine turning over (ROPS), released steel balls on the cabin to simulate a falling tree (FOPS), and ensured the front windshield was resistant to chain shots. Also, OPS tests were carried out to make sure that the operator couldn’t be injured by logs or other objects.

Climate tests

The cabin has a new HVAC system. The preparations of the climate tests were made in a simulation program, both regarding air flow and capacity for heating and cooling. The optimised result was then 3D printed and tested in the first prototype cabin. 

Forestry Journal: Climate tests in a cooling chamber to test defrosting. Climate tests in a cooling chamber to test defrosting. (Image: Supplied)

Repeated tests have were carried out to ensure a system that fulfilled Eco Log’s demands. There was also the need to ensure a cabin could be cooled without causing air draughts around the operator’s neck. This also applied to heating.

To have as even airflow as possible is vital to the comfort of the operator. The requirements today state that it can only differ a maximum of five degrees between head and foot for the operator. Eco Log’s measurements showed a result of three to four degrees.

The cabin climate also includes floor heating, a newly-developed system that was thoroughly tested for an optimal temperature. Electric heating coils under the rubber mat make snow and water dry quickly and give a comfortable temperature to the operator’s feet. 

Testing various materials

Different materials were tested to see how the sun’s rays affected the cabin. Tests were performed in a UV chamber for more than 1,000 hours, which, according to standard, is equal to approximately ten years of exposure to the sun. Periodically, samples were brought out from the chamber to be compared to original materials. 

Both wear and scratch tests were performed on the surface to see if the material had become more sensitive. The UV-affected material was also brushed with hydraulic oil to see if that could have an impact on the lifespan of the material. Through these tests, some materials could be excluded, and others selected for use in a forest machine.

Many tests were also carried out on the keyless system, both regarding the placement of antennas in the cabin, and  also regarding functionality and reliability.

The sensor for locking and unlocking was tested to ensure that it works even if you are wearing gloves.