A LOT has changed in the world of harvesting over the last few years – so it’s about time we took a look at the machines that make light work of the planet’s trees.
From the big to the small, our harvester round-up is your essential guide to forestry’s essential tools.
The following is Part II of our round-up. Part I can be viewed here.
SAMPO ROSENLEW
FOR Sampo Rosenlew, 2024 marks a major milestone – the launch of a new six-wheeled harvester.
The HR56 is based on the manufacturer’s HR46x four-wheel machine, and includes “remarkable new features that improve both efficiency and productivity”.
Equipped with a Logmer crane with 10-metre reach, the harvester is also kitted with a front bogie, so, Sampo says, the surface pressure exerted on the ground by the harvester is low. The front bogie combined with a low centre of gravity make the machine stable to work with.
A statement from the company read: “The familiar components used in the construction of the machine, combined with our tried-and-tested technical solutions, ensure low operating and maintenance costs. The HR56 harvester is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly choice for thinning and harvesting energy wood.”
Sampo continues to offer the HR46x and the HR86.
ALTSOR
WITH the 840 series, Alstor firmly established itself when it came to low-impact machinery options. With the new 850 range, it hopes to become the number-one choice.
Building on the foundations laid by its predecessor (the manufacturer’s first clean harvester), the 850H is just 1.65 metres wide, weighing in at 4,000 kg. Said to take Alstor a step towards “fully professional machines”, it has been “built like a larger harvester but in a minimalist way” to “minimise complexity, and maximise serviceability and operational reliability”.
Featuring hydrostatic transmission, the manufacturer believes it maximises traction versus engine power at any given time.
Permanent eight-wheel drive with the cardan means that you always have drive and brakes on all eight wheels.
Boasting a Swedish-made Mowi parallel crane of 5.2 metres, the 850H – which has a sister Combi machine – can also be fitted with a new power-regulated variable tap pump, which can provide up to twice the oil flow compared to the Alstor 840.
LOGSET
From giant trunk end felling to small thinnings, Logset believes it has the perfect machine no matter the task at hand.
Whether it’s the six-wheeled 8H GT, eight-wheeled 6HP GTE, or even the 12H GTE Hybrid, its offering has grown rapidly in recent years.
As for the 12H GTE Hybrid, it has been called “the most productive harvester in the world”, and is said to be a real giant for profitable large-scale harvesting.
This friendly giant has it all: revolutionary hybrid technology, double circuit hydraulics, a strong crane, robust transmission and much more. Stability, reliability and comfort in one big package.
How does its hybrid technology work? The diesel engine runs at a static 1,500 rpm, while the electric motor handles the peaks in power. No need for constant rpm changes.
ECO LOG
A COMPLETELY new cabin is the main feature of Eco Log’s updated G Series of harvesters – which was launched to much fanfare at the 2023 Swedish Forestry Expo.
Comprising the 550, 560, 580 and 590 models (with only the 668 continuing in just the F Series format), the harvesters feature a new control system, new rear-wheel transmission and anti-spin system, as well as a simplified hydraulic system and several improvements regarding serviceability and safety through improved access.
But the biggest difference compared to the previous series is the new cabin, including ample storage, a swivel seat to easily access the rear cab section, secure access through the side-mounted door via a new platform, and a brand-new approach for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
So whether it’s the smallest in the range (550) or the 590G, you can rest assured you’ll always be working in relative comfort with Eco Log.
PROSILVA
AS the self-proclaimed “perfect choice for continuous-cover forestry”, ProSilva has to be able to put its money where its mouth is. The good news is it does just that.
Designed to “challenge the traditional approach” and “build something new”, its range of harvesters includes the light, agile, stable and powerful S3, the “versatile” four-wheeled S4, and the S5 for “when you need a little bit more of everything”.
However, it is the S6 that has the larger end of the market in mind. Built for “heavy logging”, the machine is said to be unique due to its 34-inch wheels, while it can boast up to 326 hp in the S6+ version.
A statement added: “ProSilva’s ‘keep it simple and robust’ design philosophy makes it the most cost-efficient [choice].”
BEST OF THE REST
WITH a strong chassis, 190 hp engine and more features than ever before, Nisula’s N6 harvester certainly impressed during its debut in 2022.
The N6, the latest in the Finnish firm’s N Series, might look like the previous N5, but that’s where the similarities end.
Redesigned from the ground up to better meet the needs of operators, it features a fresh cabin look, new frame, higher ground clearance and more engine power.
Elsewhere, Neuson Forest boasts a range of tracked harvesters, including the 243. A “final felling” harvester, it is available as either an HV or HVT (tilt) model, the latter of which is fitted with a levelling system. The HV has been designed without a slope compensator and allows for the heaviest use with the highest degree of safety.
Meanwhile, Kranman might be known for its small-scale machines, but the 620s Pro Plus is a real powerhouse.
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