IT could soon be easier for drivers to move forestry cranes without having to leave the comfort of their cabin. 

That's thanks to an upgraded camera system launched today by load-handling equipment manufacturer Hiab, which brings a host of improvements to its HiVision tech, including a higher frame rate and better resolution.

Using virtual reality (VR) goggles, HiVision for forestry cranes uses external cameras to show the crane's surrounding, allowing the operator to move it from inside. 

Forestry Journal: The tech allows users to move cranes without leaving their cabinThe tech allows users to move cranes without leaving their cabin (Image: Hiab)

This improves productivity, reduces the weight of the equipment and provides a more comfortable and safer working environment for the operator, Hiab says.

HiVision 2.0 has an improved camera system combined with a powerful computer and goggles.

This supports a higher frame rate as well as a better resolution and brightness to create a more natural viewing experience.

Davide Pernice, director, Global Product Management, Forestry, Hiab, said: “The new HiVision 2.0 reduces the issues of dizziness or blurred vision, commonly associated with the use of VR technology.

"The solution continues to offer improved precision, safety and comfortable work environment of our forestry cranes and has proven very popular with the customers who bought the first version of HiVision.”

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It is also possible to retrofit existing LOGLIFT or JONSERED forestry cranes with the first version of HiVision. 

HiVision for MULTILIFT offers multiple views from three cameras, container landing spot information and dynamic reversing steering lines for safer, easier and more convenient operation of the hooklift, using a touch-screen display inside the truck cabin.

In the new version, Hiab says it has improved the camera image quality to offer customers safer operation and better efficiency in difficult light conditions such as direct sunlight, pitch dark as well as rain and snow.

Obstacle detection software is an additional safety feature that minimises the risk of injury to people or damage to equipment. HiVision for MULTILIFT is available for Hiab’s most advanced hooklift range MULTILIFT Ultima. 

Tuomo Salo, director, Global Product Management, Waste & Recycling, Hiab, said: “We’re proud to use the latest in camera technology to offer our customers industry-leading productivity and safety features."