KOMATSU has unveiled a "final logging harvester" that combines power and productivity with agility and excellent climbing ability.

The 951XC is an eight-wheeled machine that boasts a more compact design than its predecessors, the 951 and 931XC, and is said to be ideal for working in denser stands. 

With "great stability, excellent manoeuvrability, and low ground pressure", the harvester features a significantly shorter distance from the centre of the crane to the front wheels (than the 951) and new working hydraulics to better utilise the diesel engine.

Forestry Journal:

“Now we have a complete range of eight-wheeled machines, specially designed for demanding conditions,” Joakim Johansson, product manager harvesters at Komatsu Forest said. “What is special about the 951XC is that it combines the strength of a 951 with an extremely compact design.

"Since it has about the same dimensions as the 931XC it can be used in denser stands." 

The Komatsu 951XC has 242 kN of underlying tractive force and unique interaction between engine, control system and power transmission. 

The hydrostatic transmission enables engine power to be fully utilised, providing considerable advantages in difficult terrain as well as excellent climbing ability. This is due to the machine's large hydrostatic pump, which can maintain higher speeds at high tractive forces.

Although the working hydraulics are new, in all other respects the Komatsu 951XC shares the same proven design as other Komatsu harvesters, meaning 3PS.

“This enables several crane and head functions to be used simultaneously with retained maximum hydraulic power, all thanks to the machine's hydraulic power coordination,” Joakim added.

Thanks to the machine’s stability and levelling cab, the operator is always seated level without the need to stretch and strain to maintain a good seating position, Komatsu says. The 951XC is based on the tried-and-tested Komatsu concept that offers favourable weight distribution and has a low centre of gravity. 

In addition, the eight-wheeled XC series harvesters have a double oscillating bogie on the rear frame giving the machines completely unique handling characteristics.

“Our double oscillating bogie on the rear frame is an innovation of which we’re very proud," Joakim added. "As well as increasing stability by lowering the machine’s centre of gravity, the machine follows irregularities in the terrain in a forgiving manner while delivering excellent manoeuvrability in challenging terrain conditions."

Komatsu will show off the 951XC at June's Swedish Forestry Expo.