544: Tigercat reveals lower weight class harvesting head

Based on the 534 design, the 544 is a three-wheel drive head with triangulated wheel arm geometry, with a maximum main cut capacity of 790 mm (31 in). 

Targeting trees in the 15-50 cm (6-20 in) diameter range, the head features a 790 mm (31 in) feed wheel opening, and 760 mm (30 in) maximum knife arm opening to handle the occasional larger tree. 

• READ MORE: Plans approved to create one of Europe’s largest woodlands at Scottish loch

The chassis, covers and tilt frame are designed to handle the rigors of track carrier operating conditions. Four cast steel knife arms, and fixed front and back knives provide excellent delimbing quality.

Available with an optional 560 mm (22 in) cut capacity top saw , the 544 is a great match for selective harvesting applications in mixed diameter hardwood and conifer stands. Operating weight ranges from 1,700 kg (3,760 lb) with standard rotator and link up to 2,140 kg (4,720 lb), allowing the head to be mated to Tigercat H822 and H855 series carriers with standard or telescopic boom sets.

The hydraulically actuated measuring wheel promotes positive contact and reduces component wear.

Diameter measuring on the wheel arms and front knife arms provides accurate measurement. An efficient high-flow hydraulic system matched to Tigercat carriers provides excellent performance and outstanding fuel economy.

Optional 360 degree continuous rotation with through-tip hose routing and robust, stable wireless communication is available on select carriers. Various rotator, feed motor, feed wheel, knife arm, and wheel arm choices are available to tailor the 544 for specific applications.

For maximum productivity and performance in eucalyptus processing applications, the 544 debarking package includes several features to increase productivity and performance. The feed wheels and the wheel arm geometry are designed for debarking, spiraling the trees during feeding for better performance.

The feed motor sizes are tuned for high demand and productivity. Unique front and back knife geometry provides comprehensive tree coverage.

Elsewhere, Tigercat has recently launched a smaller class mulching head that is said to be "well suited to niche applications like fire mitigation and remediation".

Designed for the Tigercat 470 mulcher, the 4054-20 provides a complete end-to-end Tigercat mulching solution for narrow swath applications and lower horsepower carriers. The 4054-20 head has a smaller diameter drum, a two metre (79 in) mulching swath and a lighter weight, more compact design.

Designed for the Tigercat 470 mulcher, the 4054-20 provides a complete end-to-end Tigercat mulching solution (Image: PR)

Key applications include fire mitigation and remediation, as well as right-of-way and site preparation projects requiring a smaller, more agile machine.