In March 2021, Tigercat partnered with CM Labs Simulations to develop a series of simulators that will replicate the functionality and behavior of and wheel harvesters. The wheel harvester simulator is the first to be completed.

There are many benefits in using a simulator, not only for training but also for employers to screen potential employees. Companies are able to gauge how an operator will perform and use that information when assigning tasks.

Operators can be trained on a simulator without the fear of damaging equipment, so experimenting with different techniques or trying new methods can be done safely and risk-free. Also, by training on a simulator, other equipment is not being tied up and slowing production. When operators have hands-on training using the simulator, it allows them to transition to actual machines at higher initial productivity levels, thereby lowering start-up costs.

Tigercat simulators have three screens, a motions platform, as well as all the associated Tigercat machine control software and hardware. The simulator’s software communicates directly with the Tigercat machine control software so the controls are identical to the actual machine. Any adjustments that can be made on the machine, can also be made on the simulator which helps teach operators not only motor skills but the effects of the many machine adjustments available to operators.

Tigercat simulators are equipped with an actual operator’s seat, including all control pods, the machine’s computer control system, as well as the harvesting head control system on the harvester simulator. The transition for new operators from virtual to actual is almost seamless.

Tigercat VP, cut-to-length systems, Jon Cooper explains,

“The introduction of the Tigercat simulator provides dealers with a valuable training tool that can save machine owners significant start-up costs. Using the simulator to teach operational skills in realistic environments allows the new operator to enter into a real machine with much higher productivity levels from the start. This can produce extra production income and avoid expensive machine damage.”

Source: Tigercat

The post Introducing Tigercat Simulators appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The new Opti 8 computer offers more power and memory than the previous version, experienced by users in faster and smoother operations. The storage capacity of the hard disk has been doubled to ensure the operation of future applications.

Markku Savolainen, Ponsse Plc´s Product Manager, equipment automation, says:

“The design of PONSSE Opti 8 computer focuses, above all, on its use in a demanding forest machine environment. The computer is developed by Ponsse, together with the Group’s technology company Epec. Opti 8 computers are manufactured at Epec´s production facility in Seinäjoki. Opti 8 allows us to make the control systems of PONSSE forest machines more user-friendly than before”,

Savolainen says.

The Opti 8 computer will come as standard in PONSSE harvesters and forwarders from the beginning of 2021.

The best properties for demanding conditions

• Enables the research and development of machine information systems far into the future.
• Designed to meet the high-quality requirements of Ponsse forest machines and forest companies.
• Larger 15.6” display with first-rate brightness, resolution, and viewing angle.
• The capacitive touchscreen used on mobile devices.
• Starts immediately, also in extreme cold.
• Windows 10 operating system

Ponsse is an active developer of information systems for forest machines. The Ponsse Opti product range consists of machine control and measuring device systems for harvesters, forwarders, and track-based applications.

Epec Oy is a system supplier that specializes in smart machine control systems and advanced electronics for electric machines. Epec Oy is responsible for the production planning and manufacturing of the Opti 8 computer. Epec Oy is a subsidiary of Ponsse Plc.

Source: Ponsse

The post Ponsse presents new Opti 8 computer for harvesting appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.