Constant Cut, our intelligent cutting unit, ensures that the head has a constant and efficient saw chain speed throughout the complete cutting cycle. This ensures efficient cutting and limits problems with cutting cracks. Now the cutting unit has undergone a major upgrade, which means that all C-units get a new, fresh Constant Cut with productive benefits. Below are some of the biggest new features.

“It’s news that we believe our customers are happy to hear. The improvements come from customer feedback and we have implemented it in our development. In this way, it is an important team work where we together develop our products, in this case heads,”

says Tobias Ettemo, Product manager for Harvesters and Heads.

Less unplanned stops

The chain tensioning of the Constant Cut function is improved, this reduces expensive downtime for the contractor. Another advantage of a better and smoother chain tensioning is that both chain and saw bar can be used longer.

The saw bar mount has a more robust design for increased service-life. The mechanics around these components have been optimised to ensure that the saw bar is more stable inside the saw box.

“Customers who have tested the new cutting unit feel that they get a straighter cut, and that the saw bar does not sway as much. Another advantage is that the chain lubrication has improved, as the oil is better steered into the lubrication groove and out to the bar. Better chain lubrication also extends the life of the saw bar,”

explains Tobias Ettemo.

Better protection and stronger material

A new protective cover has been introduced for the auto-release feature, which protects the saw bar mount from sawdust and debris. This means that when changing the chain, the operator does not have to clean the saw bar mount and the saw bar clamp as often as before, thereby reducing downtime.

Several components of the cutting unit have been upgraded with a stronger and more durable material, which increases the service-life of the entire cutting unit.

The bearing between the swivel housing and the saw motor has a better fit to reduce unwanted movements, providing a more stable cutting unit and also less abrasion on the swivel seals. The material in the swivel seals has been replaced with one that is more flexible during movement and less sensitive to abrasion reducing the risk of oil leakage. The new swivel seals are also much easier to install as they do not damage as easily when installed. In addition, no special tool is needed to change them which facilitates service in the field.

Source: Komatsu Forest

The post Komatsu Forest Upgrades Constant Cut for All C-units appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Smart Crane simplifies crane control too. With just three joystick movements, the operator can easily control the grapple with great precision.

“The telescopic boom extension is controlled automatically, meaning one less thing for the operator to think about. Fewer joystick movements make the job easier – even for an experienced operator – and mean better operator ergonomics. Another advantage is that it is much easier for an inexperienced operator to quickly hone their crane operation skills,”

“Our Smart Crane technology builds on SmartFlow, our intelligent crane control that includes an intelligent crane valve to ensure that the right pressure and flow are supplied to the crane at all times, regardless of the load. With its active crane damping, it also ensures impressive responsiveness and great precision in all crane movements. The crane quite simply feels like an extension of your own arm,”

Another reason for the crane’s excellent precision is that the Smart Crane system can distribute the movement between the crane functions so that vibrations and shocks are reduced. This contributes to better operator ergonomics while at the same time protecting the crane components and extend their service life.

Since such a large share of a forwarder operator’s working day involves crane operation, increased efficiency offers great potential. Smart Crane provides the operator with advantages such as simpler crane operation, less physical strain and higher productivity. Advantages that benefit both profitability and the operator’s wellbeing.

Source: Komatsu Forest

The post Komatsu Forest Launches the Smart Crane to Simplify Operators’ Work appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.