The desire to optimize production processes forces modern enterprises to use high-tech and expensive equipment. Effective special equipment allows you to perform complex operations with minimal staff participation and time savings. The greatest difficulties in the use of such funds arise directly at the places of extraction and primary processing of raw materials. This category includes enterprises using forestry equipment in the form of harvester heads. The very concept of this technique has not been used for the first decade, but in recent years the introduction of new technologies has significantly improved the performance and functionality of this equipment.
What is a harvester head?
The equipment is a hinged component of an excavator, but at the same time it is characterized by high performance. In modern versions, this is a felling delimbing unit, which also allows cutting the whip in accordance with the requirements of further production. To perform cleaning from knots, the harvester head is equipped with special knives, and a set of rotating rollers that are mounted on hinged levers is responsible for broaching the tree trunk.
No less significant in the design and technical equipment in the form of a saw apparatus, thanks to which felling and bucking are carried out. The mechanism is implemented using a chain cantilever saw, which operates from a hydraulic motor. Also, forestry equipment of this type has a special feeding system: in the most advanced versions, the unit can be operated in different cutting conditions. In addition, some models are equipped with wheels that allow you to measure sawn blanks.
Key selection criteria
Of course, the main factors when choosing should be: quality, performance and reliability of the equipment. But there is also a fundamental difference within the segment among models that meet these criteria, but differ in the nature of the performance of their functions. In other words, the choice of industrial equipment for logging should be based on the tasks. So, if you need a high-quality roll and subsequent processing of individual trunks with high measurement accuracy, then you should focus on the wide geometry of the feed rollers and knives.
Also today, multifunctional units for working with a wide range of inclinations under the condition of a high feed rate have become popular. Such mechanisms are distinguished by powerful sawing, and low quality of processing is naturally related to their weak points. If a harvester head is required for mass cutting of large trunks, the emphasis when choosing should be placed on the overall carrying capacity of the machine. And also on the strength of the structure and the wide possibilities of controlling the feeding and processing mechanisms.
Equipment from John Deere
Under this brand, perhaps, the most popular equipment of this type comes out. Models are characterized by high power, which allows you to cut centuries-old and thick trunks, as well as the quality of the trim. As a result, the user can rely on productivity and accuracy in processing workpieces. In this case, of course, there are various modifications equipped with engines with a volume of 630 to 800 cm 3 . The optimized characteristics of the manipulator also allow you to work with trunks of different thicknesses and heights. In any case, with the proper selection of the mechanism and control, the operator of the John Deere machine will be able to provide both a reliable grip and precise handling. In addition to functionality, equipment reliability can be noted. In the latest versions, the manufacturer uses high-strength frames and bearings, while the pins and cylinders are reinforced, and the hoses have special protection.
Models from the brand Waratah
The Waratah family of devices is also part of the JD manufacturer's group, but has several differences, including the red version. But, of course, the main features are different. So, the Waratah harvester head is presented in different versions, including models for medium tracked and wheeled forestry machines. Units are developed with the optimal ratio of weight and power potential, but at the same time they are compact. Accordingly, if delicate work is required in a dense forest, the maneuverability of this line of equipment will be very appropriate.
There are powerful and productive attachments, which are equipped with a four-wheel feed mechanism with four hydraulic motors. As the manufacturer notes, fuel and oil consumption in this case can be controlled using the EV02 valve. Another feature that the Waratah harvester head has is the integrity of the main frame. The head is made as a single part, which provides increased reliability and accuracy during processing.
Aggregates from Ponsse
Models of this brand combine the strength of mechanisms, performance and accuracy of processing. In the process of designing structures, the company also employs experienced users of forestry equipment, which allows achieving high results in the market. At the moment, the Ponsse excavator harvester head is available in different versions. These are modifications for continuous deforestation at high speed, and options for thinning, and effective solutions for universal needs. For example, the H7 model with the same quality and performance performs continuous and selective cutting. The base of the unit has a high carrying capacity, and the manipulator is designed for smooth adjustment of compression for a wide range of trunks.
Log Max Harvester Heads
Quite a serious competition to the manufacturers described above can make products from Log Max. In the middle price category, for example, the 6000B model is presented, which is designed to be used as part of the medium equipment for logging. The unit provides a hydraulic pressure of about 260 bar with a maximum fuel consumption level of 280 l per minute. Designers paid special attention to the arrangement and position of the rollers, which ultimately helped minimize friction and the penetration of working bodies into the wood massif. In addition, the harvester head is equipped with a range of protective coatings. These are special covers and plates that protect the hydraulic system from mechanical damage.
How much is?
Much depends on the manufacturer, the characteristics of the head, its functionality and configuration. Since the equipment is very expensive, the market for used models is wide. Accordingly, it will be the cheapest harvester head, the price of which can be 200-300 thousand rubles. Again, much depends on the origin and condition of the equipment. It is important to consider that repairs sometimes require serious investments of tens of thousands, therefore, used equipment should be treated carefully.
Of course, the main range of offers falls on new products from eminent manufacturers. This will be a correctly harvested and ready to use harvester head, the average price of which is 1-1.5 million rubles. In this segment, in particular, are the products of Ponsse and Waratah.
Conclusion
Initially, the high costs of logging equipment, as well as the further costs of logistics and equipment maintenance, make many doubt the feasibility of working in this industry. Nevertheless, it is productivity and the technologically high level at which the modern harvester head is carried out that can reduce costs and increase the efficiency of the enterprise. Only one unit is able to provide the work of a small enterprise. Subsequently, the supplied billets are cut, processed with special compounds and enter the market. This is the simplest model for the production of wood raw materials, the main and most complex tasks of which are undertaken by the harvester attachment.