Caterpillar Forest Products is introducing the new Cat® HF201B
felling head with enhancements to improve performance and durability. Available
with 40° partial or full 330° tilt, the HF201B has a cutting capacity of 22.5
in. (572 mm) and is ideally matched with Cat track feller bunchers.
“We redesigned the structure from top to bottom and went through four
prototype iterations with field and strain gauge testing,” said Keith Hicks,
product performance engineer. By redistributing the weight where it needs to be
in the high stress areas, we were able to reduce the overall weight by 900 lb. (408
kg). The weight reduction and other structural improvements will extend the
life of the head and the carrier and reduce operator fatigue.”
The head is more robust as a result of a stronger dual box section
frame design, improved arm box structures, stronger pin retention and more use
of abrasion resistant material on the saw base. Hydraulic plumbing was
simplified with a 42 percent reduction in the number of hoses and a 52 percent
reduction in connection points. Hose maintenance is easier and the opportunity
for leaks is decreased.
The grab and accumulator arms were redesigned with single cylinders,
reducing hydraulic flow demand on the carrier by about 40 percent. The arms now
have both base and rod end cylinder snubbers. “When the arms are opening or
closing, the hydraulic oil is dampened at the end of the stroke, cushioning the
impact. Also, the new shape and reduced weight of the grab arm reduces the
arm’s mass momentum 46 percent, which also adds to durability.”
Tree handling and bundling are improved. The HF201B can hold 7-8
stems 152 mm (6 in.) in diameter as compared to 4-6 with the previous model.
The new designs for the grab and accumulator arms and the top tree yoke improve
tree control. Changes in the saw base also contribute to the head’s
performance. A 12 percent larger throat opening makes it easier to position a
tree and improves handling trees with butt swell.
Tapered saw housing improves discharge, reduces abrasive wear and
snow build-up. A more open saw base bottom reduces debris build-up and saw
stalling. Improvements to the partial tilt design head include upgrades to the
base frame and tilt components, providing more consistent torque output and
increased life.
For more information visit www.cat.com/forestry.
Machine Specifications
|
|
|
Throat
opening
|
51 in. /
1,295 mm
|
|
Accumulation
capacity
Tree dia. 152 mm / 6 in.
|
7-10
|
|
Maximum
cut diameter
|
22.5 in.
/ 572 mm
|
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Caterpillar Forest Products is a leading manufacturer and worldwide
marketer of timber harvesting, millyard, road-building and land management
equipment. Products are marketed under the Cat, Prentice and CTR brand names
through a global independent dealer network. The company operates plants in the
Americas, Asia and Europe.
Caterpillar Forest Products is a division of Caterpillar Inc., the
world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and
natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.
The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial
Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services
and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at www.caterpillar.com.
