HARVESTERS – TECHNOLOGY REVIEW
The boom’s V-shaped bottom extends the life of the wear pads and minimises side-to- side movement as the boom moves in and out – Caterpillar Forest Products
Caterpillar ACERT Technology integrates the
electronic controls that monitor engine conditions, the air management system and the fuel injection system, resulting in the complete combustion of fuel and better fuel economy. “Based on ongoing testing, the fuel economy of Cat engines with ACERT Technology is 3-5% better than current competing technologies,” Brown said.
The engine also includes cold mode start
strategy, automatic altitude compensation and electronic diagnostics and fault monitoring. A side-by-side antifreeze, hydraulic, and
charge air cooling package efficiently prevents heat build-up. The cooling package is away from the front of the carrier to minimise exposure to debris and dust so less cleaning is needed. Designed for efficient and reliable operation,
the harvester’s axial piston hydraulic pump meets stringent requirements for noise reduction, efficiency, controllability and durability. The valve system has proven reliability in
forestry applications with its fuel-efficient, load sensing and pressure compensated technology. Each section is designed for the flow and pressure of a specific function. Ramped and proportional carrier functions save mechanical wear on structures. “For example, booming up and down is not
instant on and off. It eases on and off, so you don’t get the wear and tear on structures that can occur with jerking on and crashing to a stop,” Brown explained. The full lengths of the track frames are tied to the car body for strength and durability when manoeuvring amongst stumps and rocks. The high walker design provides excellent ground clearance. The forward-mounted cab and rear engine placement provide excellent visibility over the entire harvest area and increased stability on slopes. “The operator doesn’t have to swing the carrier around to get a look to the left or right,” Brown said, “Other harvesters that have the engine mounted to the right of the cab block the operator’s view.” The rear-mounted engine also acts as an effective counter balance for better lift capabilities at full reach. The unique front entry cab allows for easy and safe entry and exit. “The hydraulics are deactivated when the door is opened. The foot pedals, which are attached to the door, swing out of the way to prevent tripping on them.” The roomy cab and IQAN operating system
increase operator comfort, confidence and productivity. Controls can be adjusted and customised to individual preferences. The air suspension seat absorbs shocks and provides added comfort during extended shifts. ‘Set it and forget it’ automatic AC/heating system control maintains a consistent cab temperature. The tilt cab allows excellent access to engine and under cab components for service. Cat rubber-tyred harvesters provide the same
durability and visibility of the track harvesters and also can be equipped with either fixed or dangle heads, for the same lift capacity. The rubber-tyred, six-wheel drive Cat 550 harvester features a 147 kW (197 hp) Cat C7 engine with ACERT Technology. It comes standard with an 8.23 m telescopic boom designed for a dangle head.
“Innovation is at the heart of John Deere,” John Deere Forestry Product Marketing Manager, Cliff
The Cat 550 wheel harvester provide the same durability and visibility that owners of the track machines enjoy
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 | International Forest Industries 61
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