2018 International Forest Industries IFI Feb March 2018 Digital | Page 44

Industry leaders compare wares Harvester manufacturers enter shoot off to see which has the definitive range of cutting edge units to tackle any stand in any place I t is truly difficult to attempt to draw an underlying theme from this year’s review of harvester technology, unless you can call ‘range’ a theme. We have received contributions from half- a-dozen manufacturers, largely the world’s most noted, all of which have suggested they have something for every application. Given their position in global markets, most likely they do, too. And, so, it is likely to come down to personal operator and business preferences. All the units featured here at least meet, but are essentially above, industry standards in most key areas of design and performance, but each has areas in which they have 42 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018 tinkered that little bit more in an attempt to stand out. Cat, for example, would challenge anyone to find fault with it’s the ratios of lift capacity, swing torque, and tractive effort, which enables higher production. It also boasts of its levelling options. Komatsu, meanwhile, has focused on operator ergonomics, machine stability, low energy consumption and good visibility across its entire range. Rottne also boasts of the comfort afforded to operators lucky enough to work in one of its machines. Tigercat, as usual, is hard to beat when it comes to robustness and maintenance and has also promoted its unique WideRange drive system that increases working travel