Waratah Forestry Equipment has released the FL100, a new, large felling head model.
The large directional felling head, designed for 30-plus tonne carriers, improves productivity, increases durability and extends uptime for steep slope, shovelling and traditional felling applications.
The FL100 was showcased at the annual Truck Loggers Association Convention and Trade Show (TLA) in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“The high-capacity Waratah FL100 gives our customers the benefit of added productivity in a very capable head,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. “This versatile felling head will be extremely beneficial for loggers within the western Canada region.”
New features on the FL100 that contribute towards improved productivity include continuous rotation and dual rotate motors that enable high rotation power requirements.
As a large class of directional felling head with a 1 metre cut capacity, the FL100 also features extra-long, continuously curved opposing arms for enhanced grapple capacity and picking capability as well as a 147-cm opening and 0.78 square metre payload capacity.
“It has high-capacity grapple arms engineered for improving operational picking and holding force of logs – providing exceptional operational capabilities in traditional felling and steep slope shovelling applications,” Fisher said.
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The FL100’s forward placed saw unit allows for easier cutting of larger timber. For power in small or large capacity loads, the FL100 has one cylinder per arm plus a synchronizing link for maximum grapple holding force and control.
In addition to maximized productivity, the FL100 has a sturdy design for increased durability. Its one-piece, welded, high-strength steel frame is coupled with large pin diameters and a grapple geometry with an arm profile designed to handle various sizes of timber.
As an added bonus, the FL100’s grapple force remains high even with its arms at capacity. For simplified integration, the FL100 has a valve in-head design. Its fixed saw box design also contributes toward increased durability in a variety of applications.
The FL100 felling head utilizes Waratah saw system components, some rotate components and electrical and oiler systems, while providing extended uptime with a variety of new features. For improved serviceability, the chain oil capacity is 35 litres, and a large chain oil reservoir minimizes frequent top ups.
The new machine can also adapt to any carrier and provides efficient pump control, hydraulic system protection and required safety/service lock-outs for added uptime and efficient serviceability.
“We are always looking for opportunities that improve our customers’ productivity,” Fisher said. “The FL100 does exactly that. We’re excited for our customers to enjoy the benefits of this new machine.”
The Waratah FL100 felling head is available to customers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Latin America and New Zealand.
WaratahPlus app
Waratah Forestry Equipment has also introduced the new WaratahPlus mobile app, available as a free download from the App Store for Android and iOS platforms.
The new app provides contractors and their equipment operators with more accessibility to information for setting up and servicing their Waratah 600 Series machines.
Intended to help with daily maintenance and other in-field procedures, the WaratahPlus app helps increase uptime by providing operators with the information needed to quickly service the machine.
“Uptime is critical in this business, which is why the WaratahPlus app is such a great benefit for our 600 Series customers,” Fisher said. “It’s an accessible and easy-to-use app that not only helps with the setup process, but also provides our customers with readily available information – taking any questions out of the day-to-day or not-so-routine tasks.”
The new reference tool provides a quick overview of key adjustments and helps answer basic service questions. The menu includes selections for service, setup, calibration, diagnostics and safety-related information.
Step-by-step processes help outline procedures so operators can quickly perform required actions. Caution notes help ensure safety measures are followed when any work is performed on the head.
“The WaratahPlus app is just another way we’re providing world-class support and service to our customers,” said Derek Graf, regional distribution manager for Waratah Canada. “In addition to our boots-on-the-ground service, we want to empower our customers with the information they need to properly set up, calibrate and service their 600 Series heads through use of the app.”
The Waratah 600 Series 3- and 4-roller line includes the HTH616C, HTH618C, HTH622B, HTH622C 4×4, HTH623C, HTH624C 4×4, HTH624C, HTH625C and HTH626 Series-II.
