Fourteen years ago, the Austrian machinery company Westtech Maschinenbau GmbH introduced the first felling grapple to the market. Technical finesse and in-house know-how led to a product series that sets new standards. But that’s not all! Just in time for Agritechnica 2023, a new flagship is being introduced:
The Woodcracker® C650 presents itself with unprecedented dimensions, such as a very high cutting diameter of 70cm. With this incomparably high cutting diameter, this machine stands out from the crowd!
In this field of machinery, the cutting diameter is not the only crucial factor. Since this type of felling grapple was designed, for example, for road safety measures, the grapple also plays an important role. Accordingly, it has been further developed, and the gripping force has been significantly increased. This allows for a secure grip on the cut material during the cutting process and enhances worker safety. The 3-finger grapple also closes synchronously and offers a wide opening.
At Westtech, the robustness of the machines is always one of the highest priorities in development – as is the case with the new Woodcracker® C650. Given the ability to cut trees with a diameter of up to 70cm, the rest of the machine must be designed to handle the corresponding weight of the cut material. Therefore, only very high-quality and strong bolt bearings have been used to further increase robustness. This felling grapple is also made of durable and wear-resistant Hardox® steel, and the body is cathodic dip-painted (KTL primed), as is customary in the automotive industry. The advantage of this type of primer is good corrosion protection and an even coating in all cavities. A powder coating is baked onto this primer, making it ideal for outdoor use.
-
That’s a remarkable amount of work hours for a single machine, the Norcar 600 owned by Erkki Rinne is taken well care of, it even has the original Diesel engine.
-
Kieran Anders is a forestry contractor working in the lake district. His work involves hand cutting and extracting timber using a skidder and tractor-trailer forwarder.
-
It is not possible to eliminate chain shot, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
-
Arwel takes great pride in the fact that the mill has no waste whatsoever, “the peelings are used for children’s playgrounds, gardens and for farm animals in barns in the winter and the sawdust has multiple uses in gardens and farms as well.
-
Timber hauliers need to encourage young blood in, and also look after the hauliers we have, we need make the sector a safe and positive place to work.
FIND US ON
Related Posts
Naturally, this felling head also possesses all the excellent features found in the entire product series. The cutting unit consists of a high-strength blade that is easy to sharpen. If the blade needs to be replaced due to significant wear, it can be quickly disassembled and exchanged thanks to the patented blade attachment.
The required operating weight of the carrier vehicle should be between 28 and 40 tons.
Only two double-acting control units on the carrier vehicle are required for all functions of the Woodcracker® C650, including all expandable options. The hydraulic lines are protected, well-sized, and lead to a well-positioned attachment frame.
An optional Power Tiltator is available. This makes the felling head more powerful when removing large trees, with double rotation and holding torque at a consistent speed.
This new machine was created for greatness and shows us new dimensions!
Curious? The Woodcracker® C650 can be admired for the first time at the Agritechnica trade fair in Hannover.
At the Woodcracker® Demo Day, which will take place on Thursday, November 30th, in Knüllwald, Germany, it will be demonstrated live for the first time!
Here is the link to register for the Woodcracker® Demo Day:
Forest Machine Magazine is written and edited by a forest professional with over 40 years hands on experience. We are dedicated to keeping you informed with all the latest news, views and reviews from our industry.
To support us you can subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine which is delivered to your door from only £15 per year.
Subscribe here
#homeoflogging #writtenbyloggersforloggers #loggingallovertheworld