The John Deere 2054 logger can be configured as a log loader (shown), harvester, road builder, or delimber. The machine can be ordered with a standard or a high-wide undercarriage.

The most recent addition to John Deere's logger series of its forestry machines is the 2054 logger. Available as a log loader, harvester, road builder, or delimber, Deere claims the 2054 has enhanced fuel capacity, larger storage compartments, and improved cab visibility, as well as improvements in its mainframe.

The logger is powered by a Deere PowerTech 6068T six-cylinder, 6.8-L diesel engine that produces SAE net 140 hp (104 kW) at 2150 rpm. The powerplant features an air-to-air charge-air cooler and a maximum net torque of 427 lb•ft (579 N•m) at 1300 rpm. A high-capacity, altitude-compensating turbocharger features newly designed turbine and compressor housings for improved torque response at high or low engine speed. An increased-flow cylinder head results in more logging power with less fuel consumption and smoke, claims Deere. Injection nozzles are centered over the piston bowls for better combustion and reduced hydrocarbon emissions. Wet-type individually replaceable cylinder liners eliminate hot spots. The dynamically balanced crankshaft is supported by seven main bearings for smoother operation.

The Powerwise engine/hydraulics management systems maintain a constant balance between hydraulic pressure and flow, while increasing flow to the function that is under the heaviest load. According to Deere, this system maximizes engine output, saves fuel, and improves multi-function operation, allowing the machine to quickly, smoothly, and simultaneously perform lift, swing, and propel functions.

An in-cab engine-speed knob and a mode selector button allows the operator dial-in optimal hydraulic flow over three different operation settings. Standard mode gives fast cycle times for truck loading or grade building. The Economy mode, designed for finish grading or loading with long wait periods, puts engine speed at 1900 rpm and allows fine-tuning the rpm downward. The HP mode is for tough logging operations such as loading, delimbing, and harvesting. This mode allows the operator to turn the engine speed up to 2050 rpm and then automatically run it up to 2150 rpm if the sensor in the arm circuit sees 3500 psi (24,000 kPa) of resistance. A hydraulic-mode selection button, separate from the engine-mode controls, is used to prioritize flow. Illustrated function lights help the operator select the best of four available modes for the job.

The logger can be ordered with the standard or a high-wide undercarriage that provides enhanced stability and allows "high stepping" through stumps and brush. The standard undercarriage provides 1.5 ft (0.5 m) of ground clearance and a 7.8 ft (2.4 m) track gauge. The high-wide undercarriage has 2.5 ft (0.8 m) of clearance and is available in either 9.6-ft (2.9-m) gauge or 9.2-ft (2.8-m) gauge. Both undercarriages have an overall track length of 14.7 ft (4.5 m), eight track rollers, two upper carrier rollers (high-wide undercarriage uses heavy-duty upper track rollers or optional track slides), two idlers, and 49 28-in (711-mm) double grouser shoes per side. They come standard with full-length track guides and hydraulic track adjustment. Ground pressure is 6.8 psi (49 kPa) for the log loader and 5.7 psi (39 kPa) for the road builder/harvester.

The log-loader configuration is available only with the high-wide undercarriage, but offers either live-heel or articulating grapple attachment. It can replace a skidder in a shovel-logging operation, load round wood, feed a chipper, or pull wood through a stand-alone delimber.

The log loader configuration uses a 48-in (1219-mm) cab riser and forestry cab. The delimber uses a 1-ft (0.3-m) offset riser to move the operator away from the stroke delimber head allowing clearance for the feed rollers and better visibility. The harvester and road builder machines can be ordered with either a 12- or 18-in (305- or 457-mm) cab riser. The cabs exceed OSHA and/or WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) standards for structural integrity, while the handrail, step, and walk surfaces meet both SAE and Deere equipment safety standards. Joystick controls and accessory switches are laid out for minimal movement and easy access.

Maximum lift capacity for the log loader is 24,300 lb (11,000 kg) at 20 ft (6 m) at ground level, which reach is 36 ft (11 m). In the road builder/harvester configuration, arm force with a general-purpose bucket is 27,680 lb (123 kN) with a 7.25-ft (2.2-m) arm length. Bucket tangential force is 27,580 lb (122 kN) while lifting capacity is 14,600 lb (6622 kg). The log loader with high-wide undercarriage has a mass of 58,850 lb (26,690 kg) and the delimber carrier with the standard undercarriage has a mass of 43,450 lb (19,710 kg). The operating mass for the road builder/harvester is 49,430 lb (22,420 kg) with the standard undercarriage and 52,320 lb (23,730 kg) with the high-wide undercarriage.

A quarry for JCB's heavyweight excavator

The JS460L from JCB was designed with a heavy-duty boom and reinforced dipper arm specifically for touch excavation work and extracting hard material.

JCB has unveiled its largest tracked excavator, the JS460L. The company designed the machine—which has a mass of 46 t (51 ton)—to perform in tough road construction and quarry operations in North America. A major feature on the JS460L is its state-of-the-art Advanced Management System (AMS), which maximizes machine performance and minimizes fuel consumption by matching the engine to the hydraulic output. It can be set up to an operator's individual needs. Full diagnostics minimize downtime and allow machine usage to be analyzed.

The large windows of the JS460L provide improved all-around visibility. The cab features an innovative up-and-over stowage system for the front windshield, making for neat and safe storage of the lower glass. With the new overhead stowage system, the lower section of the glass slides into the top and the whole windshield can be rolled up, saving the operator the time and trouble of removing the lower windshield and storing it behind his seat.

A new computer monitor positioned in the driver's line of sight displays critical readouts, including fuel level, water temperature, hydraulic-oil temperature, travel speed, and hydraulic work mode. The pressed-steel cab also includes new automotive-quality moldings and allows for ease in cleaning. The sound-insulated cab features large safety glass areas for improved all-around visibility, with the front window spring-assisted to slide easily into the cab roof.

Full-length track guards are standard with the Isuzu-powered JS460L, and a new extended bushing on the excavator end means greasing only needs to be carried out every 1000 hours. The six-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled engine offers 228 kW (305 hp). It is coupled with an inline, direct-injection fuel system that JCB claims provides high-combustion efficiency and low fuel consumption. Other features include three-speed tracking, high-tractive effort track motors for maneuverability in tough environments, a powerful high-speed swing motor for smooth handling on steep slopes, and a 10% hydraulic boost system for extra power at the dig end.

Six silicon fluid-filled cab mounts protect the operator from harsh environments by reducing vibration. A cushion control system and rod-end damping reduce shock. Air conditioning and a radio cassette player are standard.

LBX adds to forestry line

The Link-Belt 210LX (top) and 240 LX (bottom) timber loaders feature larger turnable bearings for improved lift capability and longer service life and an oversized swing system.

Two new models of Link-Belt equipment have been developed by LBX for the forestry industry. The 210LX and 240LX incorporate the technology and controls developed for the Link-Belt LX series excavators and are suited for the high-duty cycle work of timber loading with features that include heavy-duty upper frames built with reinforcements specifically for forestry applications.

Both models are powered with electronically controlled, EPA Tier II-compliant Isuzu BB-6BG1T engines. The engines are water-cooled and have a 4.13 x 4.92 in (105 x 125 mm) bore and stroke, with the 210LX offering SAE net 138 hp (103 kW) at 1950 rpm and the 240LX 162 hp (121 kW) at 2150 rpm. By optimizing the level of fuel injection to match the load, the electronic engine control (EEC) system enables more efficient use of fuel. The engine is kept close to the target engine speed so that less lugging takes place with faster cycle times. Exhaust noise, vibration, and smoke are reduced, contributing to a cleaner and quieter environment in the cab and around the machine.

The machines also include the Intel-LX computer control system, which monitors hydraulic output and pressures while regulating engine performance so that engine speed is maintained when load demands change. Link-Belt claims the electronic governor responds to changes in operating loads quicker than a mechanical governor, resulting in EEC regulating the amount of fuel injection accurately and quickly. At high idle, EEC can control engine speed at rated power, meaning the engine and hydraulic pump speed produces the greatest output for the working conditions.

According to Link-Belt, the cab for the 210LX and 240LX was designed "with the operator in mind." It is mounted on six fluid-filled mountings. Features include a safety glass front window and LEXAN Margard rear and side windows, reclining/sliding suspension seat with headrest and armrests, climate control automatic heater and air conditioning, AM/FM radio, 12-V outlets, and a pop-up skylight window. The front window slides upward for storage and the lower front window is removable.

Control levers are located in four-position, tilting control consoles with reliable soft-touch switches. An illuminated LDC service monitor displays critical machine functions. The operator's cab with forestry guarding is available in a 4 ft (1.2 m) elevated cab, which hydraulically tilts for serviceability and transportability.

The machines feature a swing cushion valve and dual stage relief valves for smooth swing deceleration and stops, mechanical disc swing brakes, and auto power swing, a patent-pending design that incorporates a selector valve that helps maintain attachment and swing flows to achieve enhanced swing and lift forces. In normal operation, Intel-LX sends all the flow to the attachment insuring the optimal performance for each operation. Planetary reduction is powered by an axial piston motor.

The x-style carbody of both machines is integrally welded for enhanced strength and durability. Features include grease cylinder track adjusters with shock absorbing springs and 700-mm (28-in), two-bar grouser track shoes. The two-speed independent hydrostatic travel system includes compact axial piston motors for increased performance characteristics. A hydraulic motor powers the output shaft coupled to a planetary reduction unit and track sprocket. All hydraulic components are mounted within the width of the side frame. The operating mass of the 210LX is 50,000 lb (26,800 kg), while the 240LX has an operating mass of 74,800 lb (34,000 kg).