The new Prentice 384, recently introduced
by the Forestry and Industrial Equipment Division of Blount, Inc., features
innovative engineering designs for unmatched power, stability and strength
in high production pine and hardwood delimbing operations. The 384 is powered
by excavator-type hydraulics, which have a proven track record of high performance
and reliability in the construction industry.
"It's the first time this system has been adapted for use in a log loader,"
said Chris Williams, product manager. "We customized the system to produce
the fast cycle times, smooth operation and power required for high production
logging." The result was swing torque of over 42,450 ft-lbs. and lift capacity
of 22,683 pounds @ 15'.
Another key benefit, according to Williams, is the increased stability of
the loader. The sub-frame and stabilizer assembly provide a support base of
250 sq.ft., an increase of 15% over the previous model. Williams said, "With
this enlarged base, loggers can plant the 384 securely even in rough terrain
and crank up production".
The new loader also incorporates several features to increase operator comfort.
The all-white cab and large tinted windows reduce glare and radiant solar
heat. The heating and air conditioning system, two sliding windows and a three-speed
defroster - all standard equipment - give the operator more control over the
cab's environment. A LEXAN skylight gives the operator an unobstructed view
from ground to treetops.
Team approach to development
The Prentice 384 has been nearly three
years in the making. A Product Development Team, with representatives from
engineering, marketing, manufacturing and product support, shepherded the
machine from initial concept, to the design phase through to manufacturing,
testing and production.
"The team started with customer input from surveys and other sources to determine
the basic design of the machine," said Dick Hemmelgarn, vice president of
sales and marketing. "Basing decisions on customer needs is why we call ourselves
'The Logger's Brand.'"
The Prentice 384 has a one-year/2000 hour total machine and service parts
warranty. In addition, the first fifty customers who purchase a machine will
receive Blount's Elite Customer Care. As part of this special customer service
program, the Blount sales manager and a service technician will accompany
the dealer when the Prentice 384 is delivered to the customer.
Over the following year Blount personnel
from various departments will follow-up with these customers to ensure that
the new machine is operating as planned and to gather input that can be incorporated
into future product designs. This direct customer contact expedites resolution
of product issues that may require attention during the production process
of new products. "We started this program with the Prentice 280," Williams
explained. "It proved very successful and allowed us to get the entire product
line up to speed a lot quicker." The Elite Customer Care customers will also
receive a special gift for being one of the first Prentice 384 buyers.
For a product brochure and video on the Prentice 384, call us at (919) 269-7421
or email us at sales@blount-fied.com.
Copyright ©2002 Blount, Inc. All rights reserved.
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