In March 2001, the Forestry and Industrial Equipment Division of Blount, Inc., introduced a new line of Hydro-Ax rubber tire feller bunchers engineered to provide greater visibility, power, durability, reliability and performance. Hydro-Ax has been the market leader in feller bunchers, industrial tractors and felling heads since the brand was introduced in the mid-1970s.
"When we designed this line of feller bunchers, we knew loggers would need some pretty strong reasons to invest in new equipment during these tough times," said Chris Williams, product specialist. "So we focused on the improvements that would make a difference in productivity, efficiency and the loggers' bottom-line."
The first models off the production line are the 185-horsepower Hydro-Ax 570 and the 205-horsepower Hydro-Ax 670. With 90-degree steering articulation, both tractors are highly maneuverable for working in tight stands. "These tractors will provide the logger with options to cover all applications and environments," said Dick Hemmelgarn, vice president of sales and marketing.
Visibility -- Tree top to ground
The Hydro Ax tractors have been in field tests in South Carolina, Texas and Alabama since early October 2000. Williams reported that "operators are impressed with the visibility of the work area, the improved agility provided with the increased articulation, and the rugged, durable design of the frames and heavy duty engine house."
A new eyebrow skylight and curved windshield are innovations that provide an unobstructed view of the trees from top to base. The windshield and side windows slope inward two degrees at the bottom, which reduces sun glare and prevents dust, rain and debris from sticking to the windows. Large side and rear windows complete the operator's 360-degree viewing area. "Giving the operator a 'picture window' view of his work area was a major consideration in the design of the Series 70 cab," Williams said.
Durability and reliability
The cab, hood, rear door and bumper structure of the Series 70 are all constructed of structural steel. Also contributing to the Series 70's durability and reliability is the roller-bearing center joint system. "This center joint system has to take a lot of wear and tear," Williams explained. "And we built it to last.
Productivity is enhanced by new hydraulics and a new lift system that can handle the added load capabilities of high capacity saw attachments. The system features components that reduce lift-arm stress and improve the machine's reliability.
Comfort for longer workdays
"After we improved visibility and engineered improvements that would keep the tractors in the forest, we turned our attention to what changes we could make to increase the operator's efficiency and productivity and give him the comfort he needs to endure a long workday," Williams said.
"Inside the cab we put all switches within easy reach and all gauges where the operator could see them," Williams said. "We also gave the operator his choice of steering options - tilt/telescoping wheel or joystick."
The adjustable seat has a high back and a special suspension system that results in a firmer ride with less leg fatigue. Grab handles provide quick and easy entry and exit, and sound-insulation materials suppress the noise.
Easy access for maintenance
In the Series 70, the operator can access all major systems and components at ground level, so maintenance and repairs can be done quickly.
"One person can easily tilt the cab in less than 15 minutes to reach the hydraulic system," Williams said. "There are no cab-to-frame cables to detach and the cab locking pins are easy to access."
Electrical components are located in the right door, and the radiator and oil cooling systems were put side-by side to simplify maintenance.
Standard features and attachments
Standard features include heating, air conditioning, am/fm stereo with cassette player and a full complement of gauges, including center-mounted saw tachometer. The Hydro-Ax Series 70 is covered by a one-year/2000 hour warranty from defects in material and workmanship.
Several shear and saw options are available including two high speed, 22-inch saw attachments, a side cut saw for applications where terrain and tree size limit load-carrying capability or where same side double-cutting of large trees is required, and a high capacity saw ideal for small diameter thinning or whole tree chipping applications in terrain that allows for full attachment payloads.
More information
For a product brochure and video on the Hydro-Ax Series 70, 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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