Zebulon, NC - In response to growing demand from loggers for a wheeled cut-to-length (CTL) harvester built for the rigors of North American harvesting, Blount Inc. recently introduced the Fabtek 170-horsepower FT663. Fabtek has been a leading name in the CTL market since 1986.

"Cut-to-length logging is growing in the U.S., because it is much more environmentally friendly. Naturally, loggers are moving in that direction." said Dick Hemmelgarn, vice president of marketing for Blount. "We added a wheeled harvester to our line of track harvesters to give the cut-to-length logger another option when conditions dictate rubber tires versus track."

Purpose-built with proven components

The FT663, which underwent hundreds of hours of testing, followed by design refinements before it went into production, is equipped with a hydrostatic drive for greater production, an auxiliary 86 GPM hydraulic pump to operate the implements and a charge air cooling system that meets Tier 2 EPA regulations.

Fabtek incorporated proven components from other machines in the company's line into the purpose-built FT663. "We built this unit from the ground up to fulfill a need for a wheeled cut-to-length harvester; however, we used many components from our forwarders and track harvesters, so we have good work history on much of the machine," Hemmelgarn said. "And, because the harvester is built in North America, it is much easier to get parts."

Tilting platform for steep terrain

Fabtek engineers considered visibility and operator comfort, especially on steep terrain, when they designed the boom-cab configuration of the FT663. The cab and the boom sit on the same platform, which can be leveled 15 degrees in any direction.

"On some harvesters the boom sits out in front of the cab, so the operator is farther back from the actual work area. By having the boom and cab on the same tilting platform, we gain better operator visibility of the work area," Hemmelgarn said. "We're also gaining better swing torque and operator comfort when sitting on a level platform."

Popular features built into FT663

The front-entry cab is another popular feature of Fabtek's track machines that was repeated in the FT663 design; and the heavy-duty articulation and frame lock unit came from the company's forwarder line. "While traveling, the front and back pivot separately so the unit can walk over uneven ground. In work mode, the front and the back half can be locked as if on one solid mounting so the whole weight of the machine serves as balance," Hemmelgarn said. "This well-proven design also means parts are common to our forwarders and the new wheeled harvester."

The FT663 is equipped with an NAF gear drive front bogie axle and the John Deere 1200 rear axle, both in use in the forwarder line-up. "Many other manufacturers have tried a chain drive which has been a higher maintenance item," said Hemmelgarn.

"V" bottom boom for longer wear

The new harvester has a V-shaped bottom squirt boom with a 27-foot reach. The "V" bottom design adds to the life of the wear pads inside the boom and also minimizes side-to-side movement as the boom is telescoped in and out.

"With the "V" bottom you have more surface area as compared to a straight bottom. The more contact surface area you have, the less force you have on the wear pads which gives them longer life," Hemmelgarn explained. "Also, sometimes on squirt booms you get a lot of side-to-side movement. The V-shaped channel minimizes the side movement as the boom is moved in and out."

Operator control and easy servicing

The FT663 is operated by a "drive-by-wire" system that transmits all machine functions electronically rather than mechanically which improves engine efficiency while reducing vehicle emissions and servicing needs. Parameters for the electronic joystick controls are adjustable for individual comfort and maximum operating efficiency.

The operator can also easily access the hydraulic pumps and carrier control valves at ground level for servicing in the forest. "Making our machines operator serviceable is one of the things we've always been noted for," said Hemmelgarn.

The logger can choose from the Fabtek line of processing heads, including dangle and controlled, for the FT663.

For more information on the Fabtek FT663, contact Blount, The Logger's Brand at (919) 269-7421, email us at sales@blount-fied.com or visit the website at www.blount-fied.com.

The Forestry and Industrial Equipment Division of Blount, Inc., is a major manufacturer of timber harvesting equipment under the Prentice, Hydro-Ax, Fabtek and CTR brand names. The Division maintains facilities in Prentice, Wisconsin, Owatonna, Minnesota, Menominee, Michigan and Zebulon, North Carolina. Corporate Headquarters for Blount, Inc. is in Montgomery, Alabama.

Copyright ©2002 Blount, Inc. All rights reserved.

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