Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced its new heavy-duty tracked forestry machines at the Interior Logging Association exhibition in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Volvo CE designed the new class of machines exclusively for forestry applications.
Currently, three models are available — the 26-ton EC210 BFX; the 31-ton Volvo EC240 BFX; and, the 36-ton Volvo EC290 BFX.
The Volvo FX range (F denotes forestry and X represents heavy duty) has been engineered to meet the needs of the international forestry industry.
The FX range was introduced in three specification configurations to suit the customer’s needs in harvester and processor, log loader and general forestry operations.
Together, these allow a wide scope of forestry duties to be carried out, including road building, harvesting, processing, log loading and stacking, and site preparation, according to the manufacturer.
The Volvo FX forest equipment has been built with special features that include heavy-duty track-drive motor and undercarriage components such as rollers, links and idler of a higher capacity than those used on conventional excavators.
The machine also is built with ’high walker’ forestry undercarriage which helps avoid obstructions. The undercarriage features a full-length track guard.
The superstructure features forestry guards, including a choice of independent top and side guards or a new “gull-wing” system that integrates both top and side protective structures. The swing-ring bearing is protected by a cover and there is additional protection to fuel tanks, engine, and radiator.
The new Volvo FX series also is fitted with a forestry boom and arm and boom riser, which allows for high lifting power but with a tighter swing radius. All hydraulic cylinders are guarded.
The new tracked Volvo forestry machines are powered by Volvo’s direct injection turbocharged diesel engines equipped with the new Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology (V-ACT) engine and powertrain system.
The hydraulic system has four different power modes. Because both engine and hydraulics are produced by Volvo, they are well matched, providing maximum output with minimal fuel consumption, along with smooth, responsive controls, according to Volvo.
Operator protection is enhanced by a number of standard and optional measures, depending on application.
For example, a half-inch (1.2 cm) thick polycarbonate front window replaces glass in the single-piece front windscreen of a machine used for harvester and processor applications.
The cab is falling object protected (FOPS) standard, augmented by a steel front operator guard (FOG) designed to provide an unobstructed view of the work area.
The guarding options for cabs meet international safety standards, including ISO 8084 and 10262, WCB G603 and G604, and AS 2294.
These new forestry machines feature climate control, adjustable seats, and well sited controls and instruments.
The cab is low-noise designed and features shock-reducing mounts and good visibility (an 18-in. cab high riser has a built-in tool storage area).
Visibility also is aided in low light area by 15 lights — 11 high-power working and 4 maintenance lights (seven on the cabin, four on the boom and arm, and four mounted on the carrier).
In order to minimize maintenance costs and reduce service times, high-capacity filters are fitted that are easily accessed, as are fuel and centralized lubrication points, via large doors and hoods.
Machine functions also are monitored in real-time via the Contronics electronics system. This information can be downloaded to a technician’s laptop for analysis, as well as warn operators if a fault exists, helping prevent further damage.
This story also appears on Forestry Equipment Guide.
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