Canada-based forest machinery manufacturer Tigercat Industries Inc. (Tigercat) has released the 822E series feller bunchers and harvesters with the latest features and upgrades making it the most compact track feller buncher and harvester platform in the Tigercat track carrier line-up. In addition, the company has released its first training simulator for its cut-to-length (CTL) division.
According to the company, the 822E is the most compact track feller buncher and harvester platform in the Tigercat track carrier line-up. The powerful machine is versatile for challenging thinning and final felling applications.
Strong lift capacity, tight-tuck ER boom geometry, and compact tail-swing make the 822E the “perfect choice” for selective felling where minimal site impact is important.
The harvester configuration is available with a fixed or leveling undercarriage. High horsepower and harvester head optimized hydraulics provides responsive control, quick feed speed, and powerful delimbing capability for high performance and productivity.
Easy O&M
The 822E series carriers can be equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 Non-certified, Tier 4f or Stage V engine, producing 210 kW (282 hp). A redesigned engine enclosure provides improved roof access for clearing debris.
A boom slider also reduces debris build-up in hard-to-reach areas. The clamshell-style enclosure and drop-down side platform allow easy access to all sides of the engine, valves, and daily service points.
A hot shutdown feature has been added. This allows the turbo to sufficiently cool before stopping the engine for improved turbo life.
A larger, spring-assisted pump cover improves service access to the hydraulic pump area. Hydraulic improvements include quicker anti-stall response, consistent anti-cavitation flow, and improved heat rejection.
Ergonomic cab design and features
The updated E-series cab includes a new parallel action air ride seat with integrated heating and cooling. The reclining seat is fully adjustable with seat angle and seat extension adjustment. The wider seat cushion and lumbar support provide operator comfort all day long.
The full-length front window and narrow side posts give the operator an excellent view of the tracks and surrounding area. The HVAC controls feature a new infinitely variable fan speed control, which can be adjusted on the control panel, or by the machine control system touchscreen.
Additional features include an emergency stop button and multiple storage locations with nets to keep objects in place.
New training simulator launched
In March 2021, Tigercat partnered with CM Labs Simulations to develop a series of simulators that will replicate the functionality and behaviour of Tigercat log forwarders and wheel harvesters.
The wheel harvester simulator is the first to be completed.
According to Tigercat, there are many benefits in using a simulator, not only for training but also for employers to screen potential employees. Companies are able to gauge how an operator will perform and use that information when assigning tasks.
运营商可以在模拟器训练没有the fear of damaging equipment, so experimenting with different techniques or trying new methods can be done safely and risk-free.
Also, by training on a simulator, other equipment is not being tied up and slowing production. When operators have hands-on training using the simulator, it allows them to transition to actual machines at higher initial productivity levels, thereby lowering start-up costs.
The introduction of the Tigercat simulator provides dealers with a valuable training tool that can save machine owners significant start-up costs. Using the simulator to teach operational skills in realistic environments allows the new operator to enter into a real machine with much higher productivity levels from the start. This can produce extra production income and avoid expensive machine damage, said Jon Cooper, VP, Cut-to-Length Systems at Tigercat.
Replicate seat layout and functions
Tigercat simulators have three screens, a motions platform, as well as all the associated Tigercat machine control software and hardware. The simulator’s software communicates directly with the Tigercat machine control software so the controls are identical to the actual machine.
Any adjustments that can be made on the machine, can also be made on the simulator which helps teach operators not only motor skills but the effects of the many machine adjustments available to operators.
Tigercat simulators are equipped with an actual operator’s seat, including all control pods, the machine’s computer control system, as well as the harvesting head control system on the harvester simulator. The transition for new operators from virtual to actual is, the company says, “almost seamless.”
