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The Grapple Rake can grab huge amounts of slash in one go, which can then be precisely placed in a designated area.
With the current issues of forestry ‘slash’ continuing to be a major problem in high rainfall events, a new take on an old method to deal with the forestry waste is set to help Kiwi logging crews better manage skid sites and landings, which could in turn increase productivity.
The locally developed Falcon Slash Grapple Rake fits around two of the most common sizes of Ensign grapple. An independent study shows it can reduce the laborious task by as much as one hour a day, while improving safety and environmental outcomes.
The idea for the new attachment came from Moutere Logging M3 Crew manager Steve Johnson, who was frustrated with existing methods of managing slash and debris on their sites.
“I was up on the skid for three hours one evening moving slash for management purposes and thought ‘there’s got to be a better way’ as I continued to pick up small loads,” he explains.
The Grapple Rake consists of a one-piece spring lock system to attach to either side of a standard Ensign grapple, commonly used for loading. It can grab huge amounts of slash in one go, which can then be precisely placed in a designated area.
During the design phase, three key points were considered. Firstly, it needed to be quick to attach and remove. Secondly, it needed to have minimal maintenance and accessories, with no additional plumbing.
Third and finally, it needed to be able to still be used for logs – jobs such as loading or sorting – if needed.
“Clearing slash from skids and landings can be a real headache,” says Darrin Barr of DC Equipment, the company behind Falcon Forestry Equipment products.
“It can slow down operations and make them unsafe if you don’t keep on top of it. More importantly, it needs dealing with in an environmentally responsible manner, ensuring it doesn’t end up in waterways or impede access. Simply pushing it over the edge of a slope might not be the best way to deal with it.”
DC Equipment has designed two versions, working in conjunction with a local engineering company; one to fit the Ensign 1530 and a larger model to fit the Ensign 1730 – weighing 1,100kg and 1,200kg respectively, in addition to the weight of the grapple.
Fitting or removing from the host grapple takes around three minutes.
The versatility of the Falcon Slash Grapple Rake has been highlighted due to its ability to augment an existing Ensign Rotating Grapple. Along with its ease of use, both aspects grabbed a lot of attention at the recent Rotorua Forestry Show.
The company notes that operators of other grapple brands should get in touch, with a view to including ongoing development to fit these units.
www.falconforestryequipment.com
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
Becoming the norm in the automobile industry, but much less so in agriculture, Dutch self-propelled sprayer manufacturer Agrifac has developed a diesel-electric version of its Vanguard 55.
Building on the success of the existing Massey Ferguson 7S series, ahead of the upcoming EIMA Show, the manufacturer has announced the arrival of its new MF 7S MARK 2 range, offering six choices from 170 to 245hp, positioned between the current MF 7S and the MF 8S Xtra series.
French manufacturer Pichon has expanded its SV slurry tanker range with the launch of two new models.
Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.
Rural Contractors NZ says proposed changes to land transport rules for agricultural vehicles are a welcome response by the Government to out of date regulations which have seen members hit with huge fines.
Alliance is calling for final applications for its 2027 Graduate Programme, with applications closing on Sunday 25 October.
Decades piloting planes has ensured vet and farmer David Hayes is focused on safety. So, after a serious accident while welding on farm, he is sharing his experience so others can learn from it.
Canterbury milk processor, Synlait Milk has confirmed Leon Fung as its chief executive officer.
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