THE USE of a simple design with a robust frame as the centre part of its construction has meant Log Max has become well known for its durable and hard-to-beat harvesting heads.
“Log Max has always been built and designed with focus on reliability and productive solutions,” says Johan Jaktman, principal of the Tumut-based Scandinavian Forestry & Engineering, Australian agent for Log Max.
“Some of the main features that have over the years laid the foundation of Log Max success include patented knife control; build; strong felling link; smart hydraulics; length measuring; diameter measuring; delimbing knives; and service and support,” he said.
The top delimbing knife on Log Max heads is used to control the knife pressure on the other delimbing knives. This is the main principle of Log Max as it results in the tree running through the head with as little friction as possible as the knives are constantly adapting to the diameter of the stem.
“Less friction leads to less force needed feeding the tree and less fuel consumption,” says Jaktman.
He said the process could either be adjusted manually by a sensor on the head or by using the all new Active Friction Control. With the Active Friction Control the head adjusts depending on tree diameter, tree species and other factors decided by the operator.
All the parts that form the frame are welded together to create a one core component. Short stress flows makes the Log Max heads less susceptible to metal fatigue.
“The elimination of potential critical points in the structure enhances the compactness and the capacity to respond to strains. The power from the hydraulic motors distributes more uniformly in the frame making it more reactive, and in effect keeps to a minimum the waste of hydraulic energy for optimal delimbing.
“We use two types of felling links, a fully welded Swedish steel closed box integrating two forged steel elements, the rotator fixture for the best linkage to the crane and the bottom hinge connecting the frame. A cast steel link is also available for the toughest conditions. The cast link is mounted on all XT series heads, 6000Twin and also on the latest eucalyptus head, the Log Max E6.”
Jaktman said the Log Max hydraulic system was engineered with simplicity and serviceability in mind, from the placement of the hydraulic components to the hose routing.
The hydraulic system is easily accessed for service through a tilt open cover, which requires no tools to open. Powerful feed roller motors provide high efficiency and low hydraulic losses.
“The length measuring wheel is placed in the centre of the frame between the rollers for accurate length measuring and high timber quality. The geometry of the roller arms is designed to increase the pressing force against the trunk with increasing offset from the centre, i.e. the rollers always strive to centre the tree over the measuring wheel.
“Diameter measuring is calculated using sensors in both feed roller arms, which records diameter every 10cm. Log Max also offers customers a market unique Four Point Measuring. By using four different measuring points the most accurate diameter measuring is available,” he says.
Log Max heads are mounted with three delimbing knives, two at the top and one lower knife which are doubled on the Log Max 6000Twin and E6 for optimal delimbing from tip to tip.
Built from selected steel, the strength and durability of these knives has been proven over the years. With a long cutting edge the limbs are sheared off instead of being ripped out or broken off for a higher log quality.
Serviceability is one of the key issues that determine productivity. Log Max harvesting heads are easily accessed for service through the large tilt open cover, which requires no tools to access or open.
Apart from a swag of positives with the units, Jaktman is justifiably proud of the support side of the equation. “When in need of technical support, Log Max offers a team of specially trained service personnel. It is important to Log Max that our customers feel confident when contacting our technicians, to provide the best solutions to succeed both in their work and production,” he said.
“Log Max boasts a comprehensive offering of units for all types of forestry work,” he said. Some of these are:
Log Mate 500: The new, rugged and compact Log Mate 500 is built from high quality components. This state-of-the-art control system is ready to meet the future of logging.
Built using rugged hardware the Log Mate 500 will withstand rough outdoor environment. The computer is IP65 standard compliant and has a Solid State Drive eliminating moving parts. The brand new communication modules are all built according to the tough IP standards.
One module is mounted on the head, two in the cabin to transfer and receive data and power to the harvesting head. They all feature standard M12 and Deutsch contacts. All communications are made over a two channel CANbus system.
Log Max E6: This is a brand new head specially developed for Eucalyptus harvesting.
With angled feed roller arms the debarking process on Log Max E6 is optimised. The frame has an idle support roller in its centre to minimize friction. In the bottom part of the frame a fixed delimbing knife has been welded in. This knife has a contour optimized for Ø40 – 250mm trees.
Log Max 7000XT Fixed Head: Log Max’s big seller, the Log Max 7000XT, is now also available with a fixed mount configuration. By mounting the head directly on the machine crane it gives the operator full control of falling and bunching.
