IFI_PG68_71_Cutting Edge_01 20/02/2013 15:13 Page 69
CUTTING EDGE
Tigercat steps into the breach
O
bserving a void in the marketplace, as equipment manufacturers have for the most part stopped producing and supporting steering axle equipped self-propelled loaders for mill yard applications, Tigercat has stepped up with the newly designed AC16 articulating carrier. The AC16 can be mated to a Tigercat 234 or 250 series
knuckleboom loader. The AC16 is four-wheel drive with powerful tractive effort for towing applications and tough terrain log yard conditions. The durable carrier is completely fabricated by Tigercat and uses robust, forest-duty components that are standard equipment on many Tigercat machines. The axles, brakes and transmission are common to Tigercat drive-to-tree
feller bunchers. Optional circle saw slasher hydraulics are available and Tigercat will also be offering an optional log bunk. The loader can be separated from the carrier if required.
The prototype unit was purchased by Verso Paper Corp and has been operating successfully in a wood yard in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine since mid2012. www.tigercat.com
Bandit and New River work together to distribute the Revolution cutter wheel Bandit has partnered with New River Equipment to produce and distribute the Bandit Revolution cutter wheel and associated parts, including the SaberTooth cutting teeth, for most stump grinder makes and models. The Bandit Revolution is now available from Bandit or through any Bandit dealer as well as from New River Equipment. Bandit-specific wheels and parts are available only through Bandit. The Bandit Revolution cutter wheel is also now standard equipment for all new Bandit stump grinders. Owners of older Bandit stump grinders can purchase the Bandit Revolution as an upgrade. “The Bandit Revolution is an evolution in stump grinding,” Mark DiSalvo, Knife and Wear Parts Manager for Bandit Industries, said. “This wheel builds on the success of New River’s previous designs to create a system that cuts better with less component wear. Users will immediately notice how much smoother the Bandit Revolution is to use, and they’ll also find it does a far better job of containing chips than anything
else on the market.” The key to the Bandit Revolution’s performance is the spiral configuration of the teeth, combined with low-profile pockets that receive minimal wear while also minimising chip spread. The lead teeth on the wheel are set at 57° and 20° to complete the spiral of the side teeth up and over the wheel’s edge, allowing for a more aggressive cut that also helps move material away from the stump. A variety of carbide teeth are available to best suit grinding conditions and machine horsepower, and their countersunk mounting in the pockets make them virtually unbreakable. A Long-Short lead tooth allows the cutting to take place further from the wheel, reducing wear. For high horsepower machines, a ShortShort carbide is used to reduce leverage and keep the cutting action closer to the pocket. The SaberTooth maximises the cutting efficiency on lower horsepower machines and is designed to always have two sharp cutting edges as it wears – no sharpening required. The pockets run all the way to
the edge of the wheel and are reversible, allowing for double the normal pocket life while protecting the wheel from premature wear. The teeth serve as the mounting bolts for the pockets, eliminating the expense of additional hardware. And because all teeth are the same size, field service is very easy. This combines to create a stump grinding wheel and tooth system that delivers superior cutting power with impressive chip containment, all while reducing wear and maintenance needs. “We’re very excited to be working with New River Equipment to bring this wheel to the forefront of the stump grinding market, and companies are already talking about just how good it works,” DiSalvo said. “The Bandit Revolution is a perfect match for Bandit’s new stump grinders, but we’re also very pleased to have this system available for professionals using other equipment as well. Whatever you’re using to go after stumps, Bandit can help you see more profit at the end of the day.”
Meanwhile, Bandit has partnered with Southwest Bobcat to provide Bandit parts and service support at all five Southwest Bobcat locations throughout Southern California and Nevada. In addition, Southwest Bobcat will also stock and sell Zenith knives and Bandit Revolution stump grinding wheels/teeth. Bandit Tree Care Products of Southern California will continue to handle new Bandit equipment sales. Both companies will work together to ensure the needs of Bandit customers and tree service professionals are met throughout the Southwest. Southwest Bobcat has locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and Las Vegas. Bandit Tree Care Products of Southern California is located in Anaheim. www.banditchippers.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 | International Forest Industries 69