Buying the next harvester head for a logging company or operation should start with a good review of all the options on the market today. New technology in design and development of these essential components to any logging operation has led to heads that are capable of more effectiveness and efficiency as well as with a variety of different operations.
The most essential consideration with a new harvester head is not the price. While the price will be a factor, and should be considered, taking a longer-range view of the ways that the new equipment will speed up handling of even the largest sizes of trees.
Wood Type
While some of the harvester head models on the market today are designed for either hardwood or softwood, there are those that are able to handle all wood types. This is ideal in many areas where logging may include both hardwood and softwood varieties in mixed forests.
Of course, the size of the head is also an essential consideration. Heads that are too large for the size of the trees being logged are not efficient to operate while those that are too small or just adequate to handle the timber are going to also be fuel inefficient to use.
Computer Controlled
One of the most important advances with the top harvester head designs is the incorporation of computer controlled options within the head itself. This includes the lubrication of the valves on both the tracks and the saws, keeping the correct level of fluid present at all times.
Additionally, with the computer control there is less waste of bar oil during operation as it is only supplied when needed, and not based on simply the head being in operation. This adds costs savings and, when combined with more efficiency and greater cutting and delimbing power, it adds to cost reduction on jobs throughout the life of the harvester head.
Log Processing
It is essential to choose a harvester head that not only has the power and the features needed, but that is also capable of being very effectively in reducing any loss or damage of timber.
This can be accomplished through multiple delimbing arms and knives that are very gentle with the timber, and produce a clean log that is going to bring in top dollar at the mill. These harvester head models are not always the lowest in purchase price, but their additional features and benefits quickly add up over time.