Komatsu America Forestry Division Launches New C93 Thinning/Harvesting Head

Wed September 03, 2014
Forestry Equipment Guide

Komatsu America Corp. introduces the new C93 Harvesting Head, a versatile “all-around” head weighing in at 2,138 lbs (970 kg). This is the first model in Komatsu’s new C-series family of “carry-style” heads.

The C93 replaces the prior 350.1 model, and offers significant improvements for better handling of thinning projects as well as crooked stem and multi-stem harvesting applications. With a recommended DBH working range of 6” (150 m) to 15” (370 mm) diameter and a maximum cutting capacity up to 23.6” (600 mm) diameter, the C93 is available installed on Komatsu 911.5 and 931.1 Harvesters. The head is also available as a loose head for installment on

other carriers.

The C93’s new robust frame design enables the head to more closely follow the tree trunk. The increased rearward tilt angle (40º vs. 25º) provides faster feeding performance while reducing head frame stress when harvesting and/or reaching on downhill slopes. The high-performance three-driven roller, four motor carry-style feed system provides excellent log wrap for multi-stem processing, while generating up to 5,688 lbf (25.3 kN) of feed force at up to a 16.4 ft/sec (5 m/sec) feed speed.

The C93 is equipped with one lower and two upper hydraulically controlled delimbing knives, and a fixed vertical top knife. The upper knives are designed especially for handling trees with tough limbs, such as lodgepole pine.

Komatsu’s new Constant Cut™ saw control system features a 29.5” (750 mm) saw bar, which includes a new 19cc saw motor with an integrated valve that delivers precise control of saw hydraulic flow and pressure. This constant management of flow and pressure allows the chain speed to be maintained at a constant 130 ft/sec (40 m/sec) throughout the entire cutting cycle. This Constant Cut system, along with automatic chain tensioning and automatic EcoOiler™ chain oiling, delivers faster cutting performance, reduced energy (fuel) consumption, reduced chance of splitting and/or cracking, reduced saw maintenance, and longer saw motor life. Optional multi-stem accumulation, stump treatment and color marking systems are available to meet specific customers’ needs.

Komatsu’s new MaxiXplorer™ 3.1 Head Control System is standard and provides a state-of-the art, flexible, and user-friendly control and monitoring system. When installed on a Komatsu harvester, it is a complete system for machine control, head control, crosscutting and administration. Machine productivity is optimized by controlling everything from the head through the crane, cab leveling, transmission, and ladders.

For optimal maintenance and serviceability, all grease servicing points, bar oil and color marking tank fill points are accessible from one position when the head is parked on the ground. All electrical circuits are identified by numerical tags, and all solenoids have LED indicator lights identifying when power is at the solenoid.