A harvester is a 4 or 6 wheel articulated machine
used to fell coniferous trees, remove branches and
cut the logs to prescribed lengths, maximising the
value of the end product. The machine, powered by
a diesel engine, is all wheeldrive and fitted with a
hydraulic loader onto which is mounted a harvester
head. This is equipped with a chain saw to fell the
tree and cut the log into lengths, feed rollers to move
the tree through the head, knives to remove branches
and a device to measure the length of the logs. The
process is controlled by an on-board computer, which
can be linked to the forest office, taking instructions
on the products required by the customer.

The operator sits in a robust air-conditioned cab, which
is constructed to provide protection should the machine
roll over or be hit by a falling tree. The windows are also
glazed with special ‘bullet proof’ material to provide
protection should the saw chain break and a fragment
hit the cab. A single machine is capable of harvesting
up to 60,000 tonnes of timber per year. It would take 24
chainsaw operators to match this output.

The majority of harvesters are manufactured in Scandinavia.
Mechanical Engineering Services provides and maintains 40
harvesters in use throughout the Forestry Commission. It has
been providing this service since the inception of mechanised
harvesting 30 years ago. In so doing it has amassed a wealth
of knowledge and expertise in the maintenance and repair of
these technically advanced machines. If you require harvester
maintenance or repair, contact your local Mechanical
Engineering Services workshops.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6exl6q

For more information visit Harvesters category