Komatsu’s new 901XC is an agile forestry harvester designed for thinning in hilly terrain and on soft ground
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- Agile thinning machine
- Designed for hilly terrain and soft ground
- Self-levelling cab
Part of Komatsu Forest’s new XC product series, the 901XC has eight wheels for improved stability and manoeuvrability, and to reduce low ground pressure – which in turn means less ground damage.
The design is based on the decades-old ‘Komatsu concept’ of a centrally mounted cab and crane, which provide a good balance between low ground pressure and low centre of gravity.
Other key features are a rigid articulated joint and a swing axle which, in combination with the cab’s tilt cylinders, offer better stability and handling in difficult terrain.
“Moreover, the harvesters in the XC series are equipped with the swinging rear axle seen in our six-wheeled harvesters, teamed with a bogie to create a highly unique solution with twin suspension systems, the Komatsu Double Suspension Comfort Bogie, and excellent off-road handling,” the company says.
Outside Europe and North America the Komatsu 901XC forestry harvester is powered by a 6.6-litre, 6-cylinder 66 WF-4V -AWF diesel engine delivering 170kW at 1900 rpm and meeting EU Stage 2 emissions standards.
The power-optimised hydrostatic transmission enables engine power to be fully utilised, providing better performance in difficult terrain and excellent climbing ability, Komatsu Forest says.
“This clearly suits the 901XC, which also has reinforced Cardan shafts in the powertrain – everything to ensure top performance in demanding terrain,” it adds.
The machine is also equipped with Komatsu Forest’s 3PS three-pump hydraulic system which delivers a flow of 548 lpm at 1500 rpm. This system allows crane and head functions to be used simultaneously while retaining maximum hydraulic power.
Among the large cab’s features are a levelling function to ensure that it is always kept horizontal, high-airflow climate control and an ergonomically designed seat with an optional rotatable seat column that can turn a full 180 degrees.
Other options include extra storage, lighting and floor heating, as well as three different joystick systems, including EME.