Canada-based forest machinery manufacturer Tigercat Industries Inc. has released the Tigercat 602 grapple skidder that it says is ideal for high-value selective logging in tight or challenging terrain.
In April 2018, Tigercat released the 602 as a cable skidder for specific North America and other traditional winch skidder markets such as high-value selective hardwood logging and for retrieving timber from steep slopes and gullies.
The size and agility of the 602 grapple skidder make it ideal for selective felling applications. The machine can access high-value timber in steep terrain while minimizing damage to the residual stand. A fixed front axle with an oscillating centre section allows the 602 to achieve a narrow overall width of 2.7 metres (106 in).
The Tigercat FPT N45 Tier 4f engine delivers 125 kW (168 hp) at 2,200 rpm while conforming to emissions standards for North America and Europe. Performance in tough terrain is the company says excellent with no gear shifting required. Full tractive effort is available at any engine speed, minimizing wheel spin and improving breakout performance.
Maximum fuel efficiency is achieved by the use of Tigercat’s load-sensing hydraulic system. Electronic control technology combined with Tigercat’s unique hydrostatic drive system allows the skidder to operate at variable engine rpm, automatically increasing engine speed when additional horsepower is required.
The Tier 4 solution is packaged into a physically smaller engine compartment than competing machines, leading to clear operator sightlines. Excellent cab ergonomics, Turnaround, and hydrostatic drive, along with “painless” maintenance routines, make the Tigercat 602 grapple skidder a top choice among operators.
