The Komastu 895 is one of the largest logging Forwarders in the market, boasting a 20-tonne payload capacity, industry leading stability with a wide-spread 725mm bogie and sporting the biggest onboard crane in its class. This high productivity machine is certainly the behemoth among the forestry giants and brings improved operator ergonomics, efficiency and economy to forest harvesting.
The delivery of the Komastu 895 to Scottsdale based logging contractor, Triple H Contracting earlier in the year boosted their number of Komastu forwarders to five.
Triple H Contracting owner, Manuel Hall, is a second generation logging contractor with an infinite knowledge of the industry that spans almost three decades. The arrival of the new Komatsu 895 incidentally coincided with the tenth anniversary of Triple H Contracting’s formation.
Manuel began working for his father Ken’s logging business in the mid-80s, while still studying in school where he developed the skills required to become a successful contractor. However, by 2007 Manuel decided it was time to branch out on his own and he entered the contracting game, specialising in the harvesting of Tasmanian hardwood and softwood plantations, with one employee and himself working long days to make ends meet. Over the next four years another harvester and excavator was added complete with a new crew to operate them. Persistence and good old fashion service along with the skills he’d learnt and honed from his father Ken’s mentoring in those informative years paid off when Triple H Contracting was awarded a contract with Timberland Pacific a short time later.
This year Triple H Contracting will harvest in excess of 250,000 tonne of products and transport over 90,000 tonne of processed logs with their own trucks and engage However sub-contractors to pick up the remainder.
According to Manuel, in the relatively easy type of going of this log coupe their new Komastu 895 is capable collecting up to 110 tonne per hour of processed logs from the harvesters and transporting them to the log landing beside the road where the log trucks collect them.
“The Komastu 895 really ‘out-spec’d’ all other machines I was looking at,” said Manuel. “The quality of the machine and proven back up experience we’ve had dealing with Komatsu in the past were major factors in our decision to purchase.”
The list of new features on the Komatsu 895 that improve productivity and operator comfort is certainly a long one.
However, it appears that in the design process Komatsu have realized that in order to achieve maximum productivity the key focus needs to be on the machine operator. For instance, you can have all the power in the world from the most efficient engine but that means little if the operator cannot fill the log bunk to the brim or get the power to ground.
“The improvements in this machine compared to our older forwarder is very noticeable”, Manuel said. “All the new features and improvements are based
on enabling the operator to maximise production in a manner that
is sustainable for both the operator and the forest.”
Komatsu Comfort Ride
Komatsu’s unique Komatsu Comfort Ride Comfort Ride hydraulic cab suspension really ensures the operator is treated to a superior ride to reduce fatigue and contribute to a more productive work flow. The design of the cabin consists of a 4-point suspension with long stroke counteracts shockers that are well protected from stray branches and debris. It also comes with automatic level regulation, which superbly compensates for center of gravity offsets on various grades.
And according to the literature, other important benefits include safety functions such as mechanical towing and service locking, as well as excellent service friendliness with good access to all important components.
MaxiXplorer Control
MaxiXplorer is a control system used across Komatsu’s harvesters and forwarders alike, and one of the most cutting edge you can find on the market. It is a complete system for machine and head control, bucking, crane settings and administration, with optimal productivity, flexibility and user friendliness.
The results are outstanding overviews and follow-ups from felling operations through to complete control of the entire logistics chain.
For a first-time operator, the modern graphic user interface and simple menu structures make the MaxiXplorer both easy to learn, navigate and use. It only a takes a few minutes to start navigating around the system and about another ten or so minutes to reach the productivity output of seasoned professional operator.
With a bit of fine tuning the system can easily be tailored to maintain, adapt and further developed to suit individual needs.
MaxiXplorer’s machine control is rumoured to be a market leader thanks to its full integration with other systems in the machine. Everything from crane control and cab levelling to the transmission and ladders are incorporated into the one machine control system. Meantime an unlimited number of users can easily be created, as are the number of different operator profiles for working in different conditions. While the crane and cab levelling are easily controlled from a single dialogue box.
Furthermore, all operator-specific functions can be fine-tuned to achieve the exact sensitivity and speed – or smoothness and accuracy – that each operator prefers.
Komatsu have cleverly chosen to adopt the widely used SCR technology found in most log trucks to meet their emission control requirements. The new turbo, intercooled 74 CW12, 6-cylinder diesel engine which together with the new hydraulic system delivers low fuel consumption and a high power output at low engine speeds. The new engine produces 210 kW DIN (286 HP) at 1,900 rpm and torque 1,200 Nm at 1,500 rpm which is a noticeable increase compared to the previous model. It also boasts larger batteries, with the option of battery condition diagnostics via the MaxiFleet fleet management system, to ensure that the machine starts even on really cold, Tasmanian winter mornings.
The transmission delivers tractive force of 262 kN with driving speeds of 0-7 in bush terrain and up to 20 km/h over the road.
From a service point of view there are eight service hatches in the chassis to provide access where it’s needed. The engine hood is electrically powered and can be used as a service platform when open. All filters are located beneath the hood for easy access. A convenient drain valve under the engine makes it easy to change the engine oil without spillages. There are even easily accessible inspection points for the oil in the engine, differentials, and gearbox.
The industry leading bunk area of 20 tonne 7.2 cubic meter bunk allows ample room for high payloads. The 165F Komatsu crane loader is the biggest in this class of machine with a reach of 7.5-8.5-10 meters depending on how far it is extended. It has a gross lifting toque of 165.5 kNm with a gross slewing torque of 43.5 kNm. The Triple H Contracting 895 came fitted with the G121 Protec2 Rotator and G36 grapple.
The hydraulics have a flow rate of 360 l/min at 2000RPM with a maximum working pressure of 245 bar (3,553 psi.
Eco-Tracks
Manuel chose to fit Eco-Tracks on the front and back to this 895 working in the Seaview project to reduce the soil compaction in the soft red soil and enable the machine to have improved traction.
“With the Eco-Tracks, our fuel consumption decreases thanks to the tyres not digging down as deep into the soil,” Manuel said. “The machine doesn’t have to work as hard and consequently consumes less fuel.”
“Also, we expect to achieve twice the tyre life due to the fact the track is contacting the ground first,” Manuel continued. “On a similar machine without tracks we typically change tyres between 3,500 – 4000 hours. However, on this machine we envisage easily achieving 8000 hours before they even look like showing any signs of significant wear.”
When asking Manuel about the performance of this Komatsu 895 Forwarder, power and lifting capabilities were highlights. “Overall, the machine is bigger, better, faster and stronger,” he admitted. “The extra payload and power really make the machine an excellent performer along with the simplicity of the servicing layout for ease of maintenance. I can’t fault it.”
Komatsu 895 Forwarder Specifications
Dimensions
Length 10,810mm (with shortest rear frame)
Width 3,160 mm
Tyres 780/50×28.5
Transport height 4,045 mm (hoses included with tyre compression)
Ground clearance 8WD: 735 mm
Weight 20,500 kg (approximate)
Engine
General 74 CW12, 6-cyl diesel turbo and intercooler.
Stroke 7.4 L
Power 210 kW DIN (286 HP) at 1,900 rpm.
Torque 1,200 Nm at 1,500 rpm.
Fuel Tank 210 L
Transmission
Driving Speed 0-7/20 km/h (terrain/road)
Tractive Force 262 kN
Bunk Area
Gross load 20,000 kg
Bunk Volume 5.2–7.2 m2
Loader & Grapple
Loader Komatsu 165F
Reach 7.5/8.5/10 m
Gross lifting torque 165.2 kNm
Gross slewing torque 43.4 kNm
Rotator G121 ProTec 2
Grapple Komatsu G36
Hydraulic System
Flow 360 l/min at 2000 RPM
Max working pressure 245 bar (3,553 psi)
Electrical System
Voltage 24 V
Battery capacity 2 x 180 Ah
Generator 2 x 100 A
