Contractors need to make sure the loader has the features to make full use of a forestry attachment’s potential, even in high temperatures and challenging environments. They also need to ensure the attachment is the best fit for the CTL.
Here are six tips for pairing a loader and attachment to ensure high performance and profits.
In addition, review the loader’s auxiliary hydraulic pump maximum output capacity. Some models include high flow pumps that are maximized and can cause the attachment to slow down when moving the loader. Look for a forestry-optimized machine with oversized hydraulic pumps that allow movement without taking any flow from the attachment.
Forestry machine operators should also look for features that maximize safety in forestry applications. This includes metal guarding around key areas – such as lights, the AC condenser, and the rear screen – to protect against brush and debris. These machines achieve an additional level of durability with a heavy-gauge cab featuring extra falling-object and rollover protection, as well as reinforced windows for impact resistance. A hydraulically driven, auto-reversing cooling fan can also blow debris from mulching applications out of the engine compartment screens.
| Your local Gomaco dealer |
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| Faris Machinery |
| Tri-State Truck & Equipment Inc |
Manufacturers also recommend attachments that include a 2-speed drive motor. To ensure optimum tip speed, maximum power and the fastest recovery time, make sure the motor shift point is set for the CTL’s specific pressure range.
Loader Arm Speed
Adjust the arm speed if the arms are moving too quickly or too slowly up and down or when tilting and curling the attachment.
Creep Mode
Adjust the maximum low speed depending on conditions and the amount of precision required. Some models allow operators to quickly turn off creep mode via the operator display or when shifting into 2-speed. This ensures quick travel when necessary.
Flow Sharing
Some compact track loaders feature an auxiliary pump with a higher hydraulic flow than the machine’s maximum gpm. This feature allows the loader to move with no reduction in attachment speed. If more CTL speed is required, operators can simply adjust flow sharing.
These tips will allow optimal machine and attachment performance, but there are many other factors to consider for even more productivity. The attachment’s belt size, weight, center of gravity, and back pressure also play a part. The best way to ensure an optimal performance combination is to use an attachment created specifically for the loader. Ask the dealer or manufacturer about attachment options fully designed, tested, and configured to optimize the machine’s flow and horsepower.
| Your local Case Construction Equipment Inc dealer |
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| Century Equipment |
Taking all of this into consideration will allow for maximum machine and attachment performance and ROI on the job.
Photos courtesy of ASV
