Meath-based Falcon Forestry has developed a new lightweight forwarder for use when extracting forestry thinnings. The machine has been developed by Darragh Hand, who has created a new forestry division of Hand Engineering, with the support of a group of forestry growers. The midlands-based group made a significant input into the final design and specification of the machine.

The Falcon forwarder is designed to carry a payload of 4t, giving a total load weight of 8t across eight wheels. The tyre sizes were selected to minimise forest surface damage and give the machine a light footprint on what is a sensitive surface, in terms of root damage. The wheels can be fitted with a wrapped track system to give additional flotation.

This new machine fits in above the basic lightweight trailer-type forwarders and is lighter than the industrial-type machines that are used for final extraction. The aim was to develop a machine that suited Irish conditions, where we have wet winters that lead to soft ground conditions.

Darragh and the group settled on a 4t payload as the best compromise based on the machine size. The overall working width of the Falcon forwarder is 2.3m, which allows it to be used in typical hardwood forests. The ground clearance is 550mm to add to its low impact abilities.

The new Falcon forwarder is powered by a Kohler four-cylinder diesel engine. The engine complies with Stage IIIA emission legislation due to its power output. Kohler has been very helpful in the development of the machine and worked with Poclain hydraulics to achieve the best power-to-work ratings for the machine.

The 48hp engine drives a Poclain hydraulic system that provides power for all of the machine’s functions, including the two-speed wheel motors. As the wheel motors will not be engaged when the loading crane is in action and vice versa, there is minimal demand on the hydraulic system at any one time.

Darragh has bought in the crane section from an outside supplier. This gives a 5.3m reach with a maximum load of 300kg. A clamshell bucket will be offered in place of the grab as an option for loading other materials.

The overall length of the unit is 6.6m and this will allow it to be transported on tractor-drawn low loaders. The lightweight of the machine at 4t will mean that it will be well within transport weight regulations on a tractor low loader.

Darragh will be offering some extras for the machine to make it more farmer-friendly. These include a tipping body in place of the log-holding section, a towing hitch for light loads and a hydraulic front winch. These features will add versatility to the machine. Standard features on the machine include toolbox with lock, LED roof lights, cab heater and wheel valve protection caps. The cab for the Falcon forwarder has been ROPS-tested by Falcon Forestry to comply with the latest safety legislation.

The machine has a list price of €90,000, plus VAT, and will be offered as part of a range of forestry and timber-processing machinery under the new Falcon brand.

Falcon Cluster, a timber growers’ group which worked closely with Hand Engineering in the development of the Falcon forwarder, has bought the first production machine.

The machine was funded by 21 members of the group, with grant support from Leader.

The machine will be used on their respective thinning extractions over the coming months as part of a learning process for the machine.

The group will nominate drivers for the machine, all of whom will be fully trained in its operation.

The running costs of the machine will be divided among the members of the group, based on the workload. This will allow for a low-cost thinning extraction process.

Falcon Forestry, Dromone, Oldcastle, Co Meath

Tel: 086-8064922

E: info@falconforwarder.com

W: www.falconforwarder.com