|
|
|
|
El-forest F14 The Environmental Forwarder
The El-forest forwarder is the first hybrid- electric driven forwarder in the world with the following advantages as compared to conventional forwarders.
Profitability for the userProfitability for the user is achieved through the combination of the performance of the machine and the operator
The machine should have:
High availability High productivity Low operating costs
The operator should have:
Extended operational availability High degree of productivity
The manufacturer can directly influence the performance of the machine but only indirectly the performance of the operator.
The El-forest concept
The El-forest F14 has despite its low weight, a robust frame design incorporating heavy-duty axles, made out of squared steel profiles, for the carrying of the load. The heavy-duty center section inclusive of a brake can be turned both horizontally as well as vertically The turntable mounted load bunks will increase the stability of the machine. The double frame steering design gives unsurpassed smoothness in thinnings The individual speed control of every wheel will greatly reduce etching of the ground The six large wheels give the machine high ground clearance and a reduction in ground damage The unique design of the rear frame gives good opportunities to have a varying width and length of the loading area as a future option The 360 degree rotation of the cabin creates a good working environment for the operator The spring-loaded front axle improves the working environment for the operator
Transmission
The modern four cylinder Tier III rated 60 kW diesel engine is operated at constant revolutions per minute. It operates at the most energy efficient level
The diesel engine drives a powerful generator package that is charging separate battery modules comprising 12 V batteries. The operating voltage of the electric drive system is 84 V which means that it is classified as a safe low voltage system. The batteries are driving powerful electric AC-motors in each of the six large wheels The speed of each wheel is individually and automatically adapted, in order to eliminate the etching of the forest floor so common with a conventional bogie system. Each of the electric motors develops 30 kW of output which gives the El-forest forwarder a total tractive effort in excess of 30 000 kilograms The hybrid electric drive system also gives possibilities to recapture energy that is not being used when braking.
Operator Cabin
The El-forest is supplied with a newly developed turntable mounted operator cabin meeting the very strict regulation in terms of noise and visibility. The internal environment in the cabin is controlled by a high capacity ACC unit with efficient filtration of air. The ACC unit is located on the outside of the cabin
The computerized control system can be supervised via a large color display located within constant easy sight for the operator. In the armrests of the ergonomically designed operator seat the operator has two individual panels containing every control that is being needed to efficiently operate the machine. The well insulated cabin has one of the lowest recorded noise levels. The cabin can as an option be fitted with powerful HID working lights
The Electric system
The El-forest machine has as earlier described an hybrid electric transmission The transmission incorporates the most modern technology available in electric systems The system is based on well proven Can Bus technology within and between the various subsystems The Can Bus technology simplifies the wiring and the amount of cables needed Trouble shooting is partly automatic and very simplified It is easy to install options like systems for operational follow up, GPS functions as well as safety camera systems.
The large point- and color display will facilitate for the operator to supervise and follow the operation of the machine
The Hydraulic system
The El-forest has a modern load sensing hydraulic system for the crane functions When there is a need for a higher output than what can be supplied by the hydraulic pump an electric turbo function will supply the balance of what is being needed. The filtering and cooling of hydraulic fluid is powered by separate gear pumps. The hydraulic tank is supplied with a high-grade filter system The hydraulic system is also supplied with marked outlets for sampling of the quality of hydraulic fluid. Big efforts have been made to keep the hydraulic system clean in order to reduce excessive wear and costly down-time.
The Crane
El-forest is equipped with a Cranab FC 80 crane or similar. The gross lifting torque of the crane is 79 kNm The impressive slewing torque of the crane makes operations in steep slopes possible The system with dual turning cylinders also make it possible with 360 degree rotation The total reach of the crane can vary between 7,0-9,2 m:s The version with a 9,2 m:s reach has internal hose routing for improved protection. Selected cylinders have damped end positions to eliminate excessive wear to the machine as well as the crane apart from the resulting increase in operator comfort A working pressure of 21,5 MPa makes the crane both fast and flow efficient. Balanced geometry, long reach, high lifting height and a safe parking position makes the crane suitable in its design
The Environment
The El-forest forwarder is originally a result of a single forest owners considerations for the environment
All factors contributes to a reduction of the damage to standing trees and to the forest floor
If you add to the above
We dare say that the El-forest forwarder can motivate the name it has
The Environmental Forwarder
|
|
Copyright © 2008
EL-Forest
|
