08-16-2025, 10:24 PM
Introduction
Feller bunchers are specialized forestry machines designed to cut and gather trees efficiently. The attachment known as a disc saw or felling head is a vital part of a feller buncher, responsible for cutting tree trunks quickly while allowing the operator to bunch felled trees for transport. These machines combine powerful cut capacity, precise handling, and durability, revolutionizing timber harvesting worldwide.
Disc Saw Specifications
A logging contractor reported significant efficiency gains after upgrading to a disc saw with a 340° wrist and a 57-inch blade. The ability to make angled cuts and bunch multiple trees before moving resulted in a 30% increase in daily volume.
On another project, operators faced challenges with hydraulic seal leaks on accumulating arms. After switching to improved seal materials and implementing a strict maintenance schedule, downtime dropped noticeably, boosting overall productivity.
Glossary
The feller buncher disc saw combines robust cutting power with precise bunching capabilities, making it indispensable in modern forestry. Careful selection of disc diameter, tooth materials, and wrist rotation options tailored to the job environment enhances performance and machine longevity. Adequate maintenance and adherence to manufacturer guidelines ensure reliability and maximize logging productivity in demanding environments.
Feller bunchers are specialized forestry machines designed to cut and gather trees efficiently. The attachment known as a disc saw or felling head is a vital part of a feller buncher, responsible for cutting tree trunks quickly while allowing the operator to bunch felled trees for transport. These machines combine powerful cut capacity, precise handling, and durability, revolutionizing timber harvesting worldwide.
Disc Saw Specifications
- Disc Diameter: Typically between 1.3 to 1.45 meters (51 to 57 inches), providing a large cutting surface for thick tree trunks.
- Kerf Width: Around 57 mm (2.25 inches), balancing clean cuts with minimal wood loss.
- Teeth Count: Commonly 18 rotatable teeth made from carbide or hardened steel, designed for durability and easy replacement.
- Motor Displacement: Approximately 160 cc, driving the disc at about 1150 rpm for smooth and efficient cutting.
- Saw Drive: Usually a direct-drive piston motor, delivering high torque and consistent cutting power.
- Bore Size: 90 to 95 mm (3.5 to 3.75 inches), hydraulic cylinders controlling the arms for clamping trees securely.
- Wrist Range: Adjustable wrist rotation includes 30°, 110°, and 340° options, enhancing machine capability in tight or awkward terrain.
- Functionality: Arms allow precise bunching of multiple trees, reducing handling time and damage to logs.
- Single Cut Capacity: Typically around 535 to 560 mm (21 inches), able to fell mature trees effectively.
- Accumulating Area: Between 0.34 to 0.64 square meters, allowing bunching of 7-10 trees of 15 cm (6 inches) diameter.
- Weight: Disc sections weigh between 2000 to 3700 kg, balancing robustness with manageable machine load.
- Rotatable Carbide Teeth: Extend blade life and reduce downtime by allowing teeth to be rotated or replaced individually.
- Adjustable Wrist: Enables operators to optimize felling angle and bunching position for various stand conditions.
- Hydraulic Integration: Advanced hydraulic circuit design supports precise control and synchronization between cutting and bunching.
- Regular inspection of teeth for wear and chipping is essential to maintain optimal cutting performance.
- Hydraulic seals and cylinders controlling clamp arms require routine checks to avoid leaks that impact grip strength.
- Clean and lubricate wrist joints and pivot points to prevent corrosion and mechanical binding.
- Monitor motor performance and hydraulic pressure to ensure consistent blade rotation speed and torque.
A logging contractor reported significant efficiency gains after upgrading to a disc saw with a 340° wrist and a 57-inch blade. The ability to make angled cuts and bunch multiple trees before moving resulted in a 30% increase in daily volume.
On another project, operators faced challenges with hydraulic seal leaks on accumulating arms. After switching to improved seal materials and implementing a strict maintenance schedule, downtime dropped noticeably, boosting overall productivity.
Glossary
- Felling Head/Disc Saw: The cutting attachment on a feller buncher equipped with a rotating saw blade.
- Kerf: The width of the cut made by the saw blade.
- Rotatable Teeth: Individual carbide teeth on the saw blade that can be rotated when worn, extending blade life.
- Accumulating Area: The space on the bunching heads designated for gathering felled trees.
- Wrist Rotation: The degree of rotation possible for the felling head, improving operational flexibility.
The feller buncher disc saw combines robust cutting power with precise bunching capabilities, making it indispensable in modern forestry. Careful selection of disc diameter, tooth materials, and wrist rotation options tailored to the job environment enhances performance and machine longevity. Adequate maintenance and adherence to manufacturer guidelines ensure reliability and maximize logging productivity in demanding environments.
