What Is the LDC 206 TENCO Sawhead

[MikePhua]

Origins of the TENCO Brand and Forestry Attachments
The sawhead labeled LDC 206 TENCO appears to be a legacy forestry attachment produced by a company once active in the North American logging equipment market. While detailed records of TENCO’s corporate history are scarce, the brand was known for manufacturing hydraulic and mechanical attachments for feller bunchers, excavators, and skid steers. The LDC 206 model designation suggests a mid-sized circular sawhead designed for tree felling, delimbing, or right-of-way clearing.
TENCO likely operated during the 1980s and 1990s, a period when forestry mechanization surged due to labor shortages and environmental regulations. During this time, manufacturers competed to produce durable, high-output sawheads that could withstand abrasive bark, frozen timber, and high sap content. It’s possible that TENCO was acquired or absorbed by a larger OEM, as was common in the consolidation wave that swept through the forestry sector in the early 2000s.
Sawhead Design and Functional Anatomy
The LDC 206 sawhead is built around a rotating circular blade mounted on a reinforced steel housing. Key components include:
• Saw Disc: A hardened steel blade with tungsten carbide-tipped teeth, designed to cut through hardwood and softwood trunks up to 20 inches in diameter.
• Hydraulic Motor: Powers the rotation of the saw disc, typically rated between 40–60 horsepower depending on flow and pressure.
• Mounting Frame: Connects the sawhead to the boom or stick of a carrier machine, such as a tracked feller buncher or modified excavator.
• Accumulator Arm: Optional feature used to hold cut stems before dropping or stacking.
• Debris Guard: A protective shroud that deflects chips and bark away from the operator and machine.
The LDC 206 likely uses a high-flow hydraulic circuit, requiring 60–80 liters per minute at 200–250 bar pressure. This places it in the same performance class as contemporary models from Quadco, Southstar, or Waratah.
Operational Use and Field Applications
Sawheads like the LDC 206 are typically deployed in:
• Right-of-way clearing for power lines and pipelines
• Selective harvesting in mixed forests
• Urban tree removal where precision and control are critical
• Storm damage cleanup following hurricanes or ice storms
In one example from northern Florida, a contractor used a similar sawhead to clear invasive melaleuca trees from wetland preserves. The circular blade allowed for clean cuts at ground level, minimizing regrowth and facilitating stump treatment.
Operators value circular sawheads for their speed and simplicity. Unlike bar saws or shear heads, circular blades maintain consistent RPM and cut quality across a range of tree diameters. However, they require regular tooth sharpening and careful hydraulic tuning to avoid stalling or overheating.
Maintenance Challenges and Restoration Tips
Given the age of the LDC 206, restoration may involve:
• Replacing hydraulic seals and motor bearings
• Regrinding or replacing saw teeth
• Fabricating missing guards or brackets
• Retrofitting modern quick-attach couplers
When sourcing parts, operators should measure bolt patterns, hydraulic fittings, and motor flange dimensions. Many components can be matched to current aftermarket suppliers, especially motors from Parker, Eaton, or Danfoss.
For blade maintenance, use a diamond wheel grinder to restore tooth geometry. Maintain a rake angle of 15–20 degrees and a top bevel of 30 degrees for optimal cutting in mixed timber. Always balance the blade after sharpening to prevent vibration and bearing wear.
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
Sawheads pose significant safety risks due to high-speed rotation and flying debris. Operators should:
• Install polycarbonate cab windows or external guards
• Use remote camera systems for visibility
• Wear hearing protection and impact-rated helmets
• Conduct daily inspections of blade integrity and hydraulic leaks
According to forestry safety data, circular sawhead incidents account for 12% of logging equipment injuries, often due to improper guarding or blade failure. Regular torque checks on blade bolts and motor mounts are essential.
Legacy and Market Impact
Though TENCO may no longer exist as a standalone brand, its equipment reflects a transitional era in forestry mechanization. The LDC 206 sawhead embodies the shift from manual chainsaw felling to hydraulic precision cutting. Machines like these helped reduce labor costs, improve operator safety, and expand logging into previously inaccessible terrain.
Collectors and restoration enthusiasts continue to seek out legacy attachments for niche applications or historical preservation. In some cases, older sawheads are repurposed for artistic tree carving or used in demonstration events at logging expos.
Conclusion
The LDC 206 TENCO sawhead is a durable, mid-sized circular cutting attachment designed for forestry and land clearing. While its manufacturer may have faded from the market, the sawhead itself remains a testament to practical engineering and field-tested design. With proper restoration and hydraulic matching, it can still serve effectively in modern operations or stand as a piece of equipment history worth preserving.