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The Bobcat T870 is a powerful machine, particularly suited for forestry applications. It’s well-known for its high-performance capabilities, providing robust support for a variety of attachments, such as forestry heads, that are crucial for tree cutting, debarking, and processing. However, selecting the correct forestry head for the Bobcat T870 can be a bit challenging, especially with numerous models and brands available in the market. This guide aims to help Australian operators make the best choice for their needs, focusing on various considerations such as performance, compatibility, and durability.
Understanding the Bobcat T870 and Forestry Attachments
The Bobcat T870 is a compact track loader, renowned for its exceptional lifting capacity, stability, and power. It’s equipped with a powerful engine that makes it ideal for demanding tasks, including forestry work. In forestry operations, attachments like forestry heads or cutting heads are crucial for felling trees, processing logs, and handling brush.
A forestry head is typically mounted on the front of a loader or excavator, designed to cut, delimb, and process timber in one smooth operation. These heads come in different designs, each tailored for specific tasks, such as harvesting, felling, and even handling logs for transportation.
The key factors in choosing the right forestry head for a machine like the Bobcat T870 include:
Selecting the ideal forestry head for your Bobcat T870 involves several important factors. Understanding these elements can make a significant difference in the performance and longevity of the equipment.
1. Hydraulic System Compatibility
The Bobcat T870 operates using a high-flow hydraulic system, capable of delivering up to 37.5 gallons per minute (GPM) of flow. This is essential when selecting a forestry head, as many heads require a high-flow hydraulic system to operate effectively.
When choosing a forestry head, it is crucial to match the flow and pressure requirements of the head with the Bobcat T870’s hydraulic output. Mismatched systems could result in poor performance or even damage to the machine and the attachment.
2. Cutting Capacity
Different forestry heads are designed to handle varying tree sizes and types. Some are specialized for small trees or saplings, while others are built to process large, mature timber. The Bobcat T870 is versatile and can be equipped with a forestry head capable of cutting trees with diameters ranging from small to medium size.
For Australian forestry operations, where both hardwoods and softwoods may be encountered, choosing a forestry head with the right cutting capacity is crucial. For example, models like the Quadco 360 or 365, designed for versatility in cutting both large and small trees, would be a good match for the Bobcat T870.
3. Durability and Build Quality
Australia’s diverse landscape, ranging from rainforests to arid regions, can put forestry equipment to the test. A forestry head must be durable enough to handle rugged conditions, including wet and muddy environments, or extreme heat in more arid areas.
Choosing a forestry head built with hardened steel, reinforced structures, and quality components will ensure long-lasting performance. Popular options such as the Fecon BH series are known for their strength and ability to handle tough environments.
4. Maintenance and Ease of Service
Forestry heads are heavy-duty attachments that undergo considerable wear and tear. Therefore, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the system in optimal condition. When selecting a forestry head for the Bobcat T870, consider the ease of maintenance. Features such as easy-to-replace components, access for regular cleaning, and efficient wear part replacements can significantly reduce downtime.
Heads with self-sharpening teeth or reversible cutting blades can also improve the longevity of the attachment, helping to reduce costs over time.
5. Budget and Operational Costs
Cost is always a factor in making any equipment purchase, and forestry heads are no exception. While some models may come at a premium price due to advanced features and higher performance capabilities, there are other models that are more cost-effective yet still provide reliable service.
When considering budget, it’s important to factor in both the initial investment and ongoing operational costs, including maintenance, parts replacement, and fuel consumption.
Top Forestry Heads for the Bobcat T870
Based on the factors outlined above, several forestry heads are well-suited for the Bobcat T870. Below are some of the best options currently available in the market.
1. Fecon BH Series
The Fecon BH Series forestry head is known for its high productivity and robust design, making it a top choice for tough Australian conditions. With features like reversible cutting teeth, heavy-duty rotor, and easy maintenance, the BH series offers an excellent balance between cost and performance. This head is compatible with the Bobcat T870's high-flow hydraulics and can process large trees effectively.
2. Quadco 360/365
The Quadco 360/365 models are versatile mulching and cutting heads that are designed to handle a wide variety of forestry tasks. These heads are equipped with a high-performance cutting mechanism that can handle both small and medium-sized trees with ease. The adjustable feed rate and rotor speed also make these heads adaptable to different job requirements, ensuring a smooth, efficient operation.
3. Palax M-Series
The Palax M-Series forestry heads are well-regarded for their high productivity and durability, especially in handling tough hardwoods. This series is also designed with a focus on fuel efficiency, which is critical for reducing long-term operating costs. The M-Series is compatible with the Bobcat T870's hydraulic system, ensuring a reliable, efficient performance.
4. Rottne 380F
The Rottne 380F is designed for larger-scale logging operations and can handle both softwood and hardwood trees efficiently. This forestry head provides precise cutting and minimal waste, making it ideal for operations requiring detailed work. Though it may be more expensive, it’s a great option for large, intensive forestry tasks.
Case Study: Selecting the Right Forestry Head for Australian Conditions
An Australian forestry company operating in both tropical and temperate climates had been using the Bobcat T870 for several years with a smaller forestry attachment. However, as the company expanded its operations to include heavier tree cutting, they needed a more powerful and efficient forestry head.
After reviewing the options, the company decided to equip their Bobcat T870 with a Fecon BH120. This model provided the required cutting power and could handle large trees effectively while remaining cost-efficient. The increased fuel efficiency and the head's ability to reduce downtime due to easy maintenance and high durability played a significant role in their decision-making process.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Bobcat T870
Selecting the right forestry head for your Bobcat T870 requires a clear understanding of the machine’s hydraulic capabilities, the specific tasks you need to perform, and the conditions in which you’ll be working. Options like the Fecon BH Series, Quadco 360, and Palax M-Series all offer reliable performance in diverse Australian environments.
Ultimately, the right forestry head will ensure that your Bobcat T870 operates at peak efficiency, allowing you to handle the toughest forestry tasks with ease. Proper research, maintenance, and careful selection will maximize your investment and help your business thrive in Australia’s demanding forestry sector.
Understanding the Bobcat T870 and Forestry Attachments
The Bobcat T870 is a compact track loader, renowned for its exceptional lifting capacity, stability, and power. It’s equipped with a powerful engine that makes it ideal for demanding tasks, including forestry work. In forestry operations, attachments like forestry heads or cutting heads are crucial for felling trees, processing logs, and handling brush.
A forestry head is typically mounted on the front of a loader or excavator, designed to cut, delimb, and process timber in one smooth operation. These heads come in different designs, each tailored for specific tasks, such as harvesting, felling, and even handling logs for transportation.
The key factors in choosing the right forestry head for a machine like the Bobcat T870 include:
- Compatibility with the machine’s hydraulic system
- Performance requirements for different tree sizes
- Durability to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use
- Ease of maintenance to ensure minimal downtime
Selecting the ideal forestry head for your Bobcat T870 involves several important factors. Understanding these elements can make a significant difference in the performance and longevity of the equipment.
1. Hydraulic System Compatibility
The Bobcat T870 operates using a high-flow hydraulic system, capable of delivering up to 37.5 gallons per minute (GPM) of flow. This is essential when selecting a forestry head, as many heads require a high-flow hydraulic system to operate effectively.
When choosing a forestry head, it is crucial to match the flow and pressure requirements of the head with the Bobcat T870’s hydraulic output. Mismatched systems could result in poor performance or even damage to the machine and the attachment.
2. Cutting Capacity
Different forestry heads are designed to handle varying tree sizes and types. Some are specialized for small trees or saplings, while others are built to process large, mature timber. The Bobcat T870 is versatile and can be equipped with a forestry head capable of cutting trees with diameters ranging from small to medium size.
For Australian forestry operations, where both hardwoods and softwoods may be encountered, choosing a forestry head with the right cutting capacity is crucial. For example, models like the Quadco 360 or 365, designed for versatility in cutting both large and small trees, would be a good match for the Bobcat T870.
3. Durability and Build Quality
Australia’s diverse landscape, ranging from rainforests to arid regions, can put forestry equipment to the test. A forestry head must be durable enough to handle rugged conditions, including wet and muddy environments, or extreme heat in more arid areas.
Choosing a forestry head built with hardened steel, reinforced structures, and quality components will ensure long-lasting performance. Popular options such as the Fecon BH series are known for their strength and ability to handle tough environments.
4. Maintenance and Ease of Service
Forestry heads are heavy-duty attachments that undergo considerable wear and tear. Therefore, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the system in optimal condition. When selecting a forestry head for the Bobcat T870, consider the ease of maintenance. Features such as easy-to-replace components, access for regular cleaning, and efficient wear part replacements can significantly reduce downtime.
Heads with self-sharpening teeth or reversible cutting blades can also improve the longevity of the attachment, helping to reduce costs over time.
5. Budget and Operational Costs
Cost is always a factor in making any equipment purchase, and forestry heads are no exception. While some models may come at a premium price due to advanced features and higher performance capabilities, there are other models that are more cost-effective yet still provide reliable service.
When considering budget, it’s important to factor in both the initial investment and ongoing operational costs, including maintenance, parts replacement, and fuel consumption.
Top Forestry Heads for the Bobcat T870
Based on the factors outlined above, several forestry heads are well-suited for the Bobcat T870. Below are some of the best options currently available in the market.
1. Fecon BH Series
The Fecon BH Series forestry head is known for its high productivity and robust design, making it a top choice for tough Australian conditions. With features like reversible cutting teeth, heavy-duty rotor, and easy maintenance, the BH series offers an excellent balance between cost and performance. This head is compatible with the Bobcat T870's high-flow hydraulics and can process large trees effectively.
2. Quadco 360/365
The Quadco 360/365 models are versatile mulching and cutting heads that are designed to handle a wide variety of forestry tasks. These heads are equipped with a high-performance cutting mechanism that can handle both small and medium-sized trees with ease. The adjustable feed rate and rotor speed also make these heads adaptable to different job requirements, ensuring a smooth, efficient operation.
3. Palax M-Series
The Palax M-Series forestry heads are well-regarded for their high productivity and durability, especially in handling tough hardwoods. This series is also designed with a focus on fuel efficiency, which is critical for reducing long-term operating costs. The M-Series is compatible with the Bobcat T870's hydraulic system, ensuring a reliable, efficient performance.
4. Rottne 380F
The Rottne 380F is designed for larger-scale logging operations and can handle both softwood and hardwood trees efficiently. This forestry head provides precise cutting and minimal waste, making it ideal for operations requiring detailed work. Though it may be more expensive, it’s a great option for large, intensive forestry tasks.
Case Study: Selecting the Right Forestry Head for Australian Conditions
An Australian forestry company operating in both tropical and temperate climates had been using the Bobcat T870 for several years with a smaller forestry attachment. However, as the company expanded its operations to include heavier tree cutting, they needed a more powerful and efficient forestry head.
After reviewing the options, the company decided to equip their Bobcat T870 with a Fecon BH120. This model provided the required cutting power and could handle large trees effectively while remaining cost-efficient. The increased fuel efficiency and the head's ability to reduce downtime due to easy maintenance and high durability played a significant role in their decision-making process.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Bobcat T870
Selecting the right forestry head for your Bobcat T870 requires a clear understanding of the machine’s hydraulic capabilities, the specific tasks you need to perform, and the conditions in which you’ll be working. Options like the Fecon BH Series, Quadco 360, and Palax M-Series all offer reliable performance in diverse Australian environments.
Ultimately, the right forestry head will ensure that your Bobcat T870 operates at peak efficiency, allowing you to handle the toughest forestry tasks with ease. Proper research, maintenance, and careful selection will maximize your investment and help your business thrive in Australia’s demanding forestry sector.
